Behind-the-Scenes documentation capturing the production process – used for EPKs, social media, DVD extras, and marketing to show audiences how a film was made.
What is BTS?
BTS (Behind the Scenes) refers to documentary material from the production process of a film. It shows the work behind the camera – from shooting and stunts to creative decisions – and is used for marketing, EPKs, and fan engagement.
BTS Formats
| Format | Usage |
|---|---|
| Video | Making-of, Social Clips |
| Photos | Stills, Publicity |
| Interviews | Cast & Crew |
| B-Roll | News, Reviews |
| Social Content | Instagram, TikTok |
Areas of Use
| Area | Purpose |
|---|---|
| EPK (Electronic Press Kit) | For journalists |
| Social Media | Fan engagement |
| DVD/Blu-ray Extras | Bonus material |
| Making-of Documentary | Standalone |
| Advertising | Trailers, Teasers |
| Festival Submission | Supplement |
BTS Team
| Role | Task |
|---|---|
| BTS Director | Concept, Direction |
| BTS Camera | Filming the shoot |
| Stills Photographer | Set photos |
| Sound | Recording interviews |
| Editor | Editing, Preparation |
What is Filmed?
| Content | Description |
|---|---|
| Set Work | Setup, technical, workflow |
| Crew at Work | Departments in action |
| Stunts | Preparation, execution |
| Interviews | Cast, director, key crew |
| Bloopers | Amusing mistakes |
| Emotional Moments | Wrap, premieres |
Set Rules
| Rule | Reason |
|---|---|
| No Disturbing | Shoot has priority |
| Releases | Not everything can be shown |
| Avoid Spoilers | Preserve story secrets |
| Respect | Crew privacy |
| Coordination | With publicity, AD |
Technical Equipment
| Equipment | Usage |
|---|---|
| Small Camera | Discreet, mobile |
| Wireless Audio | Interviews |
| Light Setup | Fast, flexible |
| Backup Storage | Lots of material |
Social Media BTS
| Platform | Format |
|---|---|
| Stories, Reels, Posts | |
| TikTok | Short clips, trends |
| YouTube | Longer videos |
| Twitter/X | Updates, images |
| Various formats |
Release Timing
| Phase | BTS Content |
|---|---|
| During Production | Teasers, set photos |
| Post-Production | Making-of clips |
| Pre-Release | Marketing push |
| Release | Full making-of |
| Home Video | Extensive extra |
Costs (approx.)
| Element | Price |
|---|---|
| BTS Camera Operator (Day) | €300–600 |
| Stills Photographer (Day) | €400–800 |
| Making-of (Editing) | €2,000–10,000 |
| Full Documentary | €20,000+ |
Legal Aspects
| Aspect | Regulation |
|---|---|
| Rights | Production owns material |
| Releases | Crew consent |
| Spoiler NDA | Confidentiality |
| Music Rights | Clarify for making-of |
Challenges
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Not Disturbing | Work discreetly |
| Access | Coordinate with AD |
| Volume | Prioritize |
| Quality | Despite speed |
Today
BTS content is an essential part of modern film marketing. Social media has exponentially increased the audience's hunger for behind-the-scenes material. A professional BTS strategy begins early and accompanies the film from production to release.