Video Handbook

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    LHSVIDEO HANDBOOK

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    Welcome! 6

    The Director 6

    Camera 1 Operator 7

    Camera 2 Operator

    7

    Sound Engineer 8

    Switchboard Operator 8

    Teleprompter 9

    Grades 9

    Supplies 10

    Equipment 10

    Email 10

    Ethical Issues 10

    Care of the Room/Equipment 10

    Off Site Shooting 11

    Have Fun!!! 11

    Storytelling- 16

    Treatment- 16

    The Script- 16

    The 5 Steps of the Writing Process- 16

    The Character- How to Develop a Good One 18

    Formatting a Script- 20

    Closing Notes for Screenplay 20

    Preproduction- 22

    The Directors Notebook 24

    Composition- 25

    Transitions 25

    Storyboards and the visualization process 26

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    Step 1- the director s script breakdown 26

    Step 2- marking the script 27

    Step 3- the shot list 28

    Step 4- the shooting script 28

    Step 5- the storyboards 29

    Lighting and lighting Jargon 32

    Five ways to create depth: 32

    Basics of electricity 33

    Types of Light: 34

    Light Temperatures: 34

    Types of Fixtures: 34

    Types of Fixtures: 35

    Three Point Lighting Terms: 35

    Rules for Lighting: (rules are made to be broken!) 36

    Lighting Safety 36

    Sound 38

    THE ROLE OF THE DIRECTOR CONCERNING SOUND 38

    THE ROLE OF THE PRODUCER CONCERNING SOUND

    38

    9 RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE SOUND CREW 39

    CONSIDERATIONS FOR PLACING MICS 40

    ACOUSTICS OF THE LOCATION 41

    APPROACHES TO RECORDING SOUND 41

    Microphones 41

    Types of Microphones 42

    Casting 44

    Directing Actors:- how to get the best performance 47

    Shooting A Scene: 49

    Projects 51

    Sample Script 57

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    PART1THE BROADCAST STUDIO

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    Welcome!

    Welcome to the LHS Video Production class! You are extremely lucky to have the privilege of participat-

    ing in the experience of live television as well as creating short films. You will be showing your work to a

    real audience, so it is imperative that you have excellent attendance and work ethic. Video takes much

    more time that you think it will, but your hard work will be paid of with your end products!

    This handbook first outlines the duties of the live broadcast and we will go through the duties of short

    film making as the year progresses.

    The Director

    The director is the producer for that days program. They are in charge of the studio for that day and

    must oversee the setup and use of the equipment, the anchors, the other presenters on the program, and

    manage the cleanup of the studio for the next days show.

    Before the show:

    1. Turn all technical equipment for show and make sure it is operating properly. This includes the

    cameras, Broadcast Pix computer, switcher, magic box, monitors, and cable feed.

    2. All cameras have been locked onto tripods, are wired up, and are feeding a signal to the board.

    3. All clips are loaded properly.

    4. All microphones are on and tested and properly placed. Test them and the sound feed in to the

    production room.

    5. The News set is in order and everything needed for the show is present. Anchors are in position

    with good posture, etc.

    6. Water is available for on-air personnel.

    7. Create a script break-down so you know where to call the switches and previews.

    8. Load the passing period dvd and play when the bell rings.

    The Director should oversee the pre-show run-through, making certainthat the script is smooth and that any tricky portions are corrected and needed phonetic spellings areadded. (usually the anchors will do this) Direct the run-through it there is time available. Make cer-tain anchors are sitting up, speaking clearly, pacing the material properly, pausing between items, andmaking a pleasant presentation with a smile. Be in charge of the run-through. Keep the studio quietand orderly for run-through. Make certain everyone is on-task and working hard to prepare for theprogram. You are also responsible for calling previews (the switcher) and calling them to air. It is im-portant that you know the order of the content of the show. You must always be thinking what comesnext? for the production to be smooth. You will also have headphones on to talk to camera 1.

    After the show:1. Make sure the studio is clean, cameras and lights turned off.

    2. Make sure the production room is clean and all equipment is turned off.

    3. Make sure that the Magic Box is sending a feed to the large school projectors.

    4. Make sure all equipment is put away neatly- this includes proper storage of cables.

    5. Fill out the post show form.

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    Camera 1 Operator

    Before the show:1. Check to ensure that the camera is securely attached to the tripod.

    2. If necessary, white balance the camera.

    3. Make sure camera is turned on and a feed is running to the Broadcast Pix computer

    4. Make sure the focus is set on the talent. (zoom in and focus)

    5. Turn on the teleprompter monitor.

    6. Make sure you can talk to the producer via the headset

    The camera operator for Camera 1 will be framing the talent as they read from the teleprompter. Youwill swing the camera and place the talent in the correct location if there is an over the shoulder (ots)key computer graphic (cg). It is important that you actively listen to the show and the director so that

    you dont miss focusing on the proper talent. Also, make sure that your frame is tight enough so thatthere is no uninteresting visual information. Make sure that the anchors are the same height in theframe so all you have to do is swing from anchor to anchor.

    After the show:

    1. Make sure the camera is turned off and that the headset is put away.

    2. Neatly place any stray or loose cables in their proper location.

    3. Help the Director with any other cleanup of the set or production room.

    Camera 2 Operator

    Before the show:

    1. Check to ensure that the camera is securely attached to the wall mount.

    2. If necessary, white balance the camera.

    3. Make sure camera is turned on and a feed is running to the Broadcast Pix computer

    4. Make sure the focus is set on the talent.

    The camera operator for Camera 2 will be framing the talent as a 2 shot. You will not be moving thecamera to frame each person. Rather, you will be focusing on both anchors at the same time. Your

    camera will be used when camera one has to swing from one anchor to the next. This is probably theeasiest job. Remember to frame the talent as close as possible. Its ok to cut of the LHS banner.

    After the show:

    1. Make sure the camera is turned off.

    2. Neatly place any stray or loose cables in their proper location.

    3. Help the Director with any other cleanup of the set or production room.

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    Sound Engineer

    Before the show:

    1. Check to ensure that the soundboard is turned on and that all proper connections are made.

    2. Plug microphones for anchors in and check to make sure there is audio and that the proper levels

    are set and that each anchor has equal volume relative to their voices. (you dont what the levels

    to ever peak on red- this causes distortion)

    3. Check to make sure that you are getting audio from each video clip cued in the Broadcast Pix

    box.

    The sound engineer must ensure that all audio is at proper levels and is in charge of any music thatplays on the fly. You will mic up the anchors and test each one as well as test each clip loaded intothe Broadcast Pix box.

