Once a project is approved, whether developed from an original idea or 
taken from an existing literary work, screenwriters will be brought in to 
turn that idea into a screenplay or a script for a television pilot (a 
sample episode of a proposed television series). Screenwriters work 
closely with producers and directors. Sometimes they prepare a 
treatment, a synopsis of the story and how a few scenes will play out, 
but no dialogue. Before filming or taping can begin, screenwriters will 
prepare a “shooting script,” which has instructions pertaining to shots, 
camera angles, and lighting. Frequently, screenwriters make changes to
reflect the directors’ and producers’ ideas and desires. The work, 
therefore, requires not only creativity, but also an ability to collaborate 
with others and to write and rewrite many versions of a script under pressure. 
Although the work of feature film screenwriters generally ends when 
shooting begins,  writing for a television series usually continues 
throughout the television season with a new script required for every 
episode.

Postproduction:  
activities take place in editing rooms and recording studios, where the 
film is shaped into its final form. One of the most important tasks in 
filmmaking and television production is editing. After a film is shot and 
processed, film and video editors study footage, select the best shots, 
and assemble them in the most effective way. Their goal is to create 
dramatic continuity and the right pace for the desired mood. Editors first 
organize the footage and then structure the sequence of the film by splicing and
resplicing the best shots. They must have a good eye and understand 
the subject of the film and the director’s intentions. The ability to work 
with digital media also is becoming increasingly important. Strong 
computer skills are mandatory for most jobs. However, few industry wide 
standards exist, so companies often look for people with skills in the 
hardware or software they are currently using.

Assistant editors or dubbing editors select the soundtrack and special
sound effects to produce the final combination of sight and sound as it 
appears on the screen. Editing room assistants help with splicing, 
patching, rewinding, coding, and storing film. Some television networks 
have film librarians, who are responsible for organizing, filing, cataloging, 
and selecting footage for the film editors. There is no one way of 
entering the occupation of editor; but experience as a film librarian, 
camera operator, sound editor, or assistant editor—plus talent and 
perseverance—usually help.

Sound effects editors or audio recording engineers perform one of
 the final jobs in postproduction: Adding prerecorded and live sound 
effects and background music by manipulating various elements of music,
dialogue, and background sound to fit the picture. Their work is 
becoming increasingly computer driven as electronic equipment replaces 
conventional tape-recording devices. The best way to gain experience 
in sound editing is through work in radio stations, with music groups, in
music videos, or by adding audio to Internet sites.

Production:
 is the actual making of the film. The number of people involved in the 
production phase can vary from a few, for a documentary film, to 
hundreds, for a feature film. It is during this phase that the actual filming
is done.

Even before the film or television show starts production, marketing
personnel develop the marketing strategy for the release. They estimate the
demand for the film or show and the audience to whom it will appeal, 
develop an advertising plan, and decide where and when to release the
work. 

They also may follow the filming or review film looking for images to use 
in movie trailers and advertising. Advertising workers, or “unit publicists,
” write press releases and short biographies of actors and directors for
newspapers and magazines. They may also set up interviews or 
television appearances for the stars or director to promote a film or 
television series. Sales representatives sell the finished product.