Filmmaking Overview by Craig Richards, producer/director
There are four distinct phases of the filmmaking life cycle as summerized below. While film type, genre, story, the director's vision, distribution agreement obligations, and many other variables may impact the specifics of how each film is produced, this is the general structure or outline as to what happens (or needs to happen) – and when – during the process of transforming a written story into a quality film. This is how we do it here at Dolphin Heart Productions...
Development Phase
Every film starts with a story. Even if all the performances are improvised, an idea must exist and be told visually so a camera can record it. Containing all the dialog and some information about the story's context such as character descriptions, locations, wardrobe, props, sounds, etc., the document referenced by everyone involved in making a film is called a script.
A script can be an original screenplay or the executive producer can acquire the rights to some other source such a book, short story or even an article in a newspaper, then hire a writer to adapt it into a screenplay.
Once the executive producer gives approval and provides or otherwise secures funding for development, a director is hired and the script is edited and refined until it is approved by the executive producer and director as a shooting script. The production company may assign the project to its staff accountant, or a line producer and a payroll service may be contracted at this point. A production manager and often a production designer are hired to collaborate with the director to make as many creative decisions as possible, including shooting locations, set construction, etc., so that an estimate for the production budget (often called the Below the Line budget) can be estimated.
The Buzz on Budgets
Costs associated with making a film are usually divided into three distinct budgets: Above the Line, Below the Line and Marketing and Distribution. While securing funding for a film must include the total of all three budgets, only the "Below the Line" budget is synonymous with the "production budget."
![[-]](/images/icon-minus16x12.gif) ...collapse
Above the Line costs include such expenses as the royalty or license fee paid to acquire the rights to the story, any producer salaries and/or consultation fees, attorney fees, director and production designer salaries, travel and accommodations expenses associated with development and pre-production and, later during the production phase, any key talent salaries (that are significantly above scale) are also usually considered an Above the Line expense.
Below the Line costs are any expenses related to making the film that isn't Above the Line or Marketing.
Marketing and Distribution costs include the still photographer who shoots production stills, design and production of all promotional collateral, distribution of "screener" DVDs for potential distributors and media, and other expenses related to attracting domestic and international distribution. (Expenses related to marketing the film to the public are usually borne by the distributor.)
Often a cinematographer, first assistant director, editor and key talent are "attached" near the end of Development. Attachments are preliminary agreements between the production company and a key crew member or talent that, in addition to the director, production manager and production designer, can attract investors, other crew and talent to the project.
Development can last from a couple weeks to a few years, depending on the scale of the project, interest by financiers and other factors.
Pre-Production Phase
The executive producer and director begin to hire associate producers, casting agent(s), cinematographer (or director of photography) and others on the lead or executive team who acquire all the elements that will appear in front of the camera including locations, sets, wardrobe, props, talent, crew, etc. as well as ancillary support services for the growing army of professionals who will be working on the film.
Post-production services that were researched during the development phase, such as the editing team, visual effects, musical score, color correction, foley, etc., are usually firmed up during pre-production. Shooting locations are locked down and storyboards and/or previsualization is generated during pre-production to help the director communicate his/her vision to all other parties on how the story is to be executed.
The duration of Pre-Production on a feature film can be from as little as a week to two months or more.
Production Phase
Shot by shot, all principal photography (the capturing of performances, images and sound) is executed until each scene in the script, from camera positions determined by the director and cinematographer, is "in the can."
Elements such as special shots or stills for marketing purposes are usually captured during production while on-set or on-location. Any computer-generated images (CGI) or visual effects sequences are also begun during production.
Usually the costliest part of filmmaking, the Production phase employs more people on the project than during any other phase of the filmmaking process. Entire books have been written on this Production Phase, so there's no need to devote too much time here on that.
Production (or principal shooting days) on a feature film is from 20 to 40 days. You can calculate shooting days by dividing the total number of pages in the script by the five to seven pages that can usually be shot in a day.
