The Five Stages of Production

In the film and TV production world there are an accepted 5 stages of production. Whether in fiction as outlined by film theorist Richard Maltby in his book 'Hollywood Cinema' or infactual documentary as outlined by Michael Rabiger in his book 'Directing the Documentary', the 5 stages are the same. They are:
- Research and Development
- Pre Production
- Shoot
- Editing
- Distribution


Our group will research and develop our idea and treat it in terms of performance, possible narrative and possible other images. Each person in our group has created three ideas that we have pitched to each other. We will continue to discuss and manipulate our ideas so that we can piece together a pop video. This is stage 1 of the 5 stages in production. In Stage 2 of production is when we have been given the green light and are able to begin pre production.


As a group we will need to organise what roles we are going to have as individuals in our group. A timeline and a detailed storyboard including technical directions, soundtrack lyrics, lighting, actions, location, special effects, editing transitions and timings will need to be completed. Floor and lighting plans will also need to be planned out before the shoot. Diagrams will be drawn to use on the day of the shoot. A shooting schedule will also need to be prepared and this needs to have a list of shots as they are to be shot, so different from the storyboard. An Equipment and props list needs to be checked off on the day of the shoot as well. A cast list with pictures and details of the actors also needs to be prepared before the shoot. Stage 3 of production is the shoot day.




Everyone does the job that they have been assigned to and the crew have to be checked a couple days before. This then leads to post production which is the fourth stage of production. Everyone in the group should contribute to editing. Stage 5 is distribution and exhibition. This may be done through internet, marketing sites and social space. CD’s and DVD’s are another way as well.