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Pre-production
Pre-production
from Wikipedia

Pre-production is the process of planning some of the elements involved in a film, television show, play, video game, or other performance, as distinct from production and post-production. Pre-production ends when the planning ends and the content starts being produced.

In film

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Pre-production formally begins once a project has been greenlit. It involves finalizing the script, hiring the actors and crew, finding locations, determining what equipment is needed, and figuring out the budget. At this stage, finalizing preparations for production go into effect. Financing will generally be confirmed and many of the key elements such as principal cast members, director, and cinematographer are set. By the end of pre-production, the screenplay is usually finalized and satisfactory to all the financiers and other stakeholders.

During pre-production, the script is broken down into individual scenes with storyboards and all the locations, props, cast members, costumes, special effects, and visual effects are identified.[1] An extremely detailed shooting schedule is produced and arrangements are made for the necessary elements to be available to the film-makers at the appropriate times. Sets are constructed, the crew is hired, financial arrangements are put in place and a start date for the beginning of principal photography is set. At some point in pre-production, there will be a read-through of the script which is usually attended by all cast members with speaking parts, the director, all heads of departments, financiers, producers, and publicists.

In music

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In the music industry, pre-production is a process whereby a recording artist spends time creating and refining their musical ideas. The artist thus produces a song's demo recording, or rough draft, in order to establish the song's creative premise. This reduces the time and money spent in expensive studios. The goal is to enter into the major recording phase of production with the basic and most promising ideas having been already established.

Notable producers who preferred this process have included Bruce Fairbairn and Bob Rock. They have both produced successful albums such as Bon Jovi's Slippery When Wet, Mötley Crüe's Dr. Feelgood, Metallica's The Black Album, and Aerosmith's Permanent Vacation.

See also

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from Grokipedia
Pre-production is the foundational planning phase in the creation of films, shows, commercials, games, theater productions, and other media projects, occurring after initial development and script finalization but before or filming commences. This stage involves coordinating creative, logistical, and financial elements to transform a into a feasible production blueprint, minimizing risks and ensuring efficiency during later phases. It typically includes to identify key requirements like characters, locations, and props; principal actors and hiring key production crew such as department heads, line producers, and other essential staff; and building a detailed that often allocates up to 80% of costs to crew salaries. Key activities in pre-production also encompass and securing permits, creating shooting schedules in collaboration with the first , and pre-visualizing sequences through storyboards, shot lists, or digital tools to align the director's vision with practical constraints. The process emphasizes collaboration among creatives like costume designers and directors of photography, while handling paperwork such as , contracts, and payroll setups to protect all parties involved. Effective pre-production is crucial for project success, as it prevents costly errors on set and adapts to varying formats—for instance, films allow extended timelines, while commercials demand rapid execution.

Overview

Definition

Pre-production is the initial planning stage in creative projects across industries such as , television, , theater, and video games, where essential preparations are made after the concept has been approved but before the principal execution phase commences. This phase encompasses creative and logistical tasks to organize resources, mitigate uncertainties, and establish a blueprint for the project, ensuring a smooth transition into active production. In and television, it involves refining narratives and assembling teams; in , it focuses on song arrangements and rehearsals; in theater, it includes set planning and ; and in video games, it covers prototyping core mechanics. It is distinct from pre-development, which centers on idea generation, initial scripting, and securing , and from production, which entails the actual filming, recording, or building of the work. Pre-production concludes when key deliverables are finalized, such as polished scripts, detailed budgets, production schedules, and preliminary visuals, providing a comprehensive framework to guide the subsequent execution. This demarcation ensures that creative visions are methodically translated into feasible plans without overlapping into exploratory ideation or hands-on creation. The concept of pre-production originated in the early 20th-century , formalized during the rise of the Hollywood studio system in the , when structured departments for scripting, , and emerged to streamline large-scale productions. As film technology advanced, pre-production evolved to incorporate digital tools by the , including software and computer-generated pre-visualization, which enhanced planning efficiency and visual planning across media.

