Principal photography

Principal photography is the phase of film production in which the bulk of the movie is filmed, with actors on set and cameras rolling, as distinct from pre-production and post-production.[1][2] Principal photography is typically the most expensive phase of film production, due to actor, director, and set crew salaries, as well as the costs of certain shots, props, and on set special effects.[1][3]

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Its start generally marks a point of no return for the financiers, because until it is complete, there is unlikely to be enough material filmed to release a final product needed to recoup costs.[3]

While it is common for a film to lose its greenlight status during pre production – for example, when an essential cast member drops out or unexpectedly dies, or some scandal engulfs the studio or an actor – it is rare for the film to lose financing once principal photography has begun.[3]

Feature films usually have insurance in place by the time principal photography begins. The death of a bankable star before completing all planned takes or the loss of sets or footage can render a film impossible to complete as planned. Furthermore, professional quality movie cameras are usually rented as needed, and most camera houses do not allow rentals of their equipment without proof of insurance.[4]

Once a film concludes principal photography, it is said to have wrapped, and a wrap party may be organized to celebrate. During post-production, it may become apparent that some shots or sequences are missing or incomplete and are required to complete the film, or that a particular scene is not playing as expected, or that a performer needs to be replaced entirely. In these circumstances, additional material may have to be shot.

If the material has already been shot once or is substantial, this process is referred to as a re-shoot. However, if the material is new and relatively minor, it is often referred to as a pick-up.

References
  1. Manriquez, Antonio; McCluskey, Tom (2014). Video Production 101: Delivering the Message. Peachpit Press. p. 34. ISBN 9780133819915. Retrieved 18 August 2019.
  2. Lee, John J. Jr.; Gillen, Anne Marie (1 November 2010). The Producer's Business Handbook: The Roadmap for the Balanced Film Producer. Focal Press. pp. 218–. ISBN 9780240814636. Retrieved 29 April 2012.
  3. Kelly Crabb (2005). The Movie Business: The Definitive Guide to the Legal and Financial Secrets of Getting Your Movie Made. Simon & Schuster. pp. 276–277. ISBN 0743264924. Retrieved 31 December 2014.
  4. Campbell, Bruce (2006). The Complete Guide to Low-Budget Feature Filmmaking. Rockville, MD: Wildside Press. p. 82. ISBN 9780809556908. Retrieved 11 May 2016.
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