Filmmaking: Piecing together the puzzle

Filmmaking is a task that requires many people to come together and function as a team. In a film production there are several different departments that make up the entire team. Each aspect of production is broken down into departments such as art and camera. These departments then focus on the tasks that are specific to their specialty. Through the use of departments, all required tasks are covered and when all the departments work together as a unit the magic happens. Teamwork and planning are two key components that are required for any production team to be successful in the world of filmmaking.

Without money no production would be able to go on. Money that is going to be spent throughout the production must be carefully budgeted. There are so many aspects of a production that can be costly, having a budget will be indispensable so funds can be allotted properly and everything can be covered. Some important things to include in any budget are talent and crew costs, equipments rentals, art department needs, and permits. As money is dispensed to each department, known as petty cash, it is important for department heads to also keep a budget and keep receipts so production can understand how the money is being spent.

Planning for the film takes place in what is called pre production. During this phase of production everything is completely planned out for a to z. Each department plans out exactly what they need and how they will accomplish what they need to do when production begins. Having a solid plan and schedule is something that is essential to the success of the production. Having a plan a, b, and c is something that will make production less stressful. For example, if it rains and you cannot shoot outside, there is no need to panic. Thanks to your plan b production will not have to stop because you thought out a backup plan so production can continue.

The execution of the film is called principle photography. During this phase the film is actually shot. How smooth and efficient the shoot will go is all based upon how well thought out and planned it is. Without proper planning your production can truly crumble when they reach this stage. Again in this stage each department executes their own tasks so the story can be told and captured on film for audiences to enjoy.

Filmmaking is by far a team effort. Through collaborating and properly planning the industry saying that things should be done “faster, cheaper, and better” can actually be something that can be accomplished.

Movie Magic; Location Managing

When you watch a film, you are taken to so many different places as the story unfolds. It may be a beach, a city street, a helicopter in the sky, whatever the location may be, there is a hard working person behind the scenes who makes it all possible. They help to provide the canvas that is needed for the story to be told. Recently, I had the pleasure and opportunity to speak with France Myung Fagin about her experience as a location manager in the film industry. I am grateful for her sharing her experiences and giving me insight into this exciting industry.

Through my conversation with her I learned what it really entails to pull off some awesome movie magic. A typical day for Fagin is something that everyone may not be used to. Her main goal may be finding the perfect setting that fits the director’s vision for a scene, but it certainly doesn’t end there. After a location has been found and pitched to the director with a reason why it will work for the story, logistical plans must be thought out in order for a smooth production to take place. France describes this process as “planning a wedding for 200 people at each location.” Everything regarding each location is carefully planned out from getting necessary permits, to negotiating the financial aspect of the location, to where production vehicles will be held, as well as any security issues that may need to be addressed.

With an impressive number of credits to her name, France’s success is all thanks to her dedication to her work. As an aspiring filmmaker breaking into the industry, dedicating yourself to what you want to do is something that will be essential for your success. France shared with me that through interning and working as a production assistant, she learned a great amount of information that helped her get to where she is today. Although these positions may be unpaid, it is your dedication and ethics put forth into your work that will result in stepping-stones to other great opportunities.

Teamwork is one thing that France enjoys most about her job. Being part of a production she compared to being on a team where there are no slackers and everyone gives 110% all the time. The creative aspect also is something she enjoys as day after day she gets the chance to make something out of nothing. The pay off……watching the magic on the big screen. I can only imagine what it is like to see something that you put your all into being projected in front of a large audience. From start to finish there are many challenges that are overcome, but when it is all said and done the one word that can sum up the entire experience is magic.

Being persistent and constantly working to gain experience is key as she describes every minute being an opportunity. Speaking with France inspired me to keep going for my dreams. If I model my work ethics like France, through hard work, dedication, and most importantly asking questions, I know I can make it in this industry. I am more then excited to start showing others what I am capable of as I start to establish myself in the film industry. Thank you France for taking the time to give this aspiring filmmaker a peek into your life and your success as a location manager. 

Nyack Attempts to bring back film industry

The Journal News published an article about Nyack, NY debating lowering there filming costs in an attempt to bring filmmaking back to the village. As a filmmaker living in this area, this is something very exciting to me. I mean who wouldn't want to drive a minute down the road to work everyday. Having the opportunity to shoot a film in basically my own backyard is something that would never go forgotten. 


Although shop owners and residents do experience a bit of an inconvenience when film crews are shooting, there are many benefits of these shoots. Not only is the town brining in money from the fees, but Nyack has the chance of becoming more well known which will result in people wanting to come and visit also potentially bringing in more money to the town.

$25,000 a day to shoot in the town is definitely scaring production companies off. The town should come up with a reasonable rate and take advice from shop owners and residents on how the shoots should be handled and when they will be permitted and everything will run much smoother.

Nyack is such a beautiful town, and conveniently located not far from the city. Nyack's history and Hudson River backdrop is something that should be shared with all, and what better way to do it then through the lens. If the Nyack Board, its residents, and production companies all meet in the middle, then movies can be made, and Nyack can continue to become a film industry hot spot.