Importance and Phases

Pre-production plays a pivotal role in creative projects across industries such as , , and video games by enabling significant cost savings through meticulous planning, with effective strategies reducing project outlays by 15-20%. This phase also mitigates risks by identifying potential challenges early, such as logistical hurdles or , thereby preventing costly delays during execution. Furthermore, it facilitates creative refinement, allowing teams to polish ideas and ensure conceptual coherence before committing resources. Finally, pre-production fosters team alignment by establishing clear goals and communication protocols, minimizing misunderstandings and enhancing collaboration. The process typically unfolds in sequential phases that provide a structured framework applicable to various media projects. It begins with concept finalization, where the project's core vision and objectives are defined and refined into a viable plan. This is followed by , encompassing budgeting, scheduling, and assembling key personnel to match project needs. Creative development then occurs, involving detailed outlining of elements like narratives or designs to guide implementation. The phase concludes with approval gates, where stakeholders review and the plan, ensuring alignment before advancing to production. Depending on the project's scale, pre-production generally spans 2-6 months for feature films and 6-24 months or longer for AAA video games; smaller endeavors may take weeks. Common tools supporting these efforts include such as , founded in 2000 to streamline scripting and pre-production workflows, alongside collaborative platforms like for task tracking and team coordination.

In Film and Television

Script Development

Script development forms the foundational narrative core of film and television projects during pre-production, beginning with a treatment—a concise summary of the story, characters, and key plot points, typically 5-10 pages long—that outlines the project's vision before expanding into a full . This initial stage allows writers to refine concepts and pitch ideas to producers or studios, often through pitch meetings where the treatment is presented verbally to gauge interest and secure development . From the treatment, the process advances to drafting the first screenplay, which adheres to industry-standard formatting for scenes, , and action descriptions, followed by multiple revisions incorporating feedback from directors, producers, and collaborators to strengthen character motivations and resolve structural issues. In television series, script development frequently occurs in writers' rooms, collaborative spaces where a team of writers, led by a , breaks down season arcs, outlines episodes, and assigns drafting duties, ensuring consistency across multiple scripts while allowing for iterative revisions based on network notes or director input. Tools such as beat sheets—linear outlines listing major story beats or turning points—aid in structuring the narrative, helping writers map acts, rising action, and climaxes before full drafting. software like Final Draft, which automates proper formatting, has become essential since its introduction in the early , marking a shift from manual typewriters to digital tools that began in the with early programs, streamlining revisions and collaboration. By the end of pre-production, the key outcome is a locked script—a finalized version approved for shooting, with character arcs, plot points, and dialogue set to guide production without major alterations, as changes post-lock can disrupt schedules and inflate budgets. This locked document ensures the narrative foundation supports efficient filming and post-production alignment.

Casting and Crew

In the pre-production phase of film and television, begins with the casting director reviewing character breakdowns derived from to identify suitable actors for principal roles. The process typically involves posting calls through industry platforms or agents, followed by initial auditions where actors perform scripted scenes to demonstrate their fit for the character. Callbacks may ensue for more detailed readings, and chemistry reads are conducted to assess interpersonal dynamics between potential co-stars, ensuring on-screen rapport aligns with the narrative demands. Once preferred actors are selected, offers are extended via their agents, who negotiate terms such as fees, schedules, and perks before finalizing deals. Post-2010s industry standards have increasingly emphasized diversity in , driven by audience preferences and inclusion initiatives, with people of color comprising 27.6% of leads in top-grossing films in (up from 10.5% in 2011), though declining to 25% in 2024. Women accounted for 44.1% of leads in . This shift reflects broader efforts to represent underrepresented groups and ethnic minorities, as films with 41-50% minority casts achieved the highest median global revenues in , a trend that continued into 2024 with diverse casts driving strong performance. directors now prioritize inclusive slates to meet these evolving expectations and comply with guidelines from organizations like the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Assembling the crew commences early in pre-production, with the hiring key department heads to translate the creative vision into practical execution. The director of photography (DP) is typically recruited first to collaborate on visual style, overseeing camera and teams. The follows, leading the art department in conceptualizing sets, props, and locations to support the story's aesthetic. Other department heads, such as the gaffer for lighting and for rigging, are selected through professional networks or DP recommendations, ensuring cohesive technical support. For union productions, guidelines mandate that producers become signatories, clear hired talent for good standing, and adhere to preference of employment provisions favoring union members. Contracts distinguish between above-the-line (ATL) and below-the-line (BTL) personnel, with ATL roles encompassing creative leads like , directors, and producers who receive fixed compensation packages negotiated upfront, often including profit participation. BTL crew, including the DP, , and technicians, are compensated hourly or daily under standardized union rates, focusing on execution rather than creative input. Both categories typically require non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) to safeguard details such as scripts, plot points, and production plans from pre-production through release. These structures ensure legal protections and fair remuneration aligned with industry norms.