Post-Production Phase
Under supervision of the director, the captured images and sounds are organized into story sequence by one or more editors, combined with unrefined versions of CGI and visual effects, then crafted into a "rough cut" (an edit of the film without any video or audio processing) for screening and approval purposes. From a rough cut screening for the director and all others with approval authority such as the executive producer, decisions are made as to how the final film will be edited.
CGI and visual effects to be included in the final cut are refined and audio effects such as foley and any ADR (or looping) is recorded during this post-production phase. Pickup shots and insert shots are captured at this phase and sometimes scenes need to be re-shot if problems with the story or with existing shots are discovered during editing.
A final cut or master is the result of the refined rough cut combined with all new elements, and titles and credits are generated and verified.
Brief credits appear at or near the beginning of the film and comprehensive credits appear at the end of the film. End credits acknowledge the work of each person, company and organization that contributed to the making of the film.
The film is then passed through color correction and a musical score is now added. After a private screening of the final cut and its approval by the director and producer(s), the master is considered locked and a "duplicate master" is created then prepared.
A copy of the film is usually routed to the Motion Picture Association of America to receive their official rating and reproduction/distribution commences according to the distributor's specifications, whether for theatrical, broadcast television, DVD, web-based release or other distribution/viewing technologies to be introduced in the future. Post-production can last from a couple months to two years, for example on feature films that require extensive visual effects work.
This site requires Adobe Flash Player 9 or higher and a minimum screen resolution of 1024x768
View Dolphin Heart Productions Unsolicited Materials Policy
©2007–2010 Dolphin Heart Productions LLC. All rights reserved worldwide.
|
Unsolicited Materials Policy
It is the strict policy of Dolphin Heart Productions LLC that neither it nor any of its agents or other employees accept or consider any unsolicited materials, ideas, concepts or suggestions of any nature whatsoever ("Unsolicited Materials"). Accordingly, you may not use this website or information obtained therefrom to submit Unsolicited Materials to Dolphin Heart Productions LLC by any means (including, without limitation, by mail, fax or email). Should you nevertheless send Unsolicited Materials to Dolphin Heart Productions LLC in contravention of this express policy, please be advised that the Unsolicited Materials will not be considered by anyone at Dolphin Heart Productions LLC, and will be deleted or destroyed without anyone at Dolphin Heart Productions LLC viewing or retaining any copies. Dolphin Heart Productions LLC shall not forward or discuss any Unsolicited Materials with any third parties.
|
|
Upcoming and Recent Projects
Infidel dramatic film (in pre-production)
...collapse
status: in pre-production
format: 16:9 HD
genre: drama
producton company: Dolphin Heart Productions LLC
written by: Lane D. Lyons and Craig Richards
directed by: Craig Richards
executive producers: Lane D. Lyons and Craig Richards
After 15 years of marriage, their relationship is stressed to the breaking point when Laurie suspects Jess of infidelity and his secret is too big to keep, and too big to tell.
Kent State feature-length historical drama (in development)
...collapse
status: in development
format: 16:9 HD
genre: historical drama
producton company: Dolphin Heart Productions LLC
written by: Craig Richards and Matt Pinard
produced and directed by: Craig Richards
May 4, 1970, less than one year after the "Summer of Love," students at Kent State University stage a passionate yet peaceful protest against America's invasion of Cambodia. Fearing the students could become unruly and perhaps destructive to property, Kent Mayor Leroy Satrom declared a state of emergency and called Governor James Allen Rhodes who responded by calling the protestors un-American and dispatching the National Guard, armed with tear gas and loaded M-1 rifles. It took them about 13 seconds to fire 67 rounds into a crowd of unarmed students, 4 lay dead and another 9 were wounded.
The "Kent State" screenplay by Craig Richards and Matt Pinard is a intimately-told story with national and international implications.
