Entertainment Production Companies play a vital role in the entertainment industry. The reason why they are important is because they help produce media projects that have some entertainment value and meaning to other people. Another reason why they are important is because they make sure that film/television projects make it from the original script idea to the big screen or TV. They oversee the overall progress of the project in every step of the filmmaking process.
However, the process of producing independent films/TV shows is a very long process that requires a lot of work. In producing films/TV shows, the procedure that entertainment production companies have to go through in order to create the film/TV project is development, pre-production, production, postproduction and distribution. In the example of the documentary below titled, “Dust and Mud” each step of the filmmaking process had to be taken to make sure that the project was done correctly and successful.
In creating “Dust and Mud” the first step we went through was development. In this process, the Producer finds a script and drafts it into a workable plan for the film. In making the plan for the script, the producer creates a script breakdown, and a film treatment. Next the producer hires a writer to write a screenplay and perfects until it suffices the overall vision of the film goal. Then after a final script is created the producer and screenwriter prepare the film pitch and present it to potential investors. If the pitch is successful, the film gets green lighted and finance in order for it to get made. In this case, “Dust and Mud” was a student film in which, I, as the Unit Production Manager acted (UPM) as the producer and did all the duties in making sure this documentary made it through the big screen. As the UPM/Producer, I discussed the details of the script with the director/writer of the documentary. After making changes we finalized the script and pitch it to our instructor, who acted as the financer of the film. Once we got the green light to create the documentary we went to the next step, which is preproduction.
During preproduction, preparations are made for the shooting of film/TV show. In this process, the director prepares his shot list and creates the storyboard of how he would like to shoot the scene. Moreover, this is the step in the filmmaking process were crews are hired, casting occurs and location scouting for the project occurs. In addition to that, this is the stage in the process where the different departments prepare for the filming of the film/TV show and the stage where proper paperwork are prepared and signed so that the film can be made.
During this step of the filmmaking process for “Dust and Mud,” I as the UPM/Producer hired a small crew consisting of classmates for each position available while the director prepared his shot and storyboard for the documentary. Casting was done prior to this step and locations were already chosen. After all this was done, we proceeded to the next step, which is production.
In the production stage of any film/TV show, the producer, director, and the crew shoot the film scenes for the finish product. In filming “Dust and Mud” we went to the location and proceeded in shooting the film. After the shoot was done we proceeded to post production.
In postproduction, the raw film that was shot during the shoot are edited and put together. After the film is edited, a preview of the film is viewed before being released. This way any change that needs to be made can be done before the release. After everything is finalized, distribution is the next and final step that’s taken before a film can be viewing.
In distribution, this is the step in which the film is distributed to numerous movie theaters or TV. Distribution is not limited to movie theaters but can also occur through DVD sales or for online download. In relating to “Dust and Mud,” instead of distributing it to numerous theaters, an exhibition of the documentary was done instead. However, the exhibition “Dust and Mud” was also made available for online viewing in order for others to see.
All in all, producing a film is a long process that requires a lot of work. Entertainment Production Companies are important because they help produce entertainment content by overseeing their progress through the filmmaking process. In producing any entertainment content such as “Dust and Mud” one must go through the step and make sure that every detail is taken care of so that the film/TV project can be done successfully.
Dust and Mud from Amron X. Lopez on Vimeo.
This documentary is about a young professional Bull Rider named BJ Carter and his venture to win the cash prize in a Professional Bull Riding Competition in Willingston, Florida. This documentary not only illustrates BJ's story but also tells how the human's determination and inner strength can persevere through any hardship.
Production Credit: Unit Production Manager/Producer
-L.A.