    After the show:

    1. The mixer is turned off and that the headphones are put away.

    2. Put away the lavs used by the anchors. (make sure cables are put away neatly and correctly.

    3. Help the Director with any other cleanup of the set or production room.

    Switchboard Operator

    Before the show:

    1. Boot up the Broadcast Pix box and load the daily show template.

    2. Work with director to load proper clips and edit cgs. (anchor names)3. Test all clips and cgs to make sure they are working properly.

    4. Test cameras to make sure that they are feeding a signal

    The switchboard operator listens to the director for cues to preview and air clips, cameras, and cgs.This is a very critical position in that you must be aware at all times and have a good understandingon where your clips/cgs/cameras are loaded into the board. You will also edit the cgs to make surethat correct text is displayed as well as any stills used in the production. The director will be tellingyou what to load and when to bring it to air. You must really focus if this is to be done correctly.

    After the show:1. If necessary, shut down the Broadcast Pix box.

    2. Help the director with the Magic Box and have any announcements correctly formatted to air on

    the large projectors.

    3. Help the Director with any other cleanup of the set or production room.

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    Teleprompter

    Before the show:

    1. Boot up computer and load text into teleprompter software.

    2. Make sure a feed is going to the teleprompter.

    3. Log in into [email protected] (pswd- announce)

    4. Make any adjustments to the copy as needed.

    5. Print copies of the script for everyone including the anchors.

    The teleprompter will display text read by the anchors. It is up to you to scroll down at a proper paceas to not create confusion or long pauses. Be familiar with the copy so you can easily give correctpacing to the anchor. Remember that people read slightly ahead of what they are actually saying androll through the script accordingly. Dont use the mouse for this. Instead, use the +/- or number pad.

    After the show:

    1. Turn off the computer.

    2. Recycle all copies of the script

    3. Help the Director with any other cleanup of the set or production room.

    Grades

    Grades will be tallied by receiving points in the following areas:

    Projects- 75% (including daily broadcasts)

    1. Students will have various projects due that focus on different aspects of video.2. Projects must be burned to a dvd and will be screened in class.

    3. All scripts and shot lists must be approved by the instructor before any equipment is checked out.

    4. No scripts that have any questionable content will be accepted. As a filmmaker, you can go out in

    the world and shoot what you like. This is a school environment so our projects must abide by

    school rules and ethics.

    The Group Process- 25%

    Video production requires a team and it is important that you work as a team member. This in-

    cludes:

    1. Showing up on time.

    2. Taking an active roll in the group.

    3. Listening to your crew if you are the director and taking direction from the director if you are part

    of the crew.

    4. Remember- this is the first class of the day! You NEED to be here on time!!!

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    Supplies

    I will supply you with DV tape and will supply DVD-R discs for burning. If you wish to purchase

    additional tapes from me you can for $5.00. (but only if you lose too many tapes)

    You will also be checked out a hard drive. This is yours to use here but not take home. If you

    plan on editing at home, you will need your own storage. Also fo those of you playing at home, weuse Final Cut Express and you can get a discount from Apple if you are a student. If you are wishing

    for a computer and are serious about video, get a Mac. A PC will work, but the Colorado Film School

    teaches on Macs- they set the industry standard. You dont need your own computer for this class,

    but it is nice to edit from your own house.

    Equipment

    We have equipment here for you to check out and use. You may also use your own camcorder if you

    wish! I actually recommend this as its good to be familiar with your own equipment. Equipment will be

    checked out to you once you show me that you know how to operate it correctly. Also, NEVER EVERleave the equipment in your car. It will get stolen and I dont think your parents will be happy about hav-

    ing to replace a nice light kit or a 3 chip camera. All professional photographers life by that rule and they

    take their cameras everywhere.

    Also, as I have said before, there is no equipment checked out unless I have a script and a shot list.

    Pre production planning is an important step in the making of film and will give you a better finished prod-

    uct.

    Email

    All announcemens will be emailed to [email protected]. You will have access to this website sothat you can upload the daily announcements to the teleprompter.

    Ethical Issues

    The video you shoot will have a real audience. That means that all videos must not have any copyrighted

    material in them (including music). Also, the footage used for broadcast is property of Lakewood High

    School. Make sure that you follow strict rules that do not cause any person or institution any harm. If you

    put something up on YouTube or some other video sharing sight, it cant be to harass or demean any-

    bodys character. This is a class where you will be expected to be a professional. If you violate these

    policies, you will be removed from the course and will receive an F on your transcript.

    Care of the Room/Equipment

    We have about 40 students who are sharing all this equipment. It needs to be put away properly and

    neatly every time that you use it. Plan that when you are scheduling a shoot. The better we treat the

    equipment, the better the equipment will treat us! Make sure that you are protecting anything that is on a

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    tripod, including lights, so that people dont trip over them (this includes power cords). Also, all cables

    must be wrapped up neatly and stored in the appropriate location and batteries must be charged. Always

    take inventory when you check out materials and when you get back. If there was something missing

    when you checked it out, and you dont tell me, you are responsible for it.

    Failure to take care of equipment will result in loss of use privileges.

    Off Site Shooting

    Eventually, you will be shooting off campus. That means that you have to obtain permission to shoot in

    public places as well as peoples property. Location forms can be downloaded at the Colorado Film

    School website:

    http://www.coloradofilmschool.net/cgi-bin/disp_students.cgi?subpage=forms

    You will be a representative of Lakewood High School and will conduct yourself in a professional manner.

    Failure to do so will result in removal from the class. I do not want to get a phone call. If a problem does

    arise, please have the parties contact me at 720.837.6283. My email is [email protected].

    Finally, never put yourself or anyone else in danger. This means no car chases, stunts, or Jackass

    types of bits. This is not a reality show class.

    Have Fun!!!

    The digital video community is growing at a fast rate and you have the chance to get your work out there!

    Filmmaking is really fun and will provide you with skills that you can take anywhere. I want this to be a

    positive experience for you and would love to see your name on the big screen someday! Enter festivals,

    watch films, and enjoy the process! And remember these two rules:

    1. Always plan more time than you need.

    2. Feed your crew!

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    http://www.coloradofilmschool.net/cgi-bin/disp_students.cgi?subpage=formsmailto:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.coloradofilmschool.net/cgi-bin/disp_students.cgi?subpage=formshttp://www.coloradofilmschool.net/cgi-bin/disp_students.cgi?subpage=forms
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    PART2CREATIVE FILM

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    CHAPTER 1STORYTELLING AND THE SCRIPT

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    Storytelling- every story has a basic conflict

    man vs. self

    man vs. man

    man vs. unknown

    man vs. monster/machine

    man vs. society

    Treatment- bare bones of story

    written as a narrative

    present tense active voice (all happening now)

    no dialogue

    one page max

    The Script- blueprint of story you intend to tell after the final edit of your film.

    The 5 Steps of the Writing Process-Step 1: Concept Development

    What is the genre?

    what is the story going to be about?

    what themes are portrayed?

    is there a social message?

