What are the basic filmmaking techniques?

Have you ever been swept away by a movie, feeling laughter, tears and excitement all in one sitting? That’s the magic of filmmaking, or as it’s more commonly known, film production! With the right filmmaking techniques, movies become more than just moving pictures – they become a rollercoaster of emotions, making you laugh, cry, cheer and gasp in awe. But how do those flickering images on a blank screen weave such powerful tales? The secret lies in the filmmaker’s toolkit, a treasure trove of techniques that bring stories to life. So, let’s enter the captivating world of cinema to peek at the mysteries behind the screen and learn some basic filmmaking techniques. Lights, camera, action! 

What is filmmaking? 

Before we dive deep into the world of basic filmmaking techniques, let’s first understand what filmmaking is. At its core, filmmaking is storytelling brought to life through visuals and sound. It’s a complex art form comprising a myriad of creative roles, spanning from ideation to execution. From conceptualising ideas to writing scripts, casting characters to directing performances and capturing scenes to editing footage – filmmaking is a symphony of creativity and technical prowess. It’s almost like magic. Filmmakers take ideas and transform them into stories that audiences can relate to. 

What are filmmaking techniques? 

Filmmaking techniques cover everything needed to tell stories through motion pictures. Every person and department involved in film production plays their part in bringing the characters from the pages to life on screen. Let’s look at some of the basic filmmaking techniques and see how the magic happens! 

1. Screenwriting

Movies wouldn’t exist without scripts, and the skilful craft of writing these scripts for big-screen and TV productions is known as screenwriting. It involves weaving captivating stories, creating memorable characters, and crafting compelling dialogue. A finely crafted script can be the secret ingredient that makes a movie a hit or earns it a spot on the “rotten tomatoes” list. 

2. Pre-production

How often have you found yourself buying tickets to a movie because of the actors playing on the screen, breathtaking locations, or the aesthetic appeal of the uniquely designed sets? That’s all thanks to the filmmakers’ exceptional work during pre-production. The filmmaking technique called pre-production is a crucial stage where everything from casting to choosing shooting locations and assembling crews to designing sets is meticulously planned to ensure that everything is ready for the production phase. 

3. Cinematography

Simply setting up a camera and hitting record doesn’t quite cover the intricate filmmaking technique called cinematography. Cinematography, as defined by the Oxford English Dictionary, is the “art and skill of camerawork in filmmaking.” It’s the skilful capture of moving images, whether on film or digital media. Cinematographers expertly manipulate lighting, camera movements, and lens selections to capture captivating visual storytelling. 

4. Production Design

Another fascinating filmmaking technique is the production design. It’s the artistic process of creating a film’s visual identity through its set-up, which includes constructing sets, prop selection, costume designing, and managing the overall settings. Production designers are the creative architects behind a film’s overall aesthetics. They lead the art department and work closely with the art director to create a visually appealing set that connects with the story. 

5. Sound Design

Sound design is one of the most important filmmaking techniques. It’s the craft of skilfully blending all the audio elements of a movie including dialogue, effects, background noise, and licensed soundtracks – to build the film’s sonic landscape. This detailed process enriches the mood, atmosphere and sets the tone of the film. The key components of sound design are sound effects (SFX), mixing, Foley effects, dialogue, and music. Sound design adds a necessary and much-needed audible touch to immerse the audience in the cinematic experience. 

6. Editing

Film production is incomplete without the invisible technical skill known as editing. This intricate process involves meticulously sifting through hours of raw footage, carefully selecting shots, and arranging them in a sequence to craft a cohesive and captivating story. It’s the film editor who plays a crucial role in bringing the director’s vision to life. The creative decisions made by an editor often blend their own artistic intuition with the desires of the director (and producers) for the final product. 

7. Visual Effects (VFX)

Commonly known as special effects, visual effects (VFX) involves integrating live-action footage with computer-generated or altered images to enhance the onscreen experience. VFX has the extraordinary capability to transport audiences to fantastical worlds, create realistic depictions of historical events, and add an emotional element to elevate the storytelling experience. Filmmakers use VFX to bring unimaginable ideas to life on the big screen, as seen in iconic examples like the Quidditch matches in the Harry Potter series or the menacing velociraptors in the Jurassic Park movies. 

8. Post-production

Post-production, the final phase after filming, is a critical stage where various filmmaking experts collaborate to refine the movie. Alongside the director and producer, professionals like editors, sound designers, foley artists, colourists, and more come together to add the final touch and polish their hard work. Tasks include adjusting colours, blending sounds, integrating visual effects, and readying the film for mass distribution. This phase is where filmmakers meticulously perfect their work, ensuring their creative vision dazzles on the big screen. 

The basic filmmaking techniques we’ve discussed here are just a fraction of the entire effort and process that goes into making a movie. Filmmaking is a complex journey that starts with an idea or a story and requires the expertise and collaboration of many skilled professionals to bring it to fruition. If you’re passionate about filmmaking and eager to learn more, join our comprehensive Bachelor of Screen & Stage (Screen Production) program at APAC. It’s an exciting opportunity to explore the vast potential of film production and embark on an exciting adventure in the world of cinema! 

Frequently asked questions about basic filmmaking techniques 

Q1. What are filmmaking techniques? 

A1. Filmmaking techniques are methods or approaches used by filmmakers to create movies. These techniques include various aspects such as screenwriting, cinematography, visual effects and editing. 

Q2. Why are filmmaking techniques important? 

A2. Filmmaking techniques are important because they help create and share stories, set the mood, and capture the audience’s attention. They are essential tools for filmmakers to effectively communicate their vision on the big screen. 

Q3. What do actors do during post-production? 

A3. During post-production, actors are sometimes asked to reshoot certain scenes if their recorded footage doesn’t turn out as expected during editing. In other cases, apart from reshoots, directors may request actors to record certain audio, such as voiceovers or narrations, in a process known as ADR (Automated Dialogue Replacement) to improve the overall onscreen experience. 

Q4. What is film grammar? 

A4. Film grammar is a set of unspoken rules and techniques that filmmakers use to communicate ideas and emotions visually. It includes elements like shot composition, camera movement, editing, and sound design. By understanding these rules, filmmakers can create a clear and engaging visual language for their films. 

Q5. How can I learn filmmaking techniques? 

A5. Join APAC to learn about filmmaking techniques. Our Bachelor of Screen & Stage (Screen Production) course will equip you with the essential skills and knowledge you need to bring your unique vision to life and share it with the audience, who can enjoy your creations on the big screen or on stage.