Budgeting and Logistics

Budgeting in film and television pre-production involves creating a detailed that outlines all anticipated costs, ensuring the project remains feasible within available . This typically begins with a top-sheet summary estimating major categories, followed by a granular line-item breakdown to allocate resources precisely. Above-the-line costs, encompassing creative elements such as principal salaries, director fees, compensation, and script rights, often account for 30-35% of the total . Below-the-line expenses, which cover operational aspects like wages, , and locations, constitute the remaining 65-70%, with and frequently representing around 40% of the overall allocation due to their central role in . For instance, locations and permits might comprise 20% in location-heavy productions, while reserves another 20-25%. To manage these allocations, producers use specialized software like Movie Magic Budgeting, an industry-standard tool developed by Entertainment Partners that allows for customizable line-item entries, scenario modeling, and integration with scheduling modules to track costs in real-time. Contingency funds are a critical component, typically set at 10-15% of the total to buffer against unforeseen expenses such as reshoots or supply chain disruptions; this reserve is not an overhead but a strategic allocation reviewed weekly during pre-production. These budgets are iterative, often revised after securing financing or quotes from vendors, prioritizing cost control to attract investors who scrutinize financial viability. Scheduling complements budgeting by establishing a timeline that aligns expenditures with production phases, starting with a shooting calendar that maps out days—typically 20-60 for features—factoring in crew availability and asset procurement. This calendar incorporates risk assessments for variables like weather delays in exterior shoots or actor scheduling conflicts, often using tools like Movie Magic Scheduling to simulate adjustments and minimize downtime costs. Daily operations are detailed in call sheets, distributed 12-24 hours before each shoot, which specify cast and crew arrival times, scene orders, transportation logistics, and safety protocols to ensure efficient resource use. Integration with timelines is essential, as pre-production schedules reserve buffers for and pipelines, preventing budget overruns from extended . Logistics in pre-production encompass securing , permits, and rentals to mitigate legal and operational risks. Production policies, often costing 2-5% of the budget, cover general liability (minimum $1 million per occurrence), for crew injuries, and errors & omissions for claims; certificates of must be obtained early to satisfy vendors and locations. Permits for filming in or private spaces require proof of and can take weeks to process, with fees varying by —urban shoots might incur daily costs of $500-$5,000. , a major below-the-line expense, involves negotiating short-term leases for cameras, lighting, and grip gear through houses like Keslow Camera, with coverage under inland marine policies protecting against or damage during transport and use. Since the 2010s, the rise of streaming platforms has influenced these logistics by shifting budgets toward upfront platform financing rather than theatrical , enabling more flexible scheduling for global releases but increasing demands for diverse language dubs and features in planning.

