Pre-production Guide: 7 Things to Consider When Planning a Film in Nigeria

"1, 2, 3, action!" and "cut" are the significant phrasings of a filmmaker. But is that all there is to filmmaking? 

The pre-production stages are the most vital aspects of filmmaking. It lays the foundation of the process and ensures the chances of a successful production by attempting to solve anticipated production challenges before and after production.

Whether a short film, a documentary, a series or even a skit, it must pass through vital stages like the ideation process, collaboration, storyboarding, etc. 

In this guide, you'll get a deeper understanding of these stages and how to set your film up for success. 

The Big Idea: What Is Your Film About. 

The first thing to consider before or when planning a film is your movie's central idea. 

Just as you don't leave your house in the morning without a destination, you don't start planning a movie without a concept. 

To know what you want your film to be about, you need to ask yourself this vital question: "What is the standpoint of my movie?"

 Do you want to inspire, motivate, educate, or entertain? Do you want to demolish old cultural beliefs? Do you want to establish values?

Write down your ideas, no matter how silly or risible they might sound. And if you have multiple views, write them down as well. Developing various ideas is imperative because they help expand your ideas and give your film more meaning. 

Once you've answered these questions, or the central question itself, you're on track. Get set for the next thing to consider. 

Writing Your Script and Screenplay 

To the average viewer, movies are beautiful and extraordinary. It feels like they're transported to an alternate dimension, experiencing, observing, and judging other people's actions. 

But in reality, the process is nothing close to beautiful as a filmmaker. Instead, it is daunting but essential. 

After developing your film's idea, the next stage is scriptwriting. 

The script gives the director an idea of your film's concept. But to fully express your movie's central theme and design, you need a screenplay. 

A screenplay is the detailed expression of the characters' movements, actions, and dialogue. It is technical and challenging because it requires extreme clarity and visual presentation. 

It is advisable to commission a professional screenplay writer if you don't have the necessary skills to write one. 

Hiring a professional will help you develop a viable and professionally written screenplay to move up the planning stages, especially if you need funding. 

Again, you'll understand better as you read. 

Collaboration 

The success of your film is dependent on several factors, including collaboration. 

The actor James McAvoy once said, "Filmmaking is a miracle of collaboration." 

In filmmaking, the collaboration between various teams and departments makes your vision a reality. 

It takes it from paper to the screens of thousands or millions of people. 

Breaking down the filmmaking process, you'd see the flow of hard work from every department. 

For instance, the art department designs the film's outcome in line with the director's vision. At the same time, the DOP (Director of Photography) ensures the effectiveness of the camera team and proper lighting. Finally, the writers provide that the script serves the director's concept.

Now, you understand the need for collaboration. No man can start and finish a film alone. 

In retrospect to the first statement about collaboration, your film's success depends on valuable partnership. 

Your team should be able to serve your vision's purpose and support you through every stage. 

Planning the Shots 

Storyboards and mood boards communicate the team's vision or the film itself. 

A storyboard and a mood board take your visual ideas from a mere thought in your head to a paper or screen. It also gives you leverage with your pitch by helping potential investors understand the design of your film. 

1. Storyboard

As director, producer, and screenwriter Martin Scorsese said—"The storyboard is the way to visualize the entire movie in advance." 

A storyboard helps you plan the direction and outcome of every scene in your script. 

This process is a crucial part of filmmaking as it highlights missing pieces and gives you a deeper insight into changes that your team could improve.

It also helps you clarify the outcome you desire for your film. 

What if you're not a good illustrator?

If you have a clear vision or imagination of how your film will turn out, you can draw a rough sketch and make notes on the development. 

You can also hire a professional illustrator if your budget can cover the extra expense.

2. Mood Board

A mood board, also known as an inspiration board, combines various visual elements that guide the filmmaking process. A mood board can include images, videos, or a color palette. 

Budget 

Your budget helps you secure financing for your film's production. You need a well-assembled budget to get investors' approval for funding. Your budget should include:

• Cost of pre-production and wrap crew.

• Shooting crew expenses.

• Cost of materials. 

• Location expenses.

• Equipment rentals, 

• Studio expenses, 

• Miscellaneous charges, etc. 

These will give your investors an idea of what you are up to and what they need from you. 

The Funding

Whether you're shooting your film in your room, on your verandah, or at a significant location, you will need funds to do a great job. 

This fund will cover the equipment costs, pay your team and casts, and pay for your location and the welfare of your team. 

To get funding for your film, you must know whether or not your movie is feasible and capable of making you and your investors money. 

How can you get funding for your film? Is it from your savings or family and friends? Or Crowdfunding? Will you take loans? 

There are several ways to get funding for your business with different risk levels attached to them, coupled with the challenges you'd face. 

However, if you're planning to seek funding from private or public investors, there are three steps to climb.

1. Develop your film proposal to investors.

2. Pitch your film business plan to investors.

3. Convince your investors of your film's capability to generate potential ROI

Specific risks are attached to investing in films. Most filmmakers get into debt and other embarrassing situations to fund their movies. ROI.

Our services ensure that you get the proper, risk-free funding for your film and even experience a significant positive change in your career as a filmmaker. 

We take the burden of going through the processes of seeking funds while you focus on the creative and production aspect of your film.

Execution 

Execution is the point of production after you've secured funding and gotten everything in order, including your cast and crew. 

There are processes involved in finishing a film; this article explains the basics. 

Summary

Although there's more to planning and executing a film than you've just read, these major highlights should prepare you to start filming the right way.