Production Role Research

I was an actor in the teaser trailer and I was also the main compser of the trailer.

ACTOR

Actors are the embodiment of any film production - theirs is the public face, which represents many others' work and efforts. It is rare for the public to see the Scriptwriter, the Producer, or the Director of a film - their perception is based on what is portrayed by the Actors on screen: they present a visual interpretation of the script.

For some roles, they must carry out extensive research, for others their character is moulded and developed during rehearsals. They work with the Director to create believable, natural characters expressing the appropriate emotions, based on the Scriptwriter's words, but built upon in order to convince the audience of their veracity.

On films, they must be able to learn their lines quickly, and to retain their meaning and inflection, while sometimes repeating the same scene many times over, for re-takes, and while scenes are shot from different angles. They should also know their fellow Actors' lines, so that they can respond to them accurately and appropriately.

They must be able to contribute ideas and suggestions to improve their own performance, in a creative and collaborative way, whilst also being able to take direction, notes and constructive criticism from members of the Directing team. They need to remember their exact positions and movements at any given time during the performance, to assist with continuity.

They must also be able to continually hit their marks on set, without looking down to locate them. Actors must be infinitely adaptable, as they may find themselves portraying many different characters over a short period of time. They must be aware that others contribute to their characterisation, e.g., those working in the Make Up, Costume, and Design teams, and that they may be serviced by a host of others in terms of transport, catering, etc., but that the ultimate responsibility lies with the Actors themselves.

As casting a well known Actor may provide the main marketing point of a feature film, he or she bears a great deal of the responsibility for its box office success, or failure. Actors also have a responsibility to their audience, to ensure that they deliver consistent performances, to the best of their abilities, irrespective of their personal circumstances.

COMPOSERS

Composers write music that is appropriate for each film, and consistent with the Director's vision. Ideally working in creative collaboration with Directors, Composers write scores that guide the audience through the drama, increase films' emotional impact, and give them atmosphere. Composers assemble and brief appropriate teams, including Orchestrators, Copyists, and Programmers, and oversee the entire process, from early in pre-production when films are at the assembly stage, through to the final sound mix, or dub.

Responsibilities

Composers are responsible for writing original music for films. They discuss ideas with Directors, and establish where and when music is required during spotting sessions. They produce a demo score, searching for a musical style to suit the story, and decide on the themes and purpose of the music. Composers may also be required to produce temp tracks, sometimes made up of other composers' work, which can be used in test screenings. They write themes to pictures, and they deal with any required revisions, often collaborating closely with the Editor to hone the score as the edit progresses. Composers prepare the score, usually on midi files, for the Orchestrator (who may also have some creative input), and the Copyist. Composers prepare all the electronic aspects of the score for the recording sessions, and attend the sessions. They are responsible for delivering the score to the Producer, together with all recordable media, prepared to specific requirements. Composers' work is usually overseen by Music Supervisors or Music Agents.

Skills

Composers for film productions need to be musically versatile, and able to compose in different styles. They must be able to improvise, and to create themes quickly under the pressure of deadlines. They need to be able to work collaboratively, and to be flexible and willing to compromise. The ability to listen to Directors, and to translate their vision into musical terms, is crucial. Many Composers use samples, and produce electronic scores using technology such as ProTools. Computer skills, and the ability to work with new technology are increasingly required. Composers must have a feel for drama and narrative, and the ability to write music to pictures. An understanding of the technical side of filmmaking, and an appreciation of how this affects the sound, are also important. Imagination and a passion for film and music are essential.