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    Step 2: Character Development

    the movie is about the character

    create character outlines- repeat for every character

    is character a protagonist or antagonist?

    Part A- Name character

    Part B- psychology, sociology, physiology

    psych- personal history

    soc- social groups they belong to

    phys- appearance

    Part C- miscellaneous

    casting- who you want to play the character

    random items

    Step 3: The Outline

    outline events like in an essay

    some find it helpful

    Step 4: The Treatment

    one page max

    bare-bones of story written as a narrative

    short story format/minimal dialogue

    present tense and active (runs- not running)

    Step 5: The Screenplay

    story told in visual format with detailed dialogue and through characters action

    no feelings, thoughts, emotions should ever be included in a script

    use correct formatting

    http://www.celtix.com- free program for script formatting (all platforms)

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    The Character- How to Develop a Good OneInternal objectives

    a characters needs. these may be conscious or subconscious emotionalneeds that the character must fulfill in the story

    examples: castaway- his wife

    Also known as subtext

    a director should have his opinions of the characters internal objectives butnot direct the actors based on this.

    External objectives

    a characters goals or wants. these are what the character is actively strivingto get throughout the story. these are usually something that exists outside ofthe character.

    examples- castaway- getting off the island

    also known as the motivation

    this is the realm of the director.

    Internal Obstacles

    things that keep the character from fulfilling his or her emotional needs.these usually consist of fear or psychological biases that the character hasdeveloped over his or her life.

    examples- fear of loneliness

    this is the realm of the director.

    External Obstacles

    physical barriers that the character has to overcome in order to accomplishhis or her goal. these can be other characters, forces of nature, the charac-ters own disabilities, or physical elements of the set.

    examples- castaway- island, tooth, hands

    this is the realm of the director but usually these obstacles are apparent inthe script.

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    Means

    the way in which a character goes about overcoming his or her obstacles andreaching his or her goal.

    these are adverbs (the -ly verbs)

    this is often a tool that director has to communicate with the actor.

    Public Life

    the facade a character shows to the people around her to avoid rejection andfeel accepted or to fit in with the social groups to which he or she may sub-scribe.

    realm of actor and director- collaboration

    Private Life

    the true nature of the character that he or she hides or subdues in order tomaintain a certain lifestyle.

    realm of actor and director- collaboration

    Actions

    physical things a character does to overcome the external obstacles andachieve his or her goals.

    these are laid out in the script.

    the director dictates the means by which a character goes about doing them

    therefore, it is important the director go through and identify them.

    Independent activities

    actions a character does that are independent of the major flow of the story

    ex- washing the dishes

    a good script usually includes a fair number of these but the director oftenhas to introduce them

    there has to be a moment when a character gives up his or her independent

    activities to deal with other elements in the scene.

    Windows of true nature

    moments in the scene when a character drops their facade (or public life) andshows their true nature (private life) to the other characters

    the director should seek out these moments and direct the actor s accordingly

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    Formatting a Script-Headings and Action:

    Heading

    15 spaces or 1.5 from left edge

    IN ALL CAPS

    ex- INT- PARKING GARAGE- NIGHT

    Action

    15 spaces or 1.5 from left edge

    standard casing

    Characters Name

    37 spaces or 3.7 from left edge

    IN ALL CAPS

    Dialogue

    25 spaces or 2.5 from left edge

    no longer than 60 spaces or 3.5

    standard case letters

    Parenthetical or Actors Direction

    31 spaces or 3.1 from left edge

    no longer than 50 spaces or 1.9 wide

    all lowercase except for proper names

    Closing Notes for Screenplay Less is more, especially in short film

    focus on 1 character, 1 location, 1 central theme

    keep it simple character must be likable

    character must have a goal

    creates conflict

    dont run over your time limit

    1 page of script = 1 minute of screen time

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    CHAPTER 2PREPRODUCTION

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    Preproduction- gathering of all elements necessary to begin photography

    getting all raw materials required for next phase

    Raw Materials

    Project Manager reads/color codes the script

    break into 1/8 pages

    color code elements in script to create lists of what s needed for production

    stunts

    primary cast

    prop

    Color Coding

    every element underlined first time it s in a scene

    The Colors:

    Red- speaking role

    Yellow- silent bit

    Green- extras

    Blue- Special EFX

    Purple- Props

    Pink- Vehicle/Animals

    Black- set dressing

    Brown- SFX

    Orange- Stunts

    Black- wardrobe

    * (asterisk) hair makeup

    boxed- special equipment (crane/track/dolly)

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    Unit Production Manager

    Makes production schedule for budgeting purposes

    Production budget- based on schedule and $$$ available

    Casting- talent agreements/contracts

    Hiring- in charge of hiring crew

    Insurance- PM takes care of liability

    Scouting and Securing locations- get location agreements

    Equipment Rentals- makes list of equip to rent

    Directors Raw Materials

    Wish list- Gives Wish List to PM

    Casting- Director responsible for casting

    Hiring- director has say as to whos hired

    Shot List/Shooting Script

    Shooting Script

    breakdown by Dir and Director of Photography (DP) to play out shots andfigure out the setups needed

    from the shooting script- a shot list is created

    Story-boarding- Dir and DP put together a storyboard

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    The Directors Notebook a scene by scene breakdown of directors impressions, reactions, and thoughts on the

    film

    the director must know the script the best

    Contents of notebook

    3. Director Script Breakdown-

    detail the character objectives

    copy of script marked with verbs (to comfort, attack, seduce)

    4. Storyboards

    5. Script

    6. Shooting Script

    7. Shooting Schedule

    8. Copies of all permits, contracts, agreements

    * always plan twice the amount of time you need!

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    Composition- frame can be full, empty, askew, off balance or in motion

    dutch angles are shot tilted sideways (used fro dramatic effect)

    p.o.v.- use dutch angle for someone falling

    placement of characters in frame can be balanced or unbalanced

    create drama by including foreground and background action

    extending the frame- including off-screen elements with sound through audiencesimagination.

    draw the viewers eye to what you want them to see. use sound and images to directviewers attention.

    depth can create emotion or drama with what you include in background and fore-ground.

    focus- rack focus to draw the viewers eye or direct audience

    Use of color and black and white

    color- vibrant and sets mood

    b+w sets different mood

    Transitions shoot transitions rather than doing in post- zoom, move away, match the action, push in and

    pull out

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    Storyboards and the visualization processGoing from ideas to reality

    storyboard-

    the visual outline or the final edit of your film or

    a diagram of the process in which the film will be shot and assembled

    the storyboards will clear up communication on set between crew about what the shotis

    Step 1- the directors script breakdown the directors script breakdown lays out the directors vision and the available tools to

    the director on how to get the film as close to that vision as possible

    through this work, the director will come to understand the theme and emotional un-

    dertones of the script

    the process of breakdown is precise.

