Media Production: Pre-production, Production and Post-production
What you must understand
This domain covers the production process as a designed, documented workflow. You need to know the purpose of a production design plan: intention, audience, research, script or storyboard, shot list, equipment and location planning, and a timeline. Understand the roles of pre-production (planning, permissions, risk assessment), production (capture, direction, performance, sound recording) and post-production (editing, colour, sound mix, titles).
You must be able to discuss technical decisions - framing, camera movement, continuity editing, jump cuts, diegetic and non-diegetic sound - and justify them against the intended meaning and audience. Also understand workflow conventions: logging footage, backing up, naming files, and using edit decision lists. Questions may ask you to evaluate how production constraints (budget, time, crew size) shape a finished product.
Traps in questions
- Describing an edit as "smooth" without naming the technique (match-on-action, eyeline match, 180-degree rule).
- Confusing diegetic sound (from the story world) with non-diegetic score.
- Treating the design plan as paperwork rather than as evidence of intentional decision-making.
- Forgetting that post-production can change meaning, not just polish it.
Rule of thumb
For every production choice, state the intended effect, the technique used, and the evidence in the product. A design plan is a promise; the product is the proof.
Worked example
If asked why a scene feels claustrophobic, identify the technique (tight framing, shallow depth of field), the effect (audience feels trapped with the character) and the justification (reinforces the character's isolation).