Different jobs in the film industry are frequently determined by the stage of production in which someone wishes to work. The pre-production stage begins with a screenwriter writing a film’s screenplay, producers and directors meeting to establish the film’s overall direction, casting actors and other crew members, location scouting, and set and prop creation. A film’s production includes the actual making of the film and crew members working in departments like camera operation, lighting, sound recording, and hair and makeup. Film editing, special effects, sound editing, and score composition are all jobs in the film industry that are heavily reliant on post-production.
Many different film industry jobs are involved in many different aspects of making a movie, due to the scope and size of many film productions. Pre-production usually begins with a screenwriter writing a film’s screenplay based on original ideas or a studio contract. Producers oversee the filming schedule, budget, and hiring process for major elements of a production, beginning with pre-production. A film’s director usually joins the project during pre-production and works to coordinate various elements throughout the production. Set designers, pre-visualization artists at special effects companies, costumers, and prop makers are among the other pre-production film industry jobs.
Jobs in the film industry that are involved in the actual production of a film are frequently carried over from pre-production, though some crew members are more involved with production. Lighting designers and riggers are responsible for lighting a set or location, while camera operators and crew are responsible for capturing a scene with cameras. Microphone operators capture sound from a production, which is usually started on set. Hair and makeup jobs are also available in the film industry, with designs usually starting in pre-production and being realized during production. Actors and actresses also devote the majority of their time to a film’s production.
There are also a number of film industry jobs available during post-production, which occurs after a film has been shot but before it is released. Special effects work for a film can begin during pre-production, but it is typically scaled up during post-production. A film’s score, or musical soundtrack, is usually written and recorded after the film has been shot. During post-production, a movie’s audio and video are edited, and editors in both mediums can find work in the film industry. This process can include recording new audio for use in the film, as well as taking a raw film and turning it into a finished product.