In Music

Demo Production

Demo production forms a cornerstone of music pre-production, where artists and producers create preliminary recordings—known as demos—to explore and solidify elements prior to full-scale studio sessions. These rough tracks serve as prototypes, allowing experimentation with core components such as , , , and structure without the high costs associated with professional recording environments. By capturing initial ideas in a low-stakes setting, demo production facilitates iterative feedback and adjustments, ensuring the material is polished and viable before entering the more expensive production phase. Historically, demo production evolved significantly from analog methods in the to digital tools in the , transforming accessibility and precision. In the , artists relied on portable analog tape machines for , enabling basic layering of instruments and vocals through techniques like track bouncing, where completed sections were mixed onto another tape track to free up space for additional overdubs. involved manual splicing with blades to trim or rearrange sections, testing arrangements, , and in a tactile, error-prone process limited by tape length and fidelity degradation over multiple passes. By the , the introduction of digital audio workstations (DAWs) such as in 1991 shifted demos to computer-based systems, offering unlimited virtual tracks, non-destructive , and instant playback without physical wear. This digital transition democratized demo creation, allowing home producers to simulate studio-quality rough tracks using integration for virtual instruments and precise tempo mapping. In recent years, as of 2025, AI-assisted tools for melody generation and auto-harmonization have further streamlined demo production, enabling faster ideation in remote setups. Key techniques in demo production include multitracking to layer vocals and instruments progressively, often starting with basic rhythm sections before adding melodic elements, and collaborative tempo adjustments using click tracks or metronomes to align the band's feel. These methods help test lyrical delivery, harmonic progressions, and instrumental balances in real-time, with producers guiding refinements through playback discussions in rooms or modest setups equipped with minimal , such as a single condenser mic for full-band captures. For instance, during pre-production for Bon Jovi's 1986 album , the band recorded multiple demos of over two dozen songs, road-testing them for audience reactions and refining arrangements with producer and engineer at in , which honed hits like "" through iterative layering and structural tweaks. The overarching goals of demo production are to achieve a cohesive sonic vision and mitigate risks in the subsequent recording , thereby reducing the need for time-intensive and expensive revisions in the main studio. By identifying weaknesses in arrangements or early, demos preserve creative momentum and budgetary efficiency, as unresolved issues can otherwise escalate costs during full production.

and

In music pre-production, collaboration begins with selecting a who aligns with the artist's vision, often drawing on established figures like , whose methods since the emphasize and authenticity to capture the core essence of performances. Rubin's approach involves stripping away excess to focus on raw emotion and clarity, as seen in his work with artists from Def Jam onward, fostering an environment where musicians refine ideas without overproduction. A&R representatives provide critical feedback during this phase, evaluating , market trends, and production viability to guide refinements before full recording. Co-writing sessions further enhance these partnerships, where songwriters collaborate in structured environments to develop lyrics, melodies, and arrangements, often starting with pre-made ideas or improvising to ensure compatibility and commercial potential. Planning in pre-production extends to strategic decisions on tracklisting, where artists and producers sequence songs to create narrative flow and listener engagement, typically finalizing this with input from labels to optimize cohesion. Marketing tie-ins are integrated early, coordinating promotional campaigns like teasers or partnerships with brands to build pre-release buzz aligned with the 's themes. Tour alignment follows, scheduling live performances to coincide with release dates for maximum exposure, often planning setlists around key tracks to sustain momentum post-launch. Budgeting is meticulously outlined for studio time, allocating funds for rehearsals and demos to avoid overruns, alongside provisions for promotion such as and distribution fees. Contracts form the legal backbone of these collaborations, detailing advances—upfront payments recouped from future earnings—to fund pre-production activities, alongside royalty structures where s receive 10-20% of net revenues from sales and streams. Master typically vests with the label or , granting control over distribution and licensing, though producers may negotiate points (typically 2-5%) in royalties for their contributions. Post-2020, independent s have leveraged platforms like for more equitable deals, such as fan-powered royalties introduced in 2021, which distribute earnings based on listener engagement rather than pro-rata shares, empowering self-released creators to retain greater and revenue control. These shifts reflect a broader move toward artist-centric models, reducing reliance on traditional label advances in favor of direct-to-fan monetization.

