Process of production

Production process refers to the multiple stages a film or television series has to undergo before it reaches its audiences. It starts with pre-production, leads onto production, and ends with post-production.
This can be analysed in the context of Hollywood as well as Welsh productions for a comparative understanding of the process.

Pre-production is the stage where all critical groundwork is laid for the project. It involves conceptualisation, scriptwriting, storyboarding, casting, and budgeting.
In the context of Hollywood, this would usually involve detailed market research and multiple drafts of screenplays.
BBC Cymru Wales and S4C would focus more on the representation of local flavour and Welsh cultural storytelling through their scripts.

The production stage is where the actual filming happens. It involves shooting finished scripts following a schedule.
Hollywood productions are often heavily resourced and feature extensive art direction, special effects, and elaborately choreographed movements. They often feature global shooting locations.
Welsh productions are typically more localized, often choosing sets that represent the geographical and cultural identity of Wales.

Post-production is the final stage which includes editing, sound design, visual effects, and marketing. It’s where the pieces come together to make the final whole.
Hollywood productions invest heavily in creating special effects in post-production, as well as strategising extensive global marketing plans.
While Welsh productions may not have the full-scale marketing reach of Hollywood, they often utilise social media platforms effectively to promote shows, relying heavily on local support.

Pre-production, production, and post-production stages are interconnected. The success of one stage often hinges upon the successful completion of the previous.
Shifts or problems in one phase can often lead to changes or delays in the subsequent stages.

Grasping the intricacies of the production process gives a deeper understanding of how media products are created and why they are as they are.
It better informs the analysis of representations, industry practices and the cultural implications of media.