Movies are a big part of most cultures all over the world. Movies come in different languages, mean different things, some are animated and some have real life actors and actresses.
So, have you ever wondered how movies are made? Have you ever wondered the process of making a movie? Have YOU yourself ever wanted to make a movie? If your answer is, “yes” to any of these questions then this blog will help you understand the movie making process more clearly.
I did research on the movie making process from a popular animation studio called Pixar. Although the information is from Pixar most of the process is the same for making non animated movies as well!!
The Movie Making Process
According to Pixar animation studios
1.The first thing that needs to happen in order to make a movie is a story idea needs to be pitched.
People present their ideas for movies in front of the Pixar animation studios bosses and managers. Then the Pixar team picks the best idea for the next movie.
2.The next thing that is done is the text treatment is written.
After they get a story board they start a rough draft of the text. They start outlining what will happen in details..
3.Storyboards are then drawn!
Then the story board is DRAWN! Story boards are a comic book version of the movie to outline the story, dialogue and the different emotions. Then the comic story board is presented to the director.
4.Voice talent begins recording.
Pixar explores different voices for the characters. When they figure out what type of voice each character needs they start looking for professional actors to be the voice for the character. Once they find the perfect voice they start recording in a recording studio.
5.Editorial begins making reels
They match the scenes in the movie with the voices and start recording. Editorial also uses the information to fix the length and other shots in the scene.
6.The Art Department creates the look and feel
Based on the storyboard and the different voices for each character, the art department creates a look and feel for each character. The way the character looks is very important because it can tell us a lot about their personality.. etc
7. Models are sculpted and articulated
Looking at the art departments design for each character, the characters then either get modeled by hand, then scanned into the computer or just simple made by computer technology. They make models for each character so that they can make the characters move certain ways and look exactly how they are supposed to.
8.The sets are dressed
After the sets are built in 3D they have to use props( such as chairs, books, pictures, etc..) to make the world look believable. The designers for the sets work closely with the director to make sure that the things look exactly how he wants them to.
9.The shots are laid out
By completely understanding the story, the crew then choreographs the characters on the set and uses a virtual camera to get good shots that really capture the emotion and expression of the scene.
10.The shots are animated
After the pixar crew gets the models and sets put together the shots get animated. The crew uses computer technology (not drawings, or paintings or clay), and they make each facial expression and movement perfect by using the computer. The computer then creates the “in-between” frames, which the crew can adjust when necessary.
11.The sets and characters are shaded
Shading the characters makes them stand out from the background and not blend as much. Shading them makes them very realistic and makes the color shift when there is different light. The crew shades the characters and sets by a computer software program.
12.Lighting completes the look!
Then the crew adds light to the animation making it look realistic. Now the animation process is OVER!!!
13.The process to complete the movie!
The animation then gets sent off to the editors and the computer data is rendered. Then the movies gets edited one last time and they change and mistakes or add anything they forgot. From there the movie gets shipped off and goes into theaters or DVD!
SOURCES USED:
http://www.pixar.com/howwedoit/index/html
