There are five stages in the film-making process, each offering a wide range of film jobs and opportunities for all sorts of people with all sorts of skills.

Hundreds of people can be involved in the making of a film or just a few, depending on the size of the project and of course, the budget. Making a film involves getting lots of skilled people together to do different jobs at each stage of the film-making process, from the initial spark of an idea, to when it’s up there on the cinema screen. For more info on film jobs go to: www.creativeskillset.org/creative_industries/film/job_roles

Development

A writer, a director, (or it could be you!) –comes up with an idea for a film. Then it’s time to persuade a studio to make the film by pitching your idea to them. If they’re up for it, the studio has to get funding to fix a budget and then they’ll put together the team who will make the movie.

Job roles at this stage include: investor, accountant, line producer, screenwriter, agent, casting director.

Pre-production

This is when all the technical stuff that can be done before work on the film starts is finalised and when contracts are signed.

Job roles at this stage include: producer, director, art director, previsualisation or concept artist, storyboard artist, production designer, model maker, sound designer, costume designer, props master, location manager.

Production

This is when everything goes into full-swing – the actors are signed, the locations booked and the technical staff are on board. Work begins on the film not necessarily in chronological order, with the director working to a storyboard which has all the scenes planned out in detail. Once the filming is complete, the next stage begins.

Job roles at this stage include: actor, director of photography, camera operator, carpenter, plasterer, rigger (scaffolding, scenery), gaffer (electrician), scenic artist, painter, sculptor, set decorator, sound recorder, wardrobe supervisor, hair and makeup artist, script supervisor, caterer, runner.

Post-production

All the scenes are put together and played roughly in order – these are called the rushes. Some scenes are cut, some added and then organised by the film editor, along with the soundtrack, into the final cut, the finished film.

Job roles at this stage include: editor, sound engineer, Foley artist and special effects artist.

Marketing

This is the stage at which glitzy, red carpet premieres take place, to promote a new film and get maximum publicity. Not all films have such glamorous launches but most are shown to the press and media and are reviewed by film critics before they go on general release. They are then distributed to cinemas around the country, for viewing by the popcorn-munching public.

Job roles at this stage include: PR and marketing executive, film critic, distribution executive, cinema projection.

For more information in media jobs go to our Arts and Media page.