You, a production professional, know how to make script sides.
The 2nd AD tells you, “Make script sides and distro when they’re done.” What are sides? How do you make them? What does distro mean? In this article, we’ll cover how to make script sides like a master. By the end, you’ll be ready to take your productions — and your career — to the next level.
How to Create Script Sides in StudioBinder
two approaches to script sides
Make script sides: a step-by-step guide
In this article, we’ll cover how to make script sides traditionally as well as how to create them the modern way.
You’ll want to get a good grasp on both methods. Some productions run on cloud-based software, while others go more “old-school.” Since you’re a pro, it’s important to understand how they both work.
SCRIPT SIDES DEFINITION
What are script sides?
“Sides” are the pages of the script that are being shot during that day in production. Because movies and TV shows aren’t shot in a linear way, it’s more convenient to provide script sides so cast and crew know what tomorrow’s work is. So, if you’re still wondering, “What are sides?” just consider them a blueprint for the day’s work.
Television sides are typically sent out to talent the night before, and printed off by the dozens (or the hundreds) for the crew the next morning.
Making script sides
5 Steps for making script sides
Creating script sides is pretty straightforward, but there are some good rules of thumb to follow to make sure you’re presenting yourself professionally and clearly. We'll be using StudioBinder's Script Sides generator to visualize these steps, but the process is universal.
To start, here's what script sides typically look like.
Script sides example
Thanks to modern technology, making script sides is a whole lot easier. Now, time to choose a side!
1. Choose the scene(s)
This should come as no surprise, but you’ll want to confirm what scenes you need sides for. A director may specify which pages they want for an audition or rehearsal, or you can consult the shooting schedule to determine which pages are needed for production.
In StudioBinder, once you've imported a script, each scene will be clearly marked and accessible on the Sides page.
Sides page
pro tip
When choosing sides for an audition, a director should consider what they are looking to see from an actor. They may want to find sides that highlight an actor’s range, their comic timing, their ability to play off of other actors, or something else entirely.
2. Separate the scenes
With your scenes selected, it’s time to lift them from the rest of the document. If you’re using a PDF, you’ll delete all the unnecessary pages. If you’re using a hard copy, simply remove the pages you don’t need. Of course, make sure you have backup copies when you’re doing this deleting/removing.
If you’re using StudioBinder, meanwhile, you can use the Sides feature to sort desired scenes by shoot day, by location or character. No deleting necessary.
Filter by day
3. Cross out unneeded material
Relevant pages may contain parts of scenes that you won’t be shooting. To avoid confusion, cross out anything that won’t be shot or rehearsed. If you’re using a hard copy, then just take a black marker to the script. Traditionally, this would mean drawing a box around the unwanted material and then a single, diagonal line inside the box.
With StudioBinder, you won’t have to worry about this step, since the software will organize your scenes with everything else automatically excluded. Forget the rulers and Sharpies — this is much quicker and cleaner.
Sides on StudioBinder
4. Print the script
If you haven’t already, it’s time to print. Sides are usually printed on half-size sheets of paper (8.5” x 5.5”), so select the “2 pages per sheet” option. This saves paper and takes up less space.
StudioBinder will grant you multiple formatting options when printing. You can add page breaks after scenes or shoot days, and you can include tagged elements as you wish. Then, when creating your PDF, you can have up to 16 pages per sheet.
Exporting sides
5. Assemble and distribute the sides
Now you have your physical copies. Collate your pages in your desired order (typically this is the shooting order), and then put them together. Finally, you can hand them out to the cast.
StudioBinder gives you the option to distribute sides digitally. Create a "view-only" share link and you can send it to anyone, whether they have a StudioBinder account or not.
Sharing your sides
You can also attach the PDF to your call sheet and send them to anyone on your contact list.
Attach sides to a call sheet
UP NEXT
Make your script sides the right way
Now that you know how to generate and distro script sides, it's time to take the next step. Import your script into StudioBinder and generate professional and clean script sides in minutes. Once you go digital, you'll never go back.
Up Next: Create Script Sides Now →
Easily create script breakdown sheets online.
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