Encorto: A Short Film Project – Process and Organization
Encorto: A Short Film Project
Description of the Encorto Project
Encorto is a multidisciplinary project where five short films are shot in alternating shifts (morning and afternoon). During this time, students interact with businesses, other professionals, and different schools.
This collaborative project is approached professionally, using the center as the primary location, but also utilizing nearby locations.
The process encompasses all phases of pre-production, production, and post-production to achieve the best results for the short films.
Developing such activities provides a valuable opportunity to integrate the professional world into education. In these projects, students engage in real-world work activities, bringing their hopes and efforts to fruition.
The aim is to learn from mistakes and implement lessons learned from the first year.
Organization of Encorto
Encorto is a 4-cycle project organized by teachers, where students from all 4 cycles collaborate to produce a short film.
The Crew
Any short film or movie crew can consist of numerous departments, each with its own staff. The number of people in each department depends on the production’s complexity and budget.
Roles and Functions
The crew’s organization and the definition of different roles depend on the profiles of the 4 cycles:
1. Audiovisual and Entertainment Production
Plan, organize, oversee, and manage the financial, material, technical, and human resources for producing audiovisual performances and events, ensuring compliance with production plans, time and cost objectives, conditions, and quality requirements.
2. Filming and Technical Direction and Production of Audiovisual and Event Projects
Organize and supervise the preparation, implementation, and installation of filmed, recorded, or live audiovisual projects. Manage the technical and artistic processes of live entertainment performances and events, coordinating technical and human resources while controlling the content, form, artistic vision, and established quality.
3. Lighting, Recording, and Image Processing
Execute complete photographic projects, capture, record, and process images, and illuminate audiovisual productions in performance spaces, shows, and events, determining and controlling the technical, formal, and expressive quality.
4. Sound for Audiovisuals and Entertainment
Define, plan, and supervise the installation, feedback, recording, control, broadcast, post-production, and sound reproduction in audiovisuals, radio, the music industry, entertainment, events, and fixed sound installations, controlling and ensuring technical and formal quality.
Development Phase
Development is a crucial stage for a producer. It involves generating film ideas, acquiring rights to books or plays, and writing the script. Financing for the project is also secured.
The format (animation, commercials, documentaries, feature films, industrial/corporate, music videos, etc.) and genre are chosen. When selecting the genre, consider the costs and challenges of shooting specific genres like science fiction or westerns, which may require more expensive sets, costumes, and props.
Pre-Production Phase
Pre-production is like creating a business plan. It involves planning every aspect of the project. The production is broken down into individual scenes, and locations, props, cast members, costumes, special effects, and visual effects are identified. The script is finalized, a detailed schedule is created, and arrangements are made for necessary elements and personnel.
This is the longest phase, and 90% of the final result depends on its effectiveness. Thorough pre-production helps avoid errors and surprises.
Recruiting the technical and artistic teams is also crucial. The core team typically includes:
- Producer: Manages the plan, schedule, organization, preparation, and all aspects related to establishing the short film.
- Writer: Creates the script from a story idea. A good script is fundamental for a successful project.
- Director: Directs the filming, overseeing staging, and guiding actors and crew.
- Art Director: Responsible for the scenery and everything appearing in front of the camera.
- Cinematographer: In charge of the short film’s lighting design.
- Head of Sound: Responsible for direct sound and incorporating special effects and soundtrack in post-production.
The editor joins the team later and plays a vital role in assembling the footage from the production phase to create a narrative flow.
During pre-production, a budget is established, and locations are chosen. The number of people in each department depends on the production’s complexity and budget.
Production Phase
This is where the filming takes place. All scenes planned in pre-production are filmed at the designated locations. Each scene is shot multiple times to ensure the best quality footage for the final film.
The strength of the pre-production work is tested during production. Careful attention is paid to ensure accurate filming and capture all necessary shots, as it can be challenging or impossible to reshoot scenes later.
Key aspects of the production phase include:
- Camera and Lens
- Lighting
- Directing
- Cinematography Techniques
- Documentary Production
- Grip and Rigging
- Safety Training
- Audio Recording
This phase brings the pre-production plan to life, capturing the visual and audio elements that will form the foundation of the final short film.