The Value I Derive From The Pre-Production Process As A Seasoned Filmmaker: By KayeCee Austin

Over the years, if I’m leading a project or creating one from scratch— I’ve trained my mind to think in universal context—and no where is this more important than in the Pre-Production Stage of filmmaking.

Universal context is information that a viewer is already aware of, has mentally accepted and/or comes into the film already knowing. We’ll come back to this in a moment.

Let me first add that on every project, large or small—the intricacies, time and patience creating a beat sheet, storyboard, floor plan, shot list and visual references (look book) require— are certainly worth the while and capital (money) saved. 

This process is what is known as “The Pre-Production Process”. Once I reeeeeaaalllly got the rhythm down and saw that “preparation makes for better productions” I was hooked. I am a “process makes perfect” type of creator so I instantly saw the value.

Okay, let me give you a few examples of Universal Context. It helps if you think of this in terms of ''themes'' of a film OR in terms of what can be physically proven right away. That's a great starting point.

1. You have to crawl before you walk.

2. If you cut an apple in half you will have two pieces in your hand.

3. Here's a tricky one that will hopefully bring clarity. You might say-- ''True happiness comes from within'' is a universal truth-but the truth is one would have to experience being let down in areas of their life they initially held dear-- to appreciate that sentiment.

Here's one you can prove. ''Happy thoughts can make a smile appear on your face.'' Although simple- this is the starting point in creating universal concepts in your film the audience already knows to be true.

The opposite of this would be specific context --which means something you have to explain to the viewer before they watch it. For example- I would have to explain that if you create a machine that shrinks things-- it might shrink your kids! (Honey, I Shrunk The Kids) or If you create a dinosaur park-- it could get dangerous and people ''may'' get eaten. (Jurassic Park) Basically in ''specific'' context, it will take more time to explain than if you start simple and build on what audiences already know.

This concept is easier to grasp if you reflect on the fact that we are all universally linked and context or (widely accepted knowledge) is exactly what creates this bond.

Additionally, keeping in mind that the purpose of filmmaking is to make the audience feel emotion— logically using what they know/except is probably the fastest way to achieve this. If you can go into all of your filmmaking efforts with this mindset as a creator—the concept of using universal context when creating the basis of your films from this point forward should feel very natural.

Obviously, it’s one thing to learn a concept but putting it into practice/repetition usually works much better for me. As you delve into the actual production portion, you should find yourself valuing each area even more. 

The beat sheet works as a textual guide that you know that you can always come back to in order to check if you are still in keeping with the tone of your story’s world. 

Along with the beat sheet, the shot list, and storyboards helped to ensure that you do not forget any elements along the way. 

Lastly, after creating your first “rough cut” of the film, you can use your visual references to check that you have captured the tone, mood and emotion you initially visualized or discovered along the way. Naturally, there will be times that you will make changes to your original story but it is important that these three main elements are still visual in your work.

If you don’t remember anything else— remember this:

It’s not what’s on screen that speaks to the audience but how it is presented”. Keep this in mind during all phases of your pre-production process and I guarantee your “innovation muscle” will kick in and you should achieve whatever milestones you’re set on conquering.  It’s not easy by far but it is certainly achievable.

The last element of this process that you can incorporate is creating “lab time” for you and your crew members. For smaller projects—even if it’s just you and one or two other professionals— have lab time. This is when you all sit in the same room and quietly work on your perspective areas for an hour or two. It doesn’t matter if you’re on the brainstorming phase or are about to shoot—this tranquil time creates a cohesive energy in the room and builds interpersonal cohesion as well.

I implemented this element from my lab time when I was pursuing my Business and Social Psychology degrees. Obviously those two were more cerebral disciplines but I think it’s the “parallel playing” aspect/feel. 

Let me explain. My daughter just turned eight but in daycare/preschool and elementary school, some children are prone to parallel playing instead of actually interacting with other children physically. Just being in the same vicinity gives them the same satisfaction and stimulation that physical play and touch would to another child. Somehow that is how I feel during creative labs. My creativity seems to be heightened.

Oh, here’s an example of a short film project I cast for over the summer. It was just one scene but I placed a sample beat sheet, storyboard, floor plan, shot list and visual references (look book) to give you an idea of what yours can look like!

Good luck and Many Blessings in your Pre-Production Filmmaking Process!! You’ve Got This!!

Instagram: @kayeceeaustinmusic

Twitter: @kayeceeaustinmusic

Facebook Biz Page: Cadence By KayeCee Austin

Facebook Personal Page: KayeCee Oz

Warmest,

KayeCee Austin ;)

“Cadence” Founder/Chief Medical Officer

Cadence Health-Tech Social Network/Marketplace Coming Soon!

“Motivating You To Victory: The First & Only Platform For ALL Neurodiverse Personalities! (Aspergers/Autism/ADHD/Bi-Polar/Dislexia/Highly Intellectual, Anxiety Disorder, Spiritually Awkward and 35 More ;) Welcome Home!

Check out our quick Elevator Pitch video here:

Cadence By KayeCee Austin YouTube Channel:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4qmLS8rsFQWemowqHTKmfQ