Shooting for Success: The Production Phase of Nigerian Filmmaking

The production phase is the critical stage where a film’s creative vision transforms into tangible footage. During this period, the entire cast and crew work together to capture scenes on camera. Understanding the ins and outs of production provides insights into how Nigerian films progress from pre-production planning to actual filming.

Production is the pivotal phase that turns a script into a living, breathing film through dedicated on-set craftsmanship. Let’s delve into the organization, techniques, and collaborations that enable Nollywood films to shoot successfully within budget and on schedule.

An Overview of the Production Phase

The production phase is the active filming period of a project where scenes are shot on camera. This involves:

• Bringing together the cast and crew to execute the shoot in a practical sense.
• Careful logistical planning to make the most of limited budgets and shooting days.
• Maintaining strict discipline during filming to complete scenes safely and efficiently.
• The entire team working under intense pressure to achieve complex creative and technical execution.

The duration of this critical stage can vary from several weeks to a few months for a feature film, depending on its scale. Thorough pre-production planning helps ensure a smooth production phase.

During Nollywood’s early direct-to-video era, productions often happened rapidly with minimal preparation, crew, or resources. However, as the industry has evolved, higher-budget Nigerian films now require a more controlled and professionally planned production phase that follows global best practices while preserving local uniqueness.

Thorough Preparations for Production

To increase the chances of an organized and successful shoot, diligent filmmakers finalize several key elements in pre-production before production begins:

• Finalizing the shooting schedule and breaking down the script scene by scene to strategically maximize budgets and shooting days.
• Securing locations, permits, equipment rentals, vendor services, and the necessary personnel for the complex production.
• Conducting intensive table reads and rehearsals with the cast to prepare them thoroughly before cameras start rolling.
• Reviewing storyboards, shot lists, and shooting logistics with department heads to ensure seamless alignment among all crew and creative elements.

Well-Coordinated Workflows on Set

A typical day of production involves carefully planned workflows across different departments:

• The crew assembles early to set up lighting, cameras, and the shooting set for the day’s scenes.
• Once the cast arrives, they rehearse their movements and get ready in makeup and wardrobe.
• The assistant director manages the tight shooting schedule, addressing any timing issues while maintaining a focused atmosphere.
• The director guides the actors between takes, fine-tuning performances and camera angles.
• Multiple shots of each scene are taken to ensure complete coverage.
• Each completed scene marks progress on the shooting schedule and budget.

Quickly addressing any issues or delays is crucial, given the limited time available each day. After wrapping, the footage is backed up, and plans are made for the next day’s shoot.

Navigating the Complexities of Film Production

Shooting a narrative involves a delicate balance of creative and technical skills:

• Cinematographers work on camera movements and lighting in collaboration with the camera team.
• Sound mixers capture clear audio, often requiring a quiet set.
• Directors guide actors to deliver authentic performances, offering feedback after each take.
• Script supervisors ensure continuity in props, wardrobe, and blocking across shots.

This synchronization of all production elements on set ensures that the raw footage can be seamlessly edited into a coherent film during post-production.

The Crucial Role of the Director on Set

The director plays a pivotal role in setting the tone on set by:

• Communicating daily goals, priorities, and the overall vision to the cast and crew.
• Offering constructive feedback to actors and collaborating with camera teams to refine shot composition.
• Reviewing playback to ensure scenes align with the intended style, mood, and pacing.
• Resolving issues and conflicts that may arise during production.
• Maintaining the creative integrity and consistency of the film’s vision throughout the challenging production environment.

Planning for Post-Production

As production concludes, preparations for post-production begin:

• The assistant director and editor create detailed shooting logs, documenting scenes, takes, and any issues for editing guidance.
• Footage is organized and stored systematically for the post-production team.
• Schedules and deadlines for post-production are established well in advance.

The discipline and organization during principal photography provide greater creative flexibility during the post-production phase.

Through teamwork, technical expertise, and composure under pressure, Nollywood productions transition from scripts to filmed footage, ready to be crafted into a polished final film. Effective planning and leadership empower the production phase to capture the creative vision that will resonate with audiences.