pre-production
Script and storyboard
Pre-production is the planning phase before actual production begins.
In film and television, it encompasses scriptwriting, casting, location scouting, budgeting, and scheduling—everything that happens before cameras roll.
The term applies similarly to music recording, video games, and manufacturing: We're still in pre-production, so shooting won't start until spring.
Film's written blueprint
- scriptwritingComposing film or TV text
- draftingCreating technical blueprints
- revisionsAlterations to improve
- dialogueSpoken exchange between parties
Assigning times to events
Planned visual sequence drawings
- sketchHasty informal drawing
- mockupPreliminary design representation
- renderingInterpretive depiction or performance
- set-designCreating theatrical environments
Forming mental concepts
- brainstormingGenerating many ideas freely
- visionAbility to see
- pitchFrequency of sound
- treatmentCare for an ailment
logline · premise · synopsis · theme · world-building · mood-board · tone · genre
Impeding forward progress
- run-throughFull practice of something
- choreographyDesigning performance movement sequences
- improvisationSpontaneous, unplanned creation
Overhead architectural diagram
- blockingImpeding forward progress
- riggingRopes controlling ship sails
- formatArrangement and presentation style
- resolutionFormal decision or determination
Trial performance for selection
- callbackFollow-up audition invitation
- headshotShoulders-up photograph
- understudyBackup actor, ready nightly
- extrasAdditional items included
screenplay
Film's written blueprint
- scriptwritingComposing film or TV text
- draftingCreating technical blueprints
- revisionsAlterations to improve
dialogue · read-through · rewrites · screenwriter · adaptation
scheduling
Assigning times to events
- budgetingAllocating funds systematically
- permitsGrants formal authorization
- insuranceContractual risk coverage
contracts · financing · catering · transportation · accommodation
storyboard
Planned visual sequence drawings
- sketchHasty informal drawing
- mockupPreliminary design representation
- renderingInterpretive depiction or performance
set-design · wardrobe · maquette · animatic · previsualization
ideation
Forming mental concepts
- brainstormingGenerating many ideas freely
- visionAbility to see
- pitchFrequency of sound
treatment · logline · premise · synopsis · theme · world-building · mood-board · tone · genre · visualization
blocking
Impeding forward progress
- run-throughFull practice of something
- choreographyDesigning performance movement sequences
- improvisationSpontaneous, unplanned creation
floor-plan
Overhead architectural diagram
audition
Trial performance for selection
- callbackFollow-up audition invitation
- headshotShoulders-up photograph
- understudyBackup actor, ready nightly
extras · stand-in · typecasting · ensemble
- filmmovies, film, filmmaking, cinematography, film editing
- film industryfilm studios, film distribution, Hollywood, Bollywood, Nollywood
- Film Productiondirector, editor, cameraman, crew, stunt double
- Filmmakingcamera, film director, camcorder, directing, script
- HollywoodHollywood, Tinseltown, Hollywood Sign, silver screen, movie stars
- productiondirectors, producers, cameras, filming, editing
pre-productionpost-production
After-the-shoot work phase
principal photography · production · filming · shooting · manufacturing
pre-productionpost-production
After-the-shoot work phase
finished product · final cut · gold master · live · on air
produce, product, production, producer, produced, productive, producing, productivity, unproductive