Script Writing

Within script writing there is a certain format which applies to make your script correct. The size of the writing on the script needs to be size 11 in the font Courier New. It is important in the film industry that you leave a indent of 2.5" for jottings to be made by script-editors or producers. Leaving this indent then allows the script to be easily read even with notes. You will also need to leave a margin when writing a script which will need to be 1.5".  Always at the start of a script there will be a technical detail to be added within the stages of editing as such as 'FADE IN' which will always be in capital letters. Stage directions will be then added after doing this but will be placed against the left margin itself. Under this there will then be the actors direction so for example 'Pat walks up to the counter placing a pack of bourbon biscuits whilst looking at the shopkeeper'. Things such as 'INT' and 'EXT' should always be in capitals. The location is always important on a script as it shows whether your location is inside or outside.
Scripts should always be formatted correctly so that every individual involved in the film making stage can easily read the script. If a script is easy to read then it gives each individual a good understanding of what they need to do. This then allows the filming of the production to run smoothly. A disadvantage of producing a script is the fact that they do take up a lot of time and if you do not format it correctly, it can slow the filming down completely. As each individual such as an actor has to be informed of what the script is telling them to do. This will be another time consuming problem.

Below is an example of a correctly formatted script:

Treatment

A treatment is put in place to create a successful pitch for you idea. Within the treatment there should be:

• Title of your production
• 50-100 word synopsis
• Format e.g video (HD-DV, Digital files, Film)
• Genre- Action, Sci-fi etc.
• Duration of your production
• Style, stylistic elements e.g. handheld
• Narrative Structure, linear, non-linear etc
• Target Audience
• Equipment
• Studio/Location
• People needed
• Time needed
• Costumes and props needed
• Budget
• Health and safety
• Rationale

Treatments are produced so that you can grab the attention of the person you are pitching your idea to. The idea of  a treatment is to grab the persons attention immediately by making them interested in your idea. After reading a treatment the individual you are pitching your idea to should be able to get a feel of what the production is going to be like ,which is why it is so important that you always include a treatment within the pre-production stage. The downfall of  producing a treatment is if you had a good idea and the treatment wasn't that good you more than likely wouldn't have your idea funded. For the pitch to be successful every bullet point above needs to be included to make the your idea sell as well as possible.

Idea Development

Mood Boards

The whole point of having a mood board is so that you can use ideas that already exist and combine them with your ideas, which will eventually lead to you having a new idea of your own. Mood boards exist to show the producers that you have thought about your idea in depth and how you as an individual expect the film to be like. Mood boards are good to have within the first stages of your production as they are a building block to creating an amazing idea. Mood boards can be confusing sometimes with the amount of images on them as the producer may not understand fully what the picture is exactly conveying.

Mind Maps

Mind maps are useful when you are first trying to work out what you want your idea to be. Mind maps are clear and easy to read. Mind maps show the individual stages of the individual developing their idea. If you were to explain your idea using your mind map it could potentially get confusing which could make it more difficult for you to explain the stages of your idea.

Storyboards

Storyboards are used within filming to create a visual aid to the directors so they fully know what the scene is meant to be like so that the filming goes smoothly. Storyboards can show exactly what needs to happen in each scene alongside the script to show a clear picture of the story. The layout of the storyboard is usually pictures and annotations in a comic strip layout to show in detail the description of the scene. Storyboards are a useful thing to have in production as they clearly set out what each scene involves such as the camera angles and the layout. Negatives of producing a storyboard is the fact that it needs to be detailed it is a very time consuming process and you may not have the time to produce a story board accordingly. Although a storyboard is quite detailed it only can convey so much detail through the drawings and the notes. Below is an example of a storyboard layout:

 

Location Recce

The location recce is when an individual or a group of people go ahead and assess the location that has been chosen for the particular production. It is important that the location is assessed before shooting as there may be problems when it comes to filming doing this eliminates the possibility of these problems happening.  An individual who is assessing the location may not spot these risks, sometimes producers may need to send out more people to assess the location.
Below is an example of a location recce:

Production Schedule

A production schedule is created so the production of the film being made goes smoothly and everything is organised which makes it a lot easier for everyone involved in the filming. It also makes sure that everyone is on task and is aware of the timing they have. If everything is not followed via the production schedule it can draw back the whole filming and cause a lot of problems. Producers would then have to deal with these problems if they arise. Here is an example of a production schedule:

Risk Assessment

Risk assessments are a vital part of production because when it comes to filming it rules out the risk of anyone getting hurt. Risk assessments must be completed in depth to make sure that each individual involved will be safe. To complete a risk assessment succesfully all the locations and sets must be visited and observed to see any likely dangers the crew and cast could be under. After this whoever is doing the risk assessment will then decide how these risks can be minimised or whether it is better to change the filming to avoid the risk completly. This is useful for the production as it makes sure that no one gets hurt, it also makes sure that everyone is aware of the possible risks they may face. A disadvantage of a risk assessment is that if a possible risk is missed out then it can completely put the cast and crew in danger. Here is an example of a risk assessment below:

Shooting Schedule

The production of a shooting schedule is important so that the actors and crew members can be organised and makes sure that the production runs as smoothly as possible. For the actors this means they will know exactly which scenes will be shooted when and where. Shooting schedules sometimes have the equipment needed for each location and day. If the shooting schedule is misunderstood it can break the flow of the production running smoothly which then means people will end up in the wrong places at the wrong times.

Cast/Crew release forms

Within the planning/filming stage it is important you write up and keep a copy of the Cast/Crew release forms as they make sure that your film is following the legal obligations. This will then rule out the risk of the production company or an individual getting into trouble. The forms are proof that the person involved has consented to be part of the filming or working for the production as well as obliging to the rules the company had set out. For example the production company could lay out a rule such as that all individuals involved must be at the location at certain times and so on. An advantage of just completing one individual release form for the cast and crew is that one signituare can cover every individual characteristic for the company. One disadvantage of completing one individual release form makes it harder say for example if the forms were incorrect or if an individual refuses to sign the form.