E R I C A R O T H M A N , N I G H T L I G H T P R O D U C T I O N S

SO YOU THINK YOU WANT TO MAKE A MOVIE

Erica Rothman, Nightlight Productionswww.nightlightproductions.net

A BASIC PRIMER

1 Definition of roles

2 Definition of stages of making a movie

3 Creating a realistic timeline / budgeting

4 Examples of work

5 Q & A

6 Resources

JACKSON COUNTY, NC

ROLES

Producer– handles process from soup to nuts. Helps client identify audience and most

appropriate style for project Brainstorms with client about content Hires crew/writer/all personnel Negotiates contract and handles budget Responsible for keeping to the timeline Maintains the vision of the client

ROLES

Videographer person behind the camera

Editor Takes footage from videographer and

makes the finished piece

STAGES OF PRODUCING A MOVIE

• 1. Pre-Production• Can be the longest part of the process (or not)• Research / brainstorming with client• Creating a contract and estimate• Hiring crew• Writing script or storyboarding project• Determining locations and shot list• Creating a timeline for final deliverables

STAGES OF PRODUCING A MOVIE

• 2. Production• May be the shortest part of the process• On location(s)• Interviews• “B roll”• Can be done in one day or one year

STAGES OF PRODUCING A MOVIE

• 3. Post-Production• Transcribing (If desired)• “Paper edit”• “Rough cut” meeting with client• Incorporating music, narration, text, etc• Final deliverables

CREATING A REALISTIC TIMETABLE & BUDGET

• Questions to ask yourself:

• How long of a shelf life can this video have? (the longer it is, the better your investment)

• When do I need a finished product?

• Where will the funding come from?

• What can we afford?

• Video, or audio slide show?

AUDIO SLIDE SHOWDUKE GLOBAL HEALTH CONFERENCE

RESOURCES• Soundslides: production tool for still image and audio web

presentations. For Windows and Mac. ($40 or $70) www.soundslides.com

• Final Cut Pro: editing software for Mac• Adobe Premiere: editing software for Mac and Windows• Creative Cow tutorials: for all sorts of editing software and

using cameras • http://library.creativecow.net/tutorials/• Lynda.com – Library of tutorials on hundreds of topics. By

subscription. Mac and PC / smartphones• My boilerplate Contract• My Project Planning Form

http://cds.aas.duke.edu/

www.documentingmedicine.com/

ASK ME QUESTIONS!

Erica RothmanNightlight ProductionsChapel Hill, NCnightlightvideo@gmail.com919 624 9996

www.Nightlightproductions.net