Hawaiian Vacation feature-length comedy
Produced by Dolphin Heart Productions LLC
Clark Griswold is desperate to reconnect his family after six years of neglect while earning his degree, so he decides what they all need is the ultimate family vacation – a Hawaiian cruise. (see official website)
...collapse
status: screenplay
genre: feature-length comedy
format: 16:9 HD
production company: Dolphin Heart Productions LLC
executive producer: Craig Richards
written and directed by: Craig Richards
producers: Rebecca Pinard Richards, Lori Sampson, Kim Patterson, Christian Elias
locations: San Diego, California; Chicago, Illinois; the Hawaiian Islands
"Hawaiian Vacation" by Craig Richards was an Official Selection for the Golden Palm Screenplay Award at the 2010 International Beverly Hills Film Festival!
Logline: Clark Griswold is desperate to reconnect his family after six years of neglect while earning his degree, so he decides what they all need is the ultimate family vacation – a Hawaiian cruise.
To view this and other Flash content on this site,
you need to have Flash 9 or greater installed on your computer.
Download Flash Player free
Extremely Used Cars: There Is No Hope feature-length comedy
Craig Richards directed this independent comedy film. Three other films (one prequel and two sequels) are planned for this franchise. (see IMDb listing)
...collapse
status: complete
genre: feature-length comedy
format: 16:9 HD
production company: Triple-X-celent Films, LLC
in association with Dolphin Heart Productions LLC
directed by: Craig Richards
written and produced by: Mark Donnell
executive producers: Bill Thomas and Matt Thomas
director of photography: Greg Ouellette
second unit cinematographer: Brian Johnson
1st assistant director: Aaron Kissinger
2nd assistant director: Molly McHenry
line producer: Patti French
lighting technician: Peter Daucsavage
sound recordist: Ben Salvetti
post-production: Craig Richards, Dolphin Heart Productions
editor: Albert Rascon
visual effects: Albert Rascon, Noka Aldoroty, Jason M. George, Mike Chastain, Spencer Skeen
sound editor: Luis Reyes
graphic artist: David Vigil
Logline: Mark Donnell, Ian Reed Kesler and Aaron Kissinger star in this outrageous comedy about an increasingly difficult economy and a simple man's dream to become a used car salesman.
End written and directed by Craig Richards
Produced by Dolphin Heart Productions.
...collapse
status: development
genre: feature-length thriller
format: 16:9 HD
producton company: Dolphin Heart Productions LLC
written and directed by: Craig Richards
executive producers: Craig Richards and Rebecca Richards
Well-meaning researchers develop a new drug that is 100% effective at pain relief with 0% side effects. Before they even begin to consider its implications, word gets out and bidding wars begin that quickly become unbridled warfare. As demand increases astronomically, "stimulation" is required to increase production from a growing number of donors. Initial benevolence gives way to greed and before you know it...
Wells Cargo: The Worst Bank in America film by Mark Donnell
Produced by Triple-X-celent Films in association with Dolphin Heart Productions.
...collapse
status: post-production
genre: short comedy
format: 16:9 HD
producton companies: Triple-X-celent Films, LLC in association with Dolphin Heart Productions LLC
written and directed by: Mark Donnell
director of photograpy/editor: Tim Hellman
post-production: Dolphin Heart Productions LLC
editor: Craig Richards
Lucky Star short film (comedy)
Hans Skjersaa's comedy short "Lucky Star" starring Craig Richards has earned the two top awards ( Best Short Film and Audience Choice) in BendFilm's 1st Annual 72-Hour Shootout competition. "Lucky Star" will screen in October during the sixth annual BendFilm Festival in Bend, Oregon. (see IMDb listing)
...collapse
status: complete
format: 16:9 HD
producton company: Flick Five
produced and directed by: Hans Skjersaa
written by: Wes Coughlin and James Chick
Mobster: Craig Richards
Eric: Caleb Neet
Sam: Olivia Haro
Chris: Brandy Philip
Jeff: Jason Hefner
Junkie: Todd Hanson
Newscaster: Kate Paul
Waitress: Joey Cooper
Friend: Ashley Chick
To view this and other Flash content on this site,
you need to have Flash 9 or greater installed on your computer.