    Supplies

    a few pens

    a clean copy of the script (no writing)

    a notepad of some kind

    time

    Part A- the script wash read through the script once for your enjoyment

    afterwards, write down your initial reactions to the script

    reactions include: feelings brought on by the script, impressions of the charac-ters, the general plot, anything else that comes to mind.

    repeat this process as many times as necessary.

    Part B- Find the arch of the story

    read through the script one time for each character

    after a reading, sit down and write out the macro-level elements for that character

    Macro-level elements: Overlying objectives (internal and external), obstacles (in-ternal and external), means, public life, private life and anything of interest thatmay influence the choices you make later.

    repeat this process as many times as necessary.

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    Part C- scene by scene breakdown

    to be done after the director has familiarized himself with the overall arch of thestory

    the director must then go through scene by scene and break apart the dramaticelements of each scene

    the director will be looking for the same elements as before but for each par-ticular scene

    the director will also be looking at elements that occur only on a scene byscene basis

    the director will also go through the copy of the script and mark out two things

    action verbs for each line in the scene (according to meisner technique)

    to be written next to characters lines

    ex- to attack, to comfort, to seduce

    beat changes at each time a character changes up the dynamics of the scene

    every time there is a verb change in one character s intent on a line

    includes actions, independent activities, and windows of true nature

    Step 2- marking the script the director, dp, and the editor sit down together sit down with another clean copy of

    the script.

    they go through the script together moment by moment

    they choose the shots based on their collective vision of the script

    they mark where the shots begin and end and what the shot is.

    questions for the marked script

    ls, ms, cu?

    what do we see in the shot?

    what is the angle on?

    does the shot move?

    is it a dolly shot, trucking shot, crane shot, pan, tilt, or zoom?

    the director must keep in mind the arch of the overall arch of the story and the indi-vidual scene.

    all technical elements should be used toe support and enhance the story

    let the characters guide you, and use the shotes to build a camera language thatreveals more about the story and the characters.

    be aware of going too far!

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    Step 3- the shot list from the marked script the director and the dp will formulate the shot list.

    each shot will be labeled with an alpha-numeric code to easily identify the shot

    example of the shot number: for the fourth shot in scene 25 you would have shot

    25D- the 5th- 25E and so on include what kind of shot it is and what you see in the shot.

    example:

    scene 1

    shot 1A LS high angle shot, lisa walks through party avoiding everyone.

    shot 1B CU OTS on doug, lisa runs into doug and spills her drink on him.

    Step 4- the shooting script can be done at the same time as the shot list or before the shot list

    from the marked script, you go through the script and write in the shots where theystart.

    example:

    INT - DOUGS HOUSE - NIGHT

    ANGLE ON LISA WALKING - LS

    Lisa walks through the party crowd. She avoids running into people like the place isa plague ward.

    the purpose of the shot list is to detail the shots include high angle, low angle, dolly shot, etc in the shot list

    dont over describe the shot- this is a reference tool

    the purpose of the shooting script is to detail the flow of the film and how the shotscome together

    tell me where the shot begins and what type of shot it is. anything else takes toolong to read and takes me out of the story.

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    Step 5- the storyboards after the shooting script and shot list are finished, the director and the dp sit down

    with a storyboard artist begin drawing up the production storyboards.

    the storyboards are visual representations of the story that will guide principlephotography

    often these will be done after locations have been scouted so the artist has accu-rate renderings of the space to work with as well.

    storyboards consist of a drawing of what the shot will look like over a sort descriptionof the shot.

    description will include the shot number, the shot description, and any audio that willbe heard in the scene.

    if you run out of space, cut off the audio there and start the next shot in the story-boards with the audio that begins there

    make sure to outline any dolly moves, pans, etc.

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    CHAPTER 3LIGHTING

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    Lighting and lighting JargonWhy do we light?

    to create depth and separation

    Lights-

    known as fixtures

    Five ways to create depth:1. lighting

    2. move the camera

    dolly shot, trucking shot, crane shot

    3. selectivefocus

    whats in focus an whats not in focus

    ex- rack focus

    4. Atmospheric haze

    fogging or smoking the room

    5. warms and cools

    5600k for daylight (cools)

    3200k for Tungsten (warms)

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    Basics of electricityMetaphor of running water

    amt of water in the reservoir (amps)

    amount of water in the pipes (volts)

    amount of water your faucet can draw at home (watts)

    Amps

    the amount of power reserve in a specific circuit

    the water in the reservoir

    average household circuit- 10--20 amps

    average business circuit- 20-40 amps

    Volts

    the amount of power that a certain line can carry

    the flow of water through the pipes

    all circuts carry about 100 volts. some have 200

    Watts

    the amount of electricity the device pulls from the circuit.

    the amount of water that comes out of faucet and fills sink

    how many watts in a circuit?

    amps X volts= watts

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    Types of Light:Hard Light

    a type of light with a very sharp light to shadow drop off leaving well defined shadowsand thin transfer areas.

    Soft Light

    a type of light with a very diffuse light to shadow drop off leaving very large and unde-fined transfer areas.

    Light Temperatures:Tungsten

    light of the color orange, 3200k, equal to that of most indoor lights.

    Daylight

    light of the color blue, 5600k, equal to that of most outdoor lights.

    Types of Fixtures:Fresnel (fray-nel)

    fresnel lens- a type of lens that has the same optical effect as a convex lens but has re-duced weight and heat retention

    Open Face

    a light that has no lens, only a bulb in front of a reflector

    Mercury Medium-Arc Iodide

    a type of gas discharge light with a color temperature equal to that of daylight and highefficiency (over 90 lumens per watt)

    lumen- in international unit of light in europe

    1 lux- 1 lumer per square meter

    Lux= metric system vs. foot candle = standard system

    also known as an HMI or Hemmy

    use daylight lighting for outside shots and shots at night. Use tungsten forinside shots and around fires.

    Florescent bulbs require a special gel or filter called minus green. It re-moves the green color from the fluorescent lights.

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    Types of Fixtures:Ace

    1000 watt fresnel aka 1k

    Mickey

    an open face 1k aka mickey mole, mickey, redhead, and open-face 1kJoker

    a 1200 watt fresnel hmiJunior

    2000 watt fresnelTweenie

    650 watt fresnelMini

    200 watt fresnel

    Pepper a 100 watt fresnel

    Three Point Lighting Terms:Key Light

    the main light on the subject. this is the brightest source that gives us the most detailand a sense of the light.

    Styles of Lighting:

    High Key- a bright lighting style with low contrast and bright spectral highlights (noshadows)

    Low Key- a dark shadowy lighting style.

