Process

The People

Preparations

Shooting

Polishing

Hope and Glory

Editing the Film
Directors always try to give the editor many different shots of a scene to wrok with. At the end of a day's shooting, the film is developed. These "rushes" are reviewed by the director and the editor. They select the best shots of the day and set them aside for future use. Other shots are discarded--ending up "on the cutting room floor." When the film is completed, the editor splices together the rushes into a "rough cut." These shots follow the action in the script. They will be used to create the final film.

Putting It All Together
When the final film has been assembled by the editor, the music and sound effects will be added to the soundtrack. The film and soundtrack are then joined together for the first time. At this point, the film is shown to "preview" audiences. Cards are handed out to the audience members, who are asked to record their opinion of the film. These cards are reviewed by the director and other members of the production team. IF the results are negative, changes may be made to the film before it is released to a wider audience.
When the movie nears completion, the publicity campaiign begins. Newspaper, radio, and television advertisements are prepared. The actors and director may appear on TV or radio programs to promote the film. A "trailer"--like a commercial on TV--is created form the actual film to show in theaters before the main attraction is shown.
Once the publicity campaign is underway, the film is released to theaters. Most films start out as a limited release, appearing at a few theaters. If the film is a "hit" in these theaters, it is released nationwide. Not many films last more than a few weeks in theaters. Some, however, will still be shown months--even years--after their initial release.