From Pre to Post: Watch the Creative Process Unfold
The creative process can be an absolute grind when trying to develop a film or video project. Let these production videos stoke your creative fires!
Top image: Quentin Tarantino via HypeBeast
The production process, no matter if it’s film or video, starts with development and pre-production then ends with post-production and distribution. However, getting from A to Z is an incredibly involved process and it can test your patience and resolve. Because of this there may be times where your creativity is stymied and your inspiration is low. Well, never fear. There’s plenty of inspiration out there for you — if you know where to look.
We’ve rounded up our favorite inspirational spots on the web for each phase of production. Sit back and relax and watch the creative process come to life.
Development
Developing your idea is the most important step of the process. You’ve got to get your idea locked down, or as an intellectual property lawyer would say, get it fixed in a tangible medium of expression. During this early development process, you’ll write a treatment and then write a script. You’ll also want to file your work with the USPTO, then develop your proposal for your pitch.
Let’s start with Quentin Tarantino as he discusses below that you always start with the script and the individual pages of that script. Then we’ll listen to great advice from Martin Scorsese, J.J. Abrams and Dax Shepard.
Quentin Tarantino on Focusing on the Page
Video via Script Mailer
Martin Scorsese on Plot vs Story
Video via SigmaEcho
JJ Abrams on the Mystery of Story
Video via TED
Dax Shepard on the Art of the Pitch
Video via American Express
Pre-Production
Once you have a well-developed story, you’ll want to start the planning and design process, which is the art of pre-production. This is where you’ll build your film before you ever call “action” on set. Elements of this process include storyboarding, concept design, scouting, and set design. This part of the process can be incredibly fun, as you can really be creative and discover exactly how your film or video will look when it’s done.
Storyboarding the Pixar Way
Video via Daniel Garcia
Wish I Was Here Concept Art
Video via WishIWasHereMovie
The Live of a Location Scout
Video via CBS News
Top 10 Movie Sets Ever Built
Video via CineFix
Production
When you’ve developed the script and planned your shots, you’re ready to go right into production. Just remember, filmmaking is an incredible process. You wont master it overnight. It’ll take years to find your way — and that’s okay. The process of actually capturing your film or video project can be daunting. It can feel like an uphill climb. With this in mind, let’s get inspired by a few master filmmakers.
Martin Scorsese
Video via BAFTA Guru
Joss Whedon
Video via BAFTA Guru
Ron Howard
Video via BAFTA Guru
J.J. Abrams
Video via BAFTA Guru
Post-Production
So you’ve shot your film or video and now you’re ready to actually put the project together. The act of post-production entails editing the project, color grading the project, adding music to the project, as well as visual effects.
This process can take as long or longer than the other sections of the entire process combined. During post-production your resolve may begin to wane. You’ll need to remain positive and enthusiastic in order to push yourself toward the finish line, as the following videos will show.
Editing the Avengers
Video via Avid
Industrial Light & Magic Animation Magic of Pirates of the Caribbean 3
Video via ILMVisualFX
Color Grading O Brother, Where Art Thou?
Video via Chris Francis
Are you pumped? Are you inspired? Are you ready to rule the world? Got any additional sources of video inspiration? Share them with us in the comments below.