    Fill Light

    The source that brings in detail to the shadow areas of the subject on camera

    Fill vs. Fill Light

    Fill- reflector board or white board

    Fill Light- an actual light

    Back Light

    a light placed behind the subject that helps to create separation from the background

    Different types of back light

    back light- shines on the background behind the subject to create depth

    rim light- a light that brushes against the on-camera subject to create a bright rimaround the edge of their image.

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    Rules for Lighting: (rules are made to be broken!)

    key light should be 30 degrees off camera

    take every light into consideration

    use the world of your move to create the light

    people like to see the eyes of the subject

    light should come from above

    Lighting Safety

    always wear gloves

    never replace a bulb or even touch a bulb with your bare hands

    always secure your light to prevent accidents (with shot bags)

    always yell FIRING before turning on a light on set

    always leave any less-than-full light cases open or with one latch secured

    do not position lights above water at any time

    use common sense

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    CHAPTER 4SOUND

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    SoundSound is simultaneously the best and worst thing to happen to motion pictures.

    THE HISTORY OF SOUND IN FILM

    Thomas Edison invented the Kinetograph to accompany the Phonograph.

    In 1926, sync-sound was created. The first talkie is believed to be King Vidors Halle-lujah.

    The advent of sound deteriorated the language of film and put many silent stars out ofwork.

    Crystal Sync and other inventions allowed the camera to free up and became widelyused in the 1960s.

    THE ROLE OF THE DIRECTOR CONCERNING SOUND Part of the directors job is to make sure the sound mixer can record clean sound.

    Sit down with the sound mixer and make a sound list for each scene.

    The director, producer, sound mixer and location scout should visit each location at theapproximate time of shooting to ensure the location is sound friendly.

    THE ROLE OF THE PRODUCER CONCERNING SOUND The producers responsibility is to make sure time and money are saved.

    Make sure the sound crew has all the equipment they are going to need.Get the bestdeal possible on equipment rental.

    Make sure locations are sound friendly.

    Ask the sound mixer to make sure all sounds that may be needed are captured fromeach location.

    Ensuring that the crew is taking proper care of the equipment so that it is returned in thecondition it was received if not better.

    THE SOUND MIXER-

    The person in charge of the sound quality going on to tape. This person is in charge ofmixing all sound to make sure it doesnt clip or isnt lost to background noise.

    THE BOOM OPERATOR- (A.K.A. Boom-Op)

    The person who operates the boom pole.

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    9 RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE SOUND CREW RULES ARE MEANT TO BE BROKEN

    1. RECORD CLEAN DIALOGUE-

    Dialogue that is not interrupted or troubled with noise.

    Clean dialogue can be heard and understood.

    2. AUTOMATIC DIALOGUE REPLACEMENT (ADR)-

    The process to replace dirty location dialogue by re-recording it in the studio.

    Also known as Looping.

    Match the sound perspective with the camera angles.

    Just as we are used to seeing and hearing sound from the same perspective, anaudience expects the same courtesy.

    If an actor appears to be farther away from camera, his or her dialogue should feelfarther away.

    Reverb, lower levels, and other tricks can be used.

    3. GET NEEDED SOUND EFFECTS

    The sound mixer should record as much of the ambient sounds and any wild soundthat he or she can in a location.

    If this can be accomplished during a take, then great But dont count on it!!!

    4. WILD SOUND-

    Any sound recorded without an image to be synced up to certain actions in the filmin post.

    5. GET ROOM TONE

    ROOM TONE-

    The ambient sound in a location that can be heard when all other sounds are gone.

    Room one is used to smooth out transitions between shots and to fill in sound for

    MOS sequences. MOS(Mid-Out-Sound)- Any shot that is captured without the accompaniment of

    sound.

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    6. KEEP ORGANIZED SOUND REPORTS

    SOUND REPORTS-

    Clear and comprehensive notes of the dialogue and other audio recorded onset and the wild sounds recorded on or off the set.

    Primarily used in the editing room, but you must keep them up during produc-tion.

    They mark what time code the sounds lie on and any notes on problems withaudio.

    7. CONSISTENCY WITHIN THE SHOT

    No drop outs, tape clicks, or other noise should be heard in the take.

    8. CONSISTENCY BETWEEN SHOTS WITHIN A SCENE

    The background noise shouldnt jump up and down between shots in a scene.

    9. CONSISTENCY BETWEEN SCENES

    All audio levels should hit about the same marks in every scene. Dialogue shouldntbe louder or softer from scene to scene.

    CONSIDERATIONS FOR PLACING MICS THE DIRECTORS VISION

    ACTORS BLOCKING

    CAMERA PLACEMENT

    SIZE AND COMPOSITION OF THE SHOT

    THE LIGHTING

    MOVEMENT OF THE SHOT

    60 hz Hum

    -A hum that is created when power cords and sound cables become intertwined.

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    ACOUSTICS OF THE LOCATIONSound Blankets

    Furniture pads with one white side and one dark side used to dampen sound bydraping them over noise causing agents, hanging them from C-STANDS in front of

    windows or doors, or hanging them on a wall to deaden the room.

    CAMERA NOISE- not applicable if ditital

    BARNEY-

    A jacket that is wrapped around the camera to reduce the noise it generates.

    BLIMP-

    A waterproof housing that the camera is placed in which reduces noise.

    APPROACHES TO RECORDING SOUNDBOOM

    Mot popular way to record sound.

    Microphone is attached to a long pole, suspended over the talent on camera andmoves to follow the sounds as theyre made.

    Usually a shotgun mic.

    PLANT/SLASH

    A mic thats hidden somewhere on set. Usually a dynamic microphone.

    LAVALIERE(LAVS)

    The type of microphone people wear on talk shows. Hidden on a subject, as close totheir mouth as possible. May be wireless or wired.

    MicrophonesEvery microphone has two elements that define it.

    1. POWER REQUIREMENT

    Dynamic Microphones

    Condenser Microphones

    2. PICK-UP PATTERN

    Omni-Directional Microphones

    Cardioid Microphones.

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    Types of MicrophonesDYNAMIC MICROPHONES-

    These microphones dont require any signal amplification but pick up a lot of roomnoise.

    CONDENSER MICROPHONES-

    Condensers need a phantom power source.

    SHOTGUN MIC- Directional microphones whose listening area is so directional itresembles the spray of a shotgun.

    OMNI-DIRECTIONAL MICROPHONES

    These microphones pick up any sound that comes near them. Best used asstashed or planted microphones.

    CARDIOD MICROPHONES

    These microphones are sometimes directional but always limit the amount

    of sound they pick up.

    SHOTGUN MIC- Directional Microphones whose listening area is so direc-tional it resembles the spray from a shotgun. Also known as hyper-cardiodmicrophones.

