Stages of Documentary Making - Part 2

image courtesy: Ecologistica Peru

Production

Production begins once the footage is recorded. This process will capture all the scenes and information captured in the pre-production process. During the production process you apply various the lighting requirements, framing and work on composition. Some projects will also shoot B-Roll during the production process. B-Roll is supplementary footage that can be included in the finished product

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The production process includes the following steps:

Production planning: We already have the draft script with us. So we can plan the shoot accordingly. This planning process includes assigning of camera technicians, lighting, sound recording, etc. The production plan about the locations, travel, accommodation are done. Informing people in the locations about the arrival and shoot. This I also very important because we may need bytes from some or even the local people would be the only guide available at the location.

Scheduling and final Location Scouting: The final schedule for shooting is made out. The locations are spotted out correctly and necessary arrangements are made there. This is done by actually visiting the spots and planning accordingly. Everything is ready for the shoot.

Shoot Schedule: The shooting is done according to the schedule made earlier. Shooting each segments at each location is pre decided and shoot will progress according to the schedule. So that it is easy for the shoot arrangements to be made at correct time. The number of days for shooting will be exact in the schedule; but there are situations when the shoot takes more time because of some reasons. And in such a situation necessary changes will be made according to the time needed for shoot.

Extra shoot: Sometimes the crew will shoot some extra shots out of the script and the schedule. These shots will help as a back up shot or as a filler while editing. This step is thus mainly done for Add ups and for any missed shots.

Collection of additional materials: Additional materials available are collected in order to enrich the content and subject. Materials like visuals, still photos, documents, print materials, written documents, etc.