Above the Line in Filmmaking: A Key Term Every Filmmaker Should Know
In the world of filmmaking, a multitude of terms describe the processes, roles, and budgets essential to bringing a cinematic vision to life.
One term every filmmaker encounters early on is “Above the Line.”
But what does it really mean, and why does it matter to the filmmaking process?
Knowing this term, which is rooted in budgeting and team organization, is essential for filmmakers, especially those aiming to break into professional film production.
In this post, we’ll dive deep into what “Above the Line” means, the roles it covers, examples of its use in movie budgets, and why this knowledge matters for every filmmaker.
What Does ‘Above the Line’ Mean in Filmmaking?
In filmmaking, “Above the Line” (ATL) refers to the primary creative roles involved in a film, typically including the director, lead actors, producers, and screenwriters.
These roles are considered essential to the creative vision and direction of the film and are often secured and budgeted for early in the production process.
The term stems from the practice of drawing a line on film budgets to distinguish the key creative personnel from the technical and crew roles that fall “Below the Line” (BTL).
Above the Line Roles Often Include:
Producers – These individuals secure funding, oversee the production, and handle the business aspects of filmmaking.
Directors – Responsible for the overall visual and narrative direction, directing actors, and shaping the film’s tone.
Screenwriters – Develop and write the script, forming the narrative backbone of the film.
Lead Actors – Cast in major roles that significantly influence the film’s success and marketability.
Above the Line vs. Below the Line: What’s the Difference?
Above the Line and Below the Line each refer to distinct aspects of the filmmaking process:
Above the Line (ATL) – Refers to creative roles with fixed salaries that directly impact the film’s story, character development, and creative direction.
Below the Line (BTL) – Refers to the technical and logistical roles that support the production. These include cinematographers, editors, costume designers, set designers, and other crew members whose compensation is typically calculated on a day or hourly basis.
For example, in a production budget, the ATL budget might be fixed, covering set costs for the director, main cast, and writers, while BTL costs vary depending on the number of shoot days or hours logged by crew members.
Why ‘Above the Line’ Roles Matter in Filmmaking Budgets
In terms of budget, ATL expenses are often the largest portion, as these roles are crucial to bringing a project to life and driving its success. Let’s take a closer look at how the ATL budget functions in real-world filmmaking.
Higher Investment in Creativity: Above the Line members have a creative vision and leadership role that drives the film’s entire narrative. This can influence the choice of location, style, and even target audience.
Fixed Salaries or Contracts: Unlike other crew members, ATL personnel often work on negotiated contracts, which means their compensation is predetermined rather than hourly.
Star Power and Marketability: Major actors and reputable directors can boost the film’s market appeal, affecting distribution, marketing potential, and even initial investor interest.
Real-World Examples of ‘Above the Line’ in Movies
Steven Spielberg and the “Above the Line” Budget for ‘Jurassic Park’: Spielberg, a renowned director, demanded a large ATL budget for his role, which secured the film’s high-quality production standards. His salary was fixed before production, aligning with ATL budgeting principles.
‘The Dark Knight’ and Star Power: Lead actors like Christian Bale (Batman) and Heath Ledger (Joker) played crucial Above the Line roles, where fixed salaries were negotiated early in budgeting. These ATL roles contributed to the film’s box-office success by drawing large audiences.
‘The Social Network’ Screenwriting Impact: Aaron Sorkin, the screenwriter for The Social Network, was a pivotal Above the Line member. His screenwriting contract was established early in production, allowing him to shape the narrative structure and tone, which became essential to the film’s success.
How the “Above the Line” Concept Impacts Filmmaking
The concept of ATL influences various aspects of filmmaking, from budgeting to the final product’s creative quality. Here’s how:
Defines Creative Vision: The ATL team, particularly the director and screenwriter, develops the story and sets the tone, which trickles down to all aspects of production.
Early Pre-Production Securing: ATL members are often the first people secured for a project, allowing production teams to establish a clear direction early on.
Influences Film Funding and Marketing: Investors and studios often gauge a film’s potential based on ATL personnel, using the reputation of these team members to secure distribution deals and marketing partnerships.
How ‘Above the Line’ Impacts New Filmmakers
For emerging filmmakers, understanding ATL budgeting and the importance of these creative roles can guide efficient budgeting and team selection.
If you’re producing a low-budget indie film, securing a talented Above the Line team, even on a smaller scale, could make a substantial difference in quality and reception.
Why “Above the Line” Matters: Key Takeaways
For filmmakers at any stage, the concept of ATL is crucial for effective production management. Here’s a recap of why ATL matters in filmmaking:
Shapes the Film’s Vision: The ATL team determines the storyline, visual style, and pacing.
Impacts Budget Allocation: ATL roles are often higher-cost but bring significant value to the film’s quality and market appeal.
Affects Film Marketability: Well-known ATL personnel can boost a film’s audience reach and profitability.
Establishes Direction Early: Securing ATL roles at the start streamlines production and prevents costly changes.
Enables Better Production Planning: Knowing the fixed costs for ATL roles helps in creating a balanced budget and securing funding.
Understanding “Above the Line” roles is essential for filmmakers at any level.
This term, deeply embedded in cinematic and filmmaking terminology, not only helps in budget management but also impacts the final creative product.
Whether you're a director, producer, or indie filmmaker, knowing the essentials of ATL can elevate your project from concept to screen.
Armed with this knowledge, you’re better prepared to navigate the filmmaking process and build a solid team for a successful production.
P.S. Catch up on the rest from TheModernFilmmaker.co:
👉 Buy: The Modern Filmmaker’s On Set Filmmaking Dictionary, today.
👉 Some Filmmakers to Know: Julia Ducournau & Kathryn Bigelow…
👉 Some Filmmaking Terms: Above-the-Line & Back to First Marks…
👉 Some Stories: So there I was… Absolutely Screwed…
👉 Some Thoughts: Cover Your Ass & Your Films with this…
👉 About: The Modern Filmmaker…
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