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    CHAPTER 5CASTING, ACTORS, AND THE SHOOT

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    Casting Producer

    give director widest choice of talent

    Auditions

    final decision is always the director

    Casting Director

    sifts through submissions so director can see only talent that meet the criteria

    should have good understanding of directors vision

    should have good relationships with talent agencies and managers

    be aware of new talent

    ability to make deals with actors and have working knowledge of SAG (screen actorsguild) rules

    arrange and set up auditions so director and producer can show up

    Steps to casting: (what the casting director does)

    advertise roles

    trade magazine

    post fliers (good for independent filmmakers)

    internet (coloradofilm.org)

    scout local theatre companies

    Denver performing arts

    dinner theaters

    see a show

    scout schools, performing arts, acting, film/video

    contact instructors

    post fliers at schools

    attend an event or a show that the schools doing

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    Organize resumes and head shots

    beware of older head shots

    many are models but cant act

    Arrange casting calls

    find a location to hold auditions with adequate space (including a holding area forwaiting talent)

    light and camera with videotape

    coordinate how many per day and coordinate with director because they have tobe there

    use 15 minute intervals (dont have them all show up at the same time)

    have copies of script to read from (called sides), give cold reading

    let them perform something rehearsed/improv

    Arrange for someone to read opposite lines

    waiting area, provide water, dont make them wait too long otherwise you have tofeed them!

    if they wait too long- you have to pay them according to the SAG

    Arrange callbacks

    SAG rule- 3 callbacks without charge but after that you must pay

    Negotiate with actors whove been selected

    be honest and upfront about budget

    non-SAG will work for screen credit, video copy, transportation to and from set orlocation, meals during production, dry cleaning of any personal wardrobe used inproduction

    Deal with rejected actors

    calling them, thank them, strive to keep good relationship

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    Auditions provide the opportunity to hear lines, begins to come to life, what worksand what doesnt

    Director/actor relationship:

    director sets the tone at auditions

    director can make the actor feel comfortable

    children- high energy, low attention span

    keep an open mind, never offer a part during audition

    director will review the tape

    do callbacks to check for chemistry/asthetics

    Key Points:

    leave no rock unturned when searching for talent

    check for chemistry

    understand the actor s process

    know the actor

    ask the actor how they operate

    talk to them about their acting class

    have backups in mind

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    Directing Actors:- how to get the best performance Working the scene

    directors job to help the actors

    find the arc of the character (when a significant or discernible change in thecharacter)

    theme of the story

    how best to play their role

    this should be done through the script, character analysis, and staging

    Relationships between actor and director

    director should get to know the actors

    ask actor abut working methods, how they were trained, what s their approach tocharacters, how they see this character in relation to plot and in relation to othercharacters.

    discuss with actor the directors methods, feelings about material, interpretationof character, your shooting style, any problems you foresee

    actors need to get to know each other

    through read through, rehearsal, off set

    director and actor should develop mutual trust

    make actor feel safe

    discovery process, finding things to help build the character

    without trust, miscommunication and frustration occur

    Character Research

    if character is a real person, get backstory, ie- will smith in Ali, jaymie fox raycharles

    this will provide depth and credibility to the character

    if not real person then all info to build character should exist in the script.

    finding the character arc

    director and actor should be able to agree on what arc is

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    Read Through

    assemble entire cast before theyve memorized lines, simply read

    do at informal table meeting

    see how it flows, allow actors to see dramatic arcs.

    see how actors interpret their roles and interact with each other.

    give little to no direction

    BE RECEPTIVE TO THE ACTORS INPUT

    Develop the Theme

    Director needs to get cast to see script as he/she does without lecturing or im-posing ideas

    the goal is to get everyone on the same page

    ask actors what they think the purpose, message, subtext of story, etc

    Blocking Action

    blocking or choreographing a scene

    allow performance to mold choreography of scene

    actions by actors known as business (what they do in a scene- ex walking)will develop and the scene will take shape

    director and actor should be able to agree on what arc is

    rehearse in real location in which you intend to shoot, with set piece or mark thefloor

    Actor must also discover the beats

    pace and rhythm

    directors job- time it takes to bring audience to height of emotion (speed up or

    slow down)

    give actor info about speed and pace of the action.

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    Shooting A Scene: Pre Production

    Production

    you are there first as a director

    set up, coordinate, you have final say as director

    make sure you are open to feedback as director

    define crew responsibilities

    make sure every one knows whats expected of them

    Set up time:

    make sure every one arrives early

    give enough time to set up lights, cameras, sound, set

    shots blocked for the camera (where actors go in scene)

    mark places for actors

    set focus

    set lighting

    Run Through for crew

    framing/blocking

    make adjustments

    Send actors to hair and makeup/wardrobe

    Rehearsals for actors

    make adjustments

    Director

    make micro adjustments

    Principle Photography/Start shooting

    quiet on the set

    roll sound if separate (easier to sync if sound starts first)

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    roll camera- wait for speed- audio and camera in sync

    Slate/clapboard- project name, scene #, Take #, format, tape #, reel #, timecode

    action!- background action first then primary action

    Cut!- stop the action. good so as not to waste film. pad with a few seconds tomake editing easier.

    Check the gate (in film only). to make sure no dust is on camera

    back to one- get another take after the perfect one. its the safety shot

    thats a wrap- after last shot of the day. dont do it early. double check yourshot list and schedule.

    Stay on schedule

    make adjustments if necessary

    refer to shot list

    feed your crew

    Stay consistent

    visually and audibly

    Safety on set

    lights/light placement (not near water or set pieces)

    dont leave equipment unattended

    dont leave valuables

    cables- tape them down

    Wrap up = Clean up

    leave it better than when you got there

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    CHAPTER 6PROJECTS

    Projects

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    Tell a visual story that presents a place. Look for various camera angles and meaning-ful details. Pay attention to foreground, middle, and background. Use long shots, me-dium shots and close-ups. Consider how a location will add meaning and significantmeaning to a story.

    Grading Rubric: (100 points) (each person turns in own edit but may use same footage)

    30 pts- look and feel20 pts- purposefully selected shots

    10 pts- camera language

    10 points- sound/music

    5 points- 1 min in length (exactly)

    5 points- 5 seconds of black space before and after the edit (not counted in time)

    5 points- beginning text:

    First Name Last Name Name of project Date trt: 00:01:00;00 (total running time: hrs:min:sec;frames)5 points- Credits

    Director Writer Camera Sound Editor Grip10 points- file given to me via .mov file

    These are due on________

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    LHSVIDEO PROJECT 1LOCATION SEQUENCE

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    Tell a visual story that presents a character. Concentrate on a persons dress, behaviorand actions. Use various angles. The portrait is to be built through what the characterdoes and by how the character acts and reacts (a character is based on their actions,not their thoughts). What choices does your character make, how are they carried outand why?