In Video Games

Concept Design

Concept design marks the foundational stage of video game pre-production, where developers ideate and document the core vision of the game to guide subsequent development phases. This process typically begins with the creation of a (GDD), a comprehensive blueprint that outlines key gameplay , narrative elements, and artistic direction. The GDD serves as a central reference, evolving iteratively to capture the game's high-level concept, including rules, player interactions, and visual , ensuring alignment among stakeholders before resources are committed to production. Central to concept design are decisions on , , and strategies, which shape the game's scope and market viability. selection—such as action, , or —defines the structural framework and influences player expectations, drawing from established conventions while allowing for . Identifying the involves analyzing demographics, preferences, and behaviors to tailor content, often through that informs accessibility and engagement features. models, like the approach that gained prominence in the , are evaluated early; this model relies on in-game purchases and advertisements to generate revenue, enabling broader accessibility compared to traditional upfront sales. Historically, concept design has evolved from rudimentary text-based outlines in the 1970s, as seen in early titles like (1976), which relied on simple written specifications for , to more dynamic approaches in contemporary development. By the , tools like the Unity engine, released in 2005, facilitated rapid prototyping of concepts, allowing developers to visualize mechanics and art styles interactively within accessible software environments. In modern development, agile methodologies have become prevalent, emphasizing iterative documentation and flexibility over rigid upfront planning, enabling small teams to adapt concepts based on ongoing feedback and prototypes. As of 2025, (AI) tools are increasingly integrated into concept design, assisting with ideation, market forecasting, and generating initial GDD drafts; platforms like Ludo.ai enable developers to analyze trends and brainstorm mechanics efficiently, accelerating the alignment of creative vision with market demands. These initial designs lay the groundwork for prototyping, where ideas are tested and refined in greater detail.

Prototyping and Documentation

In video game pre-production, prototyping involves creating testable models, often in the form of vertical slices, which are self-contained segments that demonstrate core loops such as player movement, combat , or puzzle-solving interactions. These slices allow developers to validate fundamental design assumptions early, using game engines like , which has supported rapid prototyping since its debut alongside the 1998 Unreal, enabling quick assembly of interactive elements without full asset integration. occurs through structured playtesting sessions, where teams gather feedback on and , refining in cycles that prioritize fun and feasibility before advancing to production. In recent developments as of 2025, AI-driven tools facilitate faster prototyping by automating code generation and asset creation; for example, generative AI integrated with engines like Unity allows for quick on and visuals, reducing time from concept to testable prototype. Documentation complements prototyping by compiling detailed technical specifications that outline system architecture, including engine configurations, scripting requirements, and integration protocols for features. Essential components include comprehensive asset lists categorizing models, textures, audio files, and animations needed for the , alongside milestone timelines that map pre-production deliverables such as completion dates and review checkpoints. UI/UX wireframes are integral, providing low-fidelity sketches of interface layouts, menu flows, and HUD elements to ensure intuitive player navigation and alignment with concept outlines from earlier design phases. Risk management in this stage emphasizes feasibility studies to assess hardware constraints, particularly for emerging technologies like VR and AR, which gained prominence in game development during the 2010s with devices such as and . These studies evaluate performance limits, including rendering demands on GPUs, motion tracking accuracy, and input latency, to mitigate risks of incompatibility or suboptimal immersion; for instance, early VR prototypes often tested against constraints like limited field-of-view and battery life to inform scalable designs. By integrating such analyses, teams avoid costly pivots later, ensuring prototypes remain viable across target platforms.

