Concept design is essential to the success of your film as an artist or filmmaker. A portfolio can help secure future projects in addition to helping one establish contacts and gain experience within the industry through concept art.
Keep in mind that cinematic art is constantly evolving, so why not begin your career as a cinematic artist right away? Who knows, maybe the next big thing will be something you made!
Elements of Concept Development
- Ideas
Film making is an art that requires much time, energy, and money. One of the key components of film production is concept development – this involves brainstorming your ideas to form a storyboard; also identifying your target audience and overall purpose to help make sure you create something both entertaining and successful.
- Documentation
Begin by making a mood board featuring any images or sketches that inspire you; this will provide an indication of the tone and artistic style for your film, while giving you ideas for characters, locations, visual styles etc.
Once all options have been explored fully then create a storyboard describing key scenes within your film that will serve as a useful reference when shooting starts and will ensure that it fulfills its vision.
- Budgeting
Step two of concept development involves creating a budget for your film. This should include all production costs as well as any related expenses like location scouting, catering services, props wardrobe rentals equipment rentals and legal fees.
- Scripting
A script is an integral element of filmmaking. A comprehensive script will help sell your idea to producers and investors more easily and will allow you to fine-tune every detail before filming begins.
- Cinematography
Cinematography is another integral component of film, including how scenes are framed, toned and colored. Cinematography can influence how viewers react to scenes; for instance in The Party the director used close up shots with claustrophobic close ups to trigger emotional reactions from viewers.
- Technology
Concept art is an integral element of filmmaking and involves creating your vision onto paper or screen using various techniques, from hand drawn sketches to digital software. Many concept artists dedicate themselves exclusively to this form of expression – using their ability to translate a concept into images that tell a story effectively through imagery.
- Characterization
At this stage, the concept artist may also assist with character and object concepts for use in film. These may be adjusted for optimal effect within its narrative arc – for instance altering an actor’s appearance to fit more naturally or make him or her more identifiable in the film.
- Clear Idea
An engaging high concept can help entice potential producers and investors. A clear idea should be easily grasped; an example would be Tootsie which tells of an unemployed actor disguised as female in order to secure work in a soap opera.
Importance of Concept Development in film making
- Easy to understand for actors
Filmmakers use concept art to visualize potential film plotlines – but concept artists play another crucial role too: they help shape characters, environments and sets in addition to helping develop them for a great film experience.
- Storyline
As storytelling is at the core of any film, establishing a solid storyline is of paramount importance and should have an influence over all else. A compelling plot must include clear dialogue and engaging action scenes; furthermore it should reflect genre and culture.
- Target specific audiences
A script serves as the blueprint for any movie, providing dialogue, action and setting details. A strong, original and creative script can set your movie apart from others while being targeted towards specific target audiences and what they expect. A good script should also be easy to understand for its readers.
- Useful for Pre-production
Pre-production planning is an integral component of filmmaking. This stage allows filmmakers to identify their central theme and artistic style for the movie they wish to make as well as establish its budget.
- Systematic process
Concept development should follow a systematic process in order to give yourself an edge when pitching it to producers or agents, showing your knowledge of filmmaking processes as well as providing direction for your vision.
Film making Without Concept Development
- No base
Here is where your idea becomes a script or outline for a story and develops its characters, plot and settings before also working out its visual style and aesthetic. Additionally, concept development offers great opportunity for brainstorming creative solutions and brainstorming creatively. Without Concept development there is no film making.
- No Scripting
At this stage, it can also help to create storyboards to help visualize your ideas. They can include any aspect of your film: location, costumes and visual styles – or simply explore various possibilities before selecting what best fits for your film. Running your ideas/script by others for feedback early will allow you to identify any problems early and make adjustments as needed.
- No Research
Researching your film is another integral step in the production process, including researching similar genre films and resources available, as well as understanding your target audience better. Doing this will give you a deeper insight into your film and how best to reach them out with its message.
- No Scheduling
Beginning your production schedule and budget planning now can also save time and stress during filming. A clear understanding of what must be completed when will help guide everyone involved – the director, producer, editor. Having an organized plan in place can alleviate pressure while on set.
- No budgeting
It will also be necessary to secure any necessary rights and finalize a budget for your film project. This may prove time consuming; many producers begin networking and attending festivals both domestically and abroad to show their material off to potential financiers.
At this stage, it’s time to evaluate your refined concept against your business strategy and ensure it aligns with it.
Considerations should include market size, target audience demographics, competition pricing strategies and commercial viability as part of this evaluation process.
It may also be beneficial to test it early with a prototype as this can save both time and money down the road.
