Jan 16, 2009
Word of the Day: Principle photography
Categories: Daily Advice
PRINCIPAL PHOTOGRAPHY - The phase of film production in which the movie is actually shot. Principal photography is the most expensive phase of film production and marks a “point of no return” for the financiers. While films may lose their greenlight status during pre-production (for example, if a major cast member drops out), it’s very unlikely for finance to be withdrawn once principal photography has started!
By Alisha, InstantCast assistant editor
Would this also be the location where most of the movied is shot even if it is not the most expensive area?
The expensiveness of where “principal photography” would be done seems like it would depend on the city itself and the location. My reason for saying this is because the article stated that it is the most expensive phase of film production.
I think this is when directors choose this type of photograpy when using scenes in different locations and bringing them together to appear in the same place in a single production.