Unit 1 Lesson 04

1

Lesson 4Strip Boarding, Scheduling, and

Budgeting

Digital Video BASICS

Schaefermeyer

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Schaefermeyer Digital Video BASICS 22

Objectives

Create a strip board using Microsoft Excel Cast each role in the script Know what to look for when scouting for

locations Know what you need for a crew Schedule a fictional narrative shoot Create a budget sheet using Microsoft Excel Know how to create a storyboard

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Vocabulary

Audio operator Camera operator Casting Casting call Craft services Director

Director of photography

Gaffer Grip Storyboard Strip board

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Introduction

Scheduling a shoot for a fictional narrative is probably the most difficult, especially if the script calls for a number of actors and locations.

Scheduling a documentary can be tricky, but most of what is to be scheduled is driven by factors beyond the control of the documentary maker.

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Create a Strip Board Using Microsoft Excel

A strip board consists of two parts:– The strip board that identifies the information and holds the

strips.– The strips themselves. Each strip has the elements needed

to shoot each scene. The purpose of a strip board is to put all of the

information for what needs to be shot in one location. As you complete a strip for each scene, organize the

strips according to location.

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Create a Strip Board Using Microsoft Excel (continued)

A strip board gives you a quick, visual reference of what you need to do.

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Casting Each Role in the Script

A try-out for an acting job is called a casting call. A casting director works with the talent agencies who

know actors that would fit in any variety of roles. The casting director gives the director headshots

(portraits) of the actors. The director identifies actors he or she would like to

have audition for each role. Actors audition for the director and casting director,

but the producer and others may be there as well.

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Casting Each Role in the Script (continued)

Actors do a cold reading of the script, which means they have not seen the script before.

A callback means that the actors are seriously being considered for a role and the director wants them to come back and audition again.

At callbacks, the actor usually is asked to read again, sometimes with another actor being considered for a part.

The producer or director makes a decision and has the casting director offer the part to whomever he or she feels will do the best job.

It is important that each character is played by an actor who fits the role.

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Know What to Look for When Scouting for Locations

Five things to consider when choosing a location:1. Make sure you have permission to be at the

location.2. Make sure you have power outlets or electricity

for lights and camera equipment.3. Consider the audio at the location. Make sure

you know what is going on around you and what you need to do to get good audio.

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Know What to Look for When Scouting for Locations (continued)

4. Consider transportation. Make sure that you plan ahead so that cast, crew, and equipment get to where they need to be.

5. Consider food and water for the cast and crew.

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Know What You Need for a Crew

A basic crew includes the following:– Director. The director is in charge of the artistic

side of things. He or she makes the final say of what is seen and heard in the final production.

– Directory of Photography (DP). The director tells the DP how the scene should look and feel, and the DP makes it happen through composition of the shot and the lighting.

– Camera Operators. They run the camera and move and adjust the shot according to the director of photography’s instructions.

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Know What You Need for a Crew (continued)

– Audio Operator. This person sets up the audio connections and makes sure the audio works the way it should.

– Gaffer. He or she is the electrician who makes sure the equipment has the necessary power and is where it needs to be.

– Grip. This person who moves objects around and puts them where they need to be.

– You may also want someone to do make-up and take care of craft services, such as food, snacks and drinks for the cast and crew.

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Scheduling a Fictional Narrative

How long it takes to shoot a scene depends on the complexity of the scene and how many camera setups it requires.

– A setup occurs any time you move a camera.– A complex scene, like a carefully choreographed fight, could take days

to shoot because of all the setups and stunts. Use the strip board to schedule fixed dates. Write down which days you are going to shoot and which

shooting day you shoot each scene on the strip for each scene.

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Scheduling a Fictional Narrative (continued)

Schedule cast and crew. Determine how much time you need to set up and prepare wardrobe and makeup, and then determine when you shoot.

Crew call is the time you want the crew there. Make sure everyone involved knows where they

need to be and when to be there. Make sure every scene has been scheduled.

Write everything down. Keep track of your information so you know what is going on and when it is going to happen.

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Create a Budget Sheet Using Microsoft Excel

After you have an idea of cast and crew, where you will shoot, and an idea of how long you will shoot, you can create a budget.

The budget needs to be flexible, as it will change. Budget for tape stock, equipment rental, craft

services, transportation, props, wardrobe, and make-up. If the cast and crew are not volunteers, you have to budget for them as well.

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Create a Budget Sheet Using Microsoft Excel (continued)

You are using a Sum function to do your math, which means that any time you enter money spent into the formula, it needs to be a negative number.

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Know How to Storyboard

The storyboard is a visual guide for the shoot. Simple drawings will work. In a more expensive

production, you can hire a storyboard artist. The storybook should appear like a comic book, with

the page divided into six squares or frames for each drawing.

Storyboard each frame until you have a good idea of what the scene looks like.

Lines that correspond to the shot should be written underneath.

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Know How to Storyboard (continued)

For more complex scenes, the storyboard should give an idea of what each shot should look like. A complex scene may have a great number of storyboard frames.

Storyboards should not be polished works of art. They need to be done quickly, but they need to be accurate and clear enough to show what the shot looks like.

Camera moves can be shown with an arrow and a quick explanation written underneath.

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Summary

A strip board is a visual guide to help you identify what will be shot and who needs to be involved each day of a shoot. You also learned how to create a strip board using Microsoft Excel.

The things that need to be scheduled in order to prepare for a shoot include cast, crew, equipment, and locations.

You can create a budget sheet using Microsoft Excel. The kind of items that need to included in a budget

for a small shoot include cast, crew, equipment, and possible location and transportation costs.

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Summary (continued)

Identify cast members that will best fill each role in a script.

Know the different crew positions and identify what you will need for a shoot.

When identifying a location for shooting, you need to be aware of accessibility needs, power needs, lighting and equipment needs, and how to identify possible audio problems.

A storyboard helps you in each shot.

Education

Unit 1 Lesson 04