    Grading Rubric: (100 points) (each person turns in own edit but may use same footage)

    30 pts- Tells a story about a character

    20 pts- purposefully selected shots

    10 pts- camera language10 points- sound/music

    5 points- 1 min in length (exactly)

    5 points- 5 seconds of black space before and after the edit (not counted in time)

    5 points- beginning text:

    First Name Last Name Name of project Date trt: 00:01:00;00 (total running time: hrs:min:sec;frames)5 points- Credits

    Director Writer Camera Sound Editor Grip10 points- burned to dvd

    These are due on __________________

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    LHSVIDEO PROJECT 2CHARACTER SEQUENCE

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    Tell a visual story that features an interaction between two people and follows the de-velopment of that interaction. Provide coverage to give equal time to both characters.Consider action and reaction shots. Vary shot selection to convey mood, emotion ortheme. Try to match ws-ws, ms-ms, cu-cu, xcu-xcu. Make sure that all dialogue andsound is at consistent audio level.

    Grading Rubric (100 points) (each person turns in own edit but may use same footage)

    _____/20 points- Shots tell us about character_____/15 points- Shots purposefully selected

    _____/20 points- Camera language

    _____/15 points- Audio is clean

    _____/5 points- 1 min in length (exactly)

    _____/5 points- 5 seconds of black space before and after the edit (not counted intime)

    _____/5 points- beginning text:

    First Name Last Name Name of project Date trt: 00:01:00;00 (total running time: hrs:min:sec;frames)_____/5 points- Credits

    Director Writer Camera Sound Editor Grip_____/10 points- burned to dvd

    These are Due on ________________

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    LHSVIDEO PROJECT 3DIALOGUE SEQUENCE

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    Tell a visual story that includes a chase sequence. Watch Axis of Action issues (the 180 degree rule).Establish and control screen directions. Select shots that are easy to follow but that will also intensify

    the development of the chase.

    Grading Rubric: (100 points) (each person turns in own edit but may use samefootage)

    30 pts- Shows a believable chase sequence

    20 pts- purposefully selected shots/edits

    10 pts- camera language

    10 points- sound/music

    5 points- 1 min in length (approx)

    5 points- 5 seconds of black space before and after the edit (not counted in time)

    5 points- beginning text:

    First Name Last Name Name of project Date trt: 00:01:00;00 (total running time: hrs:min:sec;frames)5 points- Credits

    Director Writer Camera Sound Editor Grip10 points- burned to dvd

    These are due on _______________

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    LHSVIDEO PROJECT 4CHASE SEQUENCE

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    Your group will be responsible for creating one advertisement for a business. It will beyour job to find a business, create a relationship, and provide a quality project. Eachgroup will have to produce one ad per semester. Ads will run on announcements.

    The Lakewood High School Video Program offers advertising opportunities thatreach over 2000 students and staff live daily and online. These advertisements are taxdeductible and contribute to the Lakewood TigerTV program. By purchasing video ad-

    vertising at Lakewood High School on TigerTV, you are reaching a target audience of

    2000 people every time the ad runs. This exposure has the power to draw many new

    customers to, and remind repeat customers of, your business! Feel free to include a

    Lakewood High School special announcement in your commercial.

    TigerTV will take care of all shooting and editing of the spot, and will shoot atyour location. We will also work with you to create an ad that you feel best representsyour business.

    Cost per month:$200 - Live advertisement every other day at the beginning of school video

    announcements and online.

    $100 - Your business featured on video message board which loops 24 hours aday.

    $250 - Both live advertisement on announcements, online and looped on video

    message boards 24 hours a day.These advertisements are tax deductible and help enrich the education of the 2000

    students at Lakewood High School. If you have any questions, please feel free to con-

    tact

    Mr. Adam Ronscavage at: 720-837-6283 or [email protected]

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    LHSVIDEO ADVERTISINGADVERTISEMENT SEQUENCE

    mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]
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    CHAPTER 7SAMPLE SCRIPT

    Sample Script

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    Updated: 06-Feb-04

    Every script should have If you have an agent,a title page with one contact the address and numberaddress only in the bottom can go here.left hand corner. A draft number or dateAlways include a phone number is not required on a

    and an e-mail address if you spec script.have one.

    SCREENPLAY FORMAT

    by

    Matt Carless

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    1.

    "SCREENPLAY FORMAT"

    FADE IN:

    EXT. LOCATION #1 - DAY

    This is how to begin your film or television screenplay.Scene headings are typed in capitals and must indicate:interior or exterior, the location, and day or night.

    Scene action is double-spaced under the heading in upperand lower case text with double-spacing between paragraphs.

    Scene action should only deal with what is happening on thescreen and must never stray into superfluous novelistictext related to character thoughts or back-story.

    A general rule of thumb is to limit a paragraph of scene

    action to four or five lines. Consider each paragraph as asignificant beat of action within your scene.

    INT. LOCATION #2 - NIGHT

    Begin a new scene with the heading triple-spaced from thepreceding scene. Always follow a scene heading with a lineof scene action.

    CHARACTER #1Character cues appear in capitalsindented to around the middle ofthe page, but not centred. Thefirst letter of each cue is alwaysin alignment.

    CHARACTER #2A character is designated byeither their first or last name,but a role designation may be usedinstead with personal titlesabbreviated. The designated nameshould remain consistentthroughout the script.

    CHARACTER #1Dialogue appears directly underthe character name in normal upperand lower case text. Similarly,it is not centred.

    (pause)Split dialogue between pages onlyif at least two lines appear onthe first page, and only after asentence.

    (MORE)

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    2.

    CHARACTER #1 (CONT'D)Begin the following page with anew character cue like this.

    CHARACTER #2(beat)

    Parenthetical instructions appearin lower case text enclosed withinbrackets on a separate line in thebody of the dialogue.

    (pause)Never leave a parentheticalhanging at the bottom of a pagewhen breaking a character'sspeech. Move it to the top of thenext page under the charactername.

    If scene action interrupts a character's speech on the samepage...

    CHARACTER #2 (CONT'D)Then you must begin a newcharacter cue when continuing thedialogue, but including (CONT'D)isn't essential. Dialogue mustalways be preceded by a charactername and never appear on its own.

    INT. LOCATION #1 - DAY

    On occasions, it may be necessary to indicate twocharacters speaking simultaneously. This should be usedsparingly, but if you need to do it this is how.

    CHARACTER #1Show your first characterspeaking on the left.

    CHARACTER #2While the character onthe right tries to get aword in edgeways.

    CHARACTER #2And finally manages to achieve it.

    Try to limit the length of youroverlapping dialogue.

    EXT. LOCATION #2 - NIGHT

    Sometimes you may need a character to speak in a foreignlanguage. Contrary to belief, it is not a good idea towrite the foreign language itself. A general rule of thumbis to always submit a script in the same language as theperson who'll be reading it.

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    3.

    CHARACTER #1(in French)

    Indicate the foreign language inparenthesis and write the dialogueas you normally would in English.

