9781422287088

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Creating Films and Documentaries

Make Connections: Footage The use of the word “footage” in f ilmmaking originated dur- ing the silent f ilm. Thirty-f ive millimeter f ilm is measured in feet and frames. One second of 35mm f ilm was made up of 16 frames. After a while, the word began to be used for any type of moving images.

Recording of the soundtrack also takes place during this stage. The only sounds coming from the set during this time must be the ones called for in the script. “Quiet on the set!” is not said just for fun. Microphones used for film and documentary production are very sensitive. If they pick up unwanted noises, the scene will have to be reshot. And that can lead to a production delay—and increased costs. Postproduction The end of shooting does not mean the film or documentary is ready to hit the screen. In fact, the raw footage will likely bear little resemblance to the final product. There is much more to be done. Editing is done during postproduction. Films and documentaries are generally not shot in chronological sequence. For example, on a rainy night, all scenes needing that background may be shot the same night, even though they take place on several days in the story. The editors take all the film and assemble it in the order the events take place in the script. The soundtrack is also edited during postproduction. Sounds can be enhanced during this stage. Places where sound needs to be re- recorded can be spotted and fixed.