Download Flash Player free
Open teaser for feature-length suspense/thriller: 30 seconds (posted Feb 6 2009)
This is the first 30-second teaser for the feature film " Open" currently in development by Dolphin Heart Productions.
...collapse
status: in development
genre: feature-length suspense/thriller
format: 16:9 HD
production company: Dolphin Heart Productions LLC
directed by: Craig Richards
written by: Craig Richards and Matt Pinard
based on a short story by: Elsin Ann Perry
director of photography: Virgil L. Harper, ACE (in discussions)
assistant director: Aaron Kissinger (in discussions)
assistant camera: Greg Ouellette (in discussions)
Synopsis: When her husband Jack must go out of town on business, Alex attempts to confront her fear of being alone (monophobia) amid breaking news of a serial killer on the loose.
One Destiny award-winning television commercial
Produced for Film Oregon Alliance by Dolphin Heart Productions in association with Far From Earth Films and Captskipper Productions, Craig Richards wrote and directed this impactful award-winning 30-second commercial which featured Marzell Sampson and Annie Holdrich.
...collapse
status: complete
format: 16:9 HD
client: Film Oregon Alliance
producton company: Dolphin Heart Productions LLC
in association with FAR from EARTH Films and Captskipper Productions
written and directed by: Craig Richards
director of photograpy/editor: Tim Cash
production manager: Skip Clark
makeup: Erin Roper
Assistant Camera/Production Assistant: Sarah Chipowsky
Production Assistants: Sharon Kay and Arnold Wolfe
featuring: Marzell Sampson and Annie Holdrich
voiceover: Paul Quinn
On March 12, 2010, Advertising Federation of Central Oregon ( AdFed) awarded the "One Destiny" television spot its prestigious Drake Award.
Options comedy short (release scheduled September 2009)
Produced by Captskipper Productions in association with Dolphin Heart Productions, Craig Richards performs post-production services including editing, titles and color-correction on this short film directed by Skip Clark.
Amazing Custom Homes home & garden reality television (in development)
Synopsis: "Amazing Custom Homes" is the 1/2-hour reality show that showcases achievements of top custom homebuilders in some of the most desirable locations throughout the United States.
...collapse
status: in development
format: 16:9 HD
genre: home and garden reality series television
producton company: Dolphin Heart Productions LLC
developed and produced by: Craig Richards
directed by: Craig Richards
director of photograpy: Rick Cullis, S.O.C. (in discussions)
editor Brian Johnson
Each episode of "Amazing Custom Homes" highlights a community's lifestyle and other appealing elements while our host interviews an expert custom homebuilder who details the latest techniques and methods employed when building custom homes for their customers. Discover creative ideas, cost-saving tips and ways to avoid potential pitfalls and learn how architects, designers, vendors and suppliers uniquely contribute to these magnificent homes.
Taking Flight: The Making of Wings of Faith (documentary)
A behind-the-scenes documentary chronicling the making of the independent dramatic film Wings of Faith for inclusion in the Bonus Materials on the DVD distribution of the film. Produced and directed by Craig Richards of Dolphin Heart Productions.
Decades of Experience
For more than 30 years, producer/director Craig Richards has excelled at creative storytelling through film and television. Specializing in drama, comedy, suspense and action, Craig Richards is highly regarded as an "actor's director" who, through calm leadership and technical expertise, brings out the very best in all collaborators to the filmmaking process. Extremely knowledgeable in all crafts including storyboarding, HD workflow, lighting, choreographing multiple elements, visual effects, digital post-production and marketing processes. A summary of clients and associates over the years have included:
Warner Bros.
Paramount Pictures
Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences
Academy of Television Arts and Sciences
John Dykstra/Apogee Productions
Seiniger Advertising
Scott Mednick & Associates
CBS
MGM/UA
Soundelux
Image Entertainment
CruiseMasters
The Art Store
many more...
For more information or to determine availability for your project, contact Dolphin Heart Productions
|
![[+]](/images/icon-plus16x12.gif){kind=icon}
demo reel![[x]](/images/icon-close16x12.gif){kind=icon}