    CHARACTER #2(in Russian;English subtitles)

    If your character is speaking in aforeign language with subtitles,then this is how to show it.

    If, however, the entire scene is being spoken in a foreignlanguage, then a special note should be included in thescene action.

    NOTE: THE DIALOGUE IN THIS SCENE IS SPOKEN IN HUNGARIAN AND

    SUBTITLED IN ENGLISH.

    CHARACTER #1Then just write the dialoguenormally, in English.

    CHARACTER #2And when you reach the end of thescene, include another specialnote.

    END OF SUBTITLES.

    If there is a specific reason for showing the foreignlanguage and the translation, use the dual dialogue methodwith the foreign language on the left and the translationon the right -- indicating that they are subtitles inparenthesis.

    INT. LOCATION #2 - DAY

    Scene transitions are technical information indicating themethod of changing from one scene to another. A generalrule of thumb is that every scene will CUT TO: the next if

    no transition is specified.

    Transitions are generally only used in shooting scriptsbut, if it's absolutely necessary to specify one, itappears against the right-margin like this.

    DISSOLVE TO:

    EXT. LOCATION #1 - NIGHT

    Always keep scene headings with the scene action. Don't

    leave loose headings hanging at the bottom of a page.

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    4.

    It's sometimes a good idea to start a new scene on a newpage if there is only a line or two at the bottom of theprevious one, but scenes can break over the page easilylike this. Shooting scripts include CONTINUED at the topof the page, but this is unnecessary in a spec script.

    LATER

    If you need to indicate the passing of time through thesame scene then use LATER as a sub-heading. There is noneed to continuously repeat the master scene heading.

    THE CORNER OF THE ROOM

    Similarly, you can break up lengthy and complex scenes byfocussing on specific areas of action with a sub-heading.This is useful when scripting large party or group scenes.

    EXT. LOCATION #2 - NIGHT

    Sometimes it may be necessary to hear characters when wecan't actually see them.

    CHARACTER #1 (O.S.)Off Screen means the character isphysically present within thescene, but can only be heard, e.g.they are speaking from anadjoining room.

    CHARACTER #2 (V.O.)Voiceover is used when thecharacter is not present withinthe scene, but can be heard via amechanical device such as atelephone or radio. It is alsoused when a character narratesparts of your story.

    CHARACTER #2If you need to differentiatebetween a character's narration

    and their on screen dialogue, thenhandle it as separate speeches.

    CHARACTER #2 (V.O.)As (O.S.) and (V.O.) are technicalinstructions, they appear next tothe character name.

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    5.

    INTERCUT - INT. LOCATION #1/LOCATION #2 - DAY

    If it's necessary to CUT back and forth betweensimultaneous action in two different locations in the samescene, then handle your scene heading like this. Use thismethod when you want to show a phone conversation.

    CHARACTER #1(into phone)

    You can then type your dialogue asnormal.

    CHARACTER #2(into phone)

    Whilst indicating that bothcharacters are on the phone.

    CHARACTER #1

    (into phone)Just make sure you indicate whenthe character hangs up.

    (hangs up)Especially if you are going tocontinue the dialogue and scenebeyond the phone conversation.

    INT. LOCATION #1 - DAY

    Alternatively, you can establish both locations separately.

    CHARACTER #1(into phone)

    Show your first character speakinginto the phone like this.

    INT. LOCATION #2 - DAY

    Then establish your next location.

    CHARACTER #2(into phone)

    And show your second characterlike this.

    INTERCUT:

    CHARACTER #1(into phone)

    Then continue the conversation,intercutting comfortably betweenthe two characters.

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    6.

    CHARACTER #2(hangs up)

    If you finish the conversation andstay with one character, you don'tneed to repeat the scene headingas it has already been established

    earlier.

    INT. LOCATION #1 - NIGHT

    Another way to write phone conversations is to show onecharacter speaking but only hear the other.

    CHARACTER #1(into phone)

    This is the character we see onthe phone.

    CHARACTER #2 (V.O.)Whilst we hear the secondcharacter speaking at the otherend.

    CHARACTER #1(into phone)

    But the first character remainson-screen throughout the scene.

    EXT./INT. LOCATION #1 - DAY

    If you have a scene where the action is continuously movingbetween the interior and exterior of the same location,such as the hall and driveway of a house, do your sceneheading like this.

    But use INTERCUT for cutting back and forth between twoseparate pieces of action inside and outside.

    SERIES OF SHOTS:

    A) SERIES OF SHOTS: is a group of short shots which make upa narrative sequence, useful for advancing the story ina rapid or economical way.

    B) The shots are presented in logical arrangement for theaction with a beginning, middle and end point to thesequence.

    C) MONTAGE: is a series of two or more images that blendinto and out of each other in order to create aparticular effect.

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    7.

    D) It is used to create an emotional environment, a maintitle sequence, or when representing archive stockfootage.

    E) Both SERIES OF SHOTS: and MONTAGE: are used to avoidmultiple scene headings when scenes are deemed too short

    (often only one shot in length) to conform to the usualformatting rules.

    EXT. LOCATION #2 - NIGHT

    On-screen text, such as letters, e-mails, or signs, areformatted in a couple of ways. Brief text, such as a sign,can go in the body of the scene action: "THIS IS A SIGN"

    "Something longer, like a letter,is formatted like dialogueenclosed within double-quotemarks. It can be in normal upperand lower case text, OR ALL INCAPITALS depending on the text itis representing."

    EXT. LOCATION #1 - NIGHT - 1956, FLASHBACK

    If you want flashbacks in your script, treat them asseparate scenes and format your headings like this.

    YOUNG CHARACTER #1If it's important, you can includethe specific year or time period.

    YOUNG CHARACTER #2If your flashback takes placeacross a number of consecutivescenes, then specify it as aflashback sequence in the heading.

    Indicate when the flashback or flashback sequence finishesand begin a new scene.

    END FLASHBACK.

    INT. LOCATION #1 - DAY

    As a rule, scene numbers are not included on a spec filmscript. They generally only appear on shooting scriptsalong with camera and technical directions (which should beavoided in a spec script).

    Don't forget to number all of your pages - page one beginswith scene one, not the title page.

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    8.

    And keep all your pages together with a simple paper binderin the top left corner. Unfastened pages can becomeseparated from the rest of the script and get lost!

    FADE TO:

    INT. LOCATION #2 - NIGHT

    It is standard practice to sign-off a film script with THEEND centred on the page, preceded by FADE OUT.

    FADE OUT. only ever appears at the end of a feature-lengthscreenplay, or an act in a television script. If you wantto indicate a FADE OUT. and a FADE IN: within the body ofthe script, then the correct transitional term is FADE TO:as above.

    However, as mentioned earlier, scene transitions should beavoided in spec scripts where possible.

    FADE OUT.

    THE END