The Five Stages of Film Production and their Entry-Level Jobs
There are 5 stages of film production:
Each stage of production has its own types of jobs and is suited for different people. Jobs in production can be long hours with unpredictable schedules. Jobs in development or distribution can be more like normal office jobs with a salary and regular hours. But, it all depends on the details, so let’s break down what each stage entails.
Stage 1: Development
Development is the stage of production that encompasses everything up until the point where a film or tv show receives a “green light.” This includes:
- Research and brainstorming story ideas
- Writing pitches and treatments to attract financing
- Writing a script
- Attaching elements like actors and directors
Development is the domain of producers and their counterparts as well as the agents, managers, and lawyers who make connections and grease the wheels. Directors and writers spend time in development as well with the goal of moving on to pre-production as quickly as possible.
Some entry-level jobs in development are:
- Mailroom assistant at a talent agency (CAA, UTA, WME, ICM, etc.)
- Assistant at a management company (Anonymous, 3 Arts, Circle of Confusion, etc.)
- Assistant at a production company
- Assistant at a studio in the development department
Stage 2: Pre-Production
Pre-production is the stage where people start to work getting ready to shoot. This stage is also known as “prep,” as in preparing to make the thing.
Most crew members will start working at some point during this stage. Costume designers design costumes. Casting directors start assembling the cast. Production designers design sets and oversee the art department. Location managers start finding locations. The production office will steadily get busier and busier as production approaches.
Most jobs in pre-production are mainly production jobs that require a period of prep. However, there are some jobs that do the bulk of their work in pre-production, such as storyboard and previsualization artists.
Stage 3: Production
Production is probably what most people think of when they think of Hollywood. This is the stage when actors step onto sets in front of cameras and make movie magic. This stage can last anywhere from a few weeks to over a year in some cases. Television shows often shoot on a schedule similar to school, taking a summer hiatus in between seasons, although premium cable and streaming don’t necessarily stick to this schedule.
The crew on set obviously work during production, including camera crew, grips, electric, sound, props, catering, costumes, locations, transportation, and so many more. There is also an entire office full of support staff, including the production manager, coordinators, and the members of departments who aren’t needed directly on set, such as wardrobe and art.
Visual effects and editorial departments also work through the production stage, although they are often referred to as “post.”
Entry-level jobs in production are mainly production assistants, though Set PA, Office PA, and Editorial or “Post” PA jobs are all very different. Any foot in the door is a great first step, but if you really want to be on set, an Office PA or Post PA job won’t get you there.
Stage 4: Post-Production
Post-production encompasses everything from the wrap of shooting until the film is finished or “in the can.” On a feature film, this stage can be as quick as a few months if a release date is looming, or it can last a year or more. Editor Stephen Rivkin worked on Avatar: The Way of Water for seven years.
Post-production encompasses picture editing, sound editing and mixing, visual effects, color correction, and scoring. Much of this work is freelance, though there are post-production facilities that specialize in sound, visual effects, color correction, or renting editing rooms that will have full-time staff.
Post-production work is often thought of as creative, but there are producers and support staff in each area of post, as well as post supervisors and coordinators who are responsible for overseeing the entire process. The studios also have post-production departments who are responsible for making sure movies get delivered on time, within budget, and at the level of quality that is expected.
Entry-level jobs in post are often PA jobs. Editors often start as post-production assistants and work their way up to assistant editor and then editor. Post facilities will often hire assistants full time who work their way up within the facility. Studios will often hire production assistants who previously worked on their productions and made a good impression.
Stage 5: Distribution
The final phase in film and television production is distribution. This encompasses exhibition in theaters, on television, or on home video as well as the publicity and marketing that go along with a successful release.
Studio marketing departments work on film releases as early as development; if they can’t come up with a viable marketing strategy, they won’t make the film.
Most marketing is done in-house at the studios, but they will often contract out to trailer companies and other vendors for marketing materials.
Trailer companies are one good place to get involved with distribution in an entry-level position. Studio marketing and distribution departments are also in need of people to make the process go smoothly.
Those are the 5 Stages of Film Production
Which area do you think is right for you?
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