In Theater

Script Adaptation

Script adaptation in theater pre-production involves transforming source material—such as novels, historical events, or existing plays—into a performable script tailored for , ensuring coherence and dramatic viability. This process begins with selecting source material that resonates with the production's thematic goals, often driven by an intuitive "itch" to explore stories that address contemporary concerns, as exemplified in adaptations like Kneehigh Theatre's reworking of Hans Christian Andersen's "The Red Shoes." Dramaturgs play a central role by conducting initial script analyses to evaluate structure, style, mood, and potential ambiguities, while researching the source's historical and cultural context to inform revisions. Acquiring rights is a foundational step, particularly for adaptations of protected works like Broadway musicals, where producers must negotiate with copyright holders through standardized contracts such as the Approved Production Contract () administered by the Dramatists Guild. Under the , writers retain ownership and approval over script changes, artistic personnel, and non-granted rights like foreign productions or amateur licensing, ensuring controlled adaptation while protecting the original vision. For sources or originals, playwriting proceeds directly, but adaptations require explicit permissions to avoid legal violations, with organizations like Theatrical Rights Worldwide handling licensing for shows such as the recent acquisition of "BOOP! The Musical." The core playwriting phase emphasizes iterative revisions incorporating director input, evolving the script through collaborative devising, improvisation, and feedback to create a "living script" that integrates dialogue, stage directions, and performative elements. Techniques include dramatic structure analysis, which breaks down the narrative into key elements like exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution—often using Freytag's Pyramid—to test character journeys and ensure the protagonist faces crises that provoke cathartic audience engagement without overt resolution. Table reads, conducted early in pre-production, facilitate this by having s perform the script aloud in a seated format, revealing pacing issues, emotional shifts, and character clarity; a designated reader handles stage directions, and post-read discussions yield targeted revisions based on actor insights. Historical examples from 1920s experimental theater illustrate innovative adaptation techniques, such as Elmer Rice's "The Adding Machine" (1923), an expressionist play adapting mechanized alienation themes into fragmented, non-linear scripts that challenged traditional dramatic structure through surreal dialogue and episodic scenes, influencing later modernist works. By the end of the pre-production phase, the script reaches a finalized form with polished dialogue and precise stage directions, ready for integration with design elements like sets and rehearsals.

Design and Rehearsal Planning

In theater pre-production, design elements form the foundational visual framework for the performance, beginning with set models that allow scenic designers to visualize and refine spatial arrangements. These scale models, often constructed at 1/4" or 1/2" = 1'-0" scale, incorporate floor plans, elevations, and perspective sketches to communicate the production's aesthetic and practical needs to the director, technical , and builders. sketches, developed through iterative research and mood boarding, capture character-specific attire, ensuring alignment with the script's era, personality, and movement requirements while considering actors' physicality for realism. plots, created as composite scale drawings (typically 1/4" or 1/2" = 1'-0"), detail fixture types, positions, channels, and color gels, integrating practical elements like set fixtures to support mood and visibility. These designs often reference script cues to synchronize visual transitions with dialogue and action. Collaboration with scenic artists is essential, involving the exchange of paint elevations, color swatches, and technique discussions to translate sketches into executable backdrops and textures that enhance the overall environment. Rehearsal planning coordinates the logistical backbone of pre-production, starting with blocking schedules that outline actor movements and stage positions, recorded by the stage manager in the prompt script during initial director-led sessions. Understudy assignments are formalized early, with contracts specifying covered roles and requiring a posted list by the end of the first rehearsal week; these performers observe sessions and prepare through dedicated line runs and blocking reviews to ensure seamless coverage. Venue bookings secure rehearsal and performance spaces, with stage managers verifying availability against production timelines and faculty oversight to avoid conflicts. Budgeting for props and travel integrates these elements, as properties masters compile lists with cost estimates approved by technical directors, while travel allocations cover cast relocation if needed, all calibrated to the overall financial plan to prevent overruns. Post-2020 pandemic adaptations have introduced virtual rehearsals via platforms like Zoom, enabling remote blocking and collaboration for geographically dispersed casts, as seen in university productions that connected performers across regions for improv and scripted work. Hybrid models now blend these digital tools with in-person sessions, allowing flexible planning that maintains safety and accessibility while preserving the live essence of theater preparation.

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