What is Principal Photography in Film?

As the film production process progresses through the pre-production phase and into production. The next big step focuses on principal photography. If you’re new to the industry, you may wonder why so many people are scheduled for principal photography. What is principal photography in film anyway? And why on earth are so many people expected to be present?

Principal photography is a phase that takes place during the second stage of the filmmaking process, film production, and it’s intense!

There’s a lot riding on this phase of the process. Because principal photography in film represents the stage at which the majority of the shooting takes place. This is where the “principal” or primary “photography” or filming takes place. It’s going to be busy!

What is Principal Photography in Film?

As stated, principal photography is where the primary shooting of footage for the film will take place. But not ALL shooting is done during this time.

This isn’t (generally) the time for b-roll. And it’s usually not a time for VFX shots or second-unit photography shots. Which will be filmed at another time.

This is an almost all-hands on-deck experience. During which the crew will gather as much of the raw footage for the film as possible. While focusing heavily on the need to remain within budget and on-schedule. No pressure!

What Happens During Principal Photography in Film?

So, if principal photography is an all-hands-on-deck process in which most of the shooting for the film will take place. What goes on from day-to-day in addition to the actual filming of the production?

Quite a bit actually. And with quite a few different people and working parts coming together to make it all happen.

With so many crew members, and so many different tasks that must come together at just the right time. Principal photography can be incredibly complex! 

Here’s a look at what happens during principal photography in film on a day-to-day basis:

• Call sheets are distributed to cast and crew the night before. Providing logistical data including location details, call times, and other pertinent information.
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• The focus is on completing the shot list for the day (and on-schedule).  The shot list is created by the Director, Cinematographer, and 1st AD. So as to be most efficient and productive while utilizing the resources available at the time. 

Pre-Production

Fortunately, much of the planning that goes into principal photography to ensure it is a seamless process will take place during the pre-production process.

This is the time when critical planning for principal photography will take place. And, it’s certainly a difference between whether you have a seamless and productive principal photography. Or you have a nightmare.

Budgeting & Scheduling

Before principal photography begins, the two most common elements to consider most carefully include budgeting and scheduling. Both can be complicated matters. And both make up key components of the principal photography in film.

Much of the budget and scheduling actually take place during the pre-production process. Principal photography’s role is to keep the shoot on budget and on-schedule while capturing all of the different scenes and shots while minimizing reshoots. 

So, what is principal photography in film? It’s the period of film production during which the main shooting takes place. Typically with the lead actors on a tight schedule with a very coordinated production schedule.