A Filmmaker's Guide to Script Breakdowns (Free Ebook)Learn how to create script breakdowns, categorize elements, and generate production reports.How to Create a Script Breakdown ExplainedThe script breakdown process explained, start to finishBeing able to execute proper camera exposure in photography and video requires fundamental knowledge of what's known as The Exposure Triangle. It consists of three pillars — aperture, shutter speed, and ISO.This is ultimate guide walks you through the key methods to emerge with the knowledge and confidence to elevate your imagery.You'll Learn:ContentsWhat is the script breakdown?How to break down a scriptCommon production elementsFormatting a script properlyWhat is a…
One of the most crucial elements to a scene can be a prop. Props are important for a film’s plot, characters, and overall story. Ensuring that every prop in a screenplay is accounted for and brought on set can be overwhelming. However, creating a props list by breaking down a screenplay is a sure fire way to be prepared as a production designer or prop master. Let’s take a look at how to create a props breakdown list.Continue reading Props Breakdown — How to Make a List of All Props in a Script
Time equals change, and unless your entire script takes place over a single day or in some alternate universe where time doesn’t exist, you’re going to have multiple days, months, or even years to account for. Storylines are not always written in chronological order, and rarely are they shot in order. So how are you supposed to keep track of all of this? Story days. By marking story days throughout the script, you have a quick reference of when you are in the story. Follow along as we go step-by-step on how to mark story days in your script. Continue…
We’ve talked quite a bit about script breakdowns. We’ve shown you how to break down a script, and how to do it with free script breakdown software. Now, we’re going to take a look at Bong Joon-ho’s script for Parasite and do a deep dive into how you would tag its characteristic set dressing in a real-world production scenario. You can read and download the entire Parasite script below. Let's get started. (Caution: Parasite spoilers ahead) Continue reading Set Dressing Guide: How Bong Joon-ho’s Parasite Creates Meaning
Jordan Peele’s Get Out is already one of the most iconic films of the 21st century. Its simple elegance is a perfect example of how much can be conveyed with so little. In this post, we’ll take a look at The Sunken Place sequence and learn how to maximize storytelling with a minimal budget. A lot of it boils down to prioritizing a breakdown and schedule. We'll do this by learning how to identify the key elements that bring a scene to life (and avoid those that don't). We'll break down the Sunken Place scene's sound and VFX elements to…
Every production starts with the script breakdown. Whether you’re working on an effects-heavy mega-budget project like Age of Ultron or a micro-budget indie like Paranormal Activity, you won’t really know what bringing that story to life is going to require until you get into the script and take it apart element by element. So, let’s practice a script breakdown using the big wedding scene from the romantic comedy Crazy Rich Asians. Continue reading Breaking Down the Wedding Scene from Crazy Rich Asians
As the lovechild of the Costume Drama and the Fantasy Adventure, the Western might have more considerations that go into producing it than any other genre. When shooting a western, you’ve got costumes, animals, and stunt work to contend with. You’ve got locations and dirt and weather…And that’s just on an ordinary shoot day. In this post, take a look at a few of the many considerations that go into shooting a western by breaking down a scene from HBO’s Westworld.Continue reading Breaking Down the Contemporary Western: Westworld
A script breakdown is one of the most important phases of pre-production. It's usually the first time you start to develop a clear picture of the size, scope, and cost of a production. Breakdowns allow filmmakers to find the balance between telling the strongest story for the lowest budget. Easier said than done, but in today's article (and video!), we'll show you how to budget creatively.Continue reading A Tale of Two Script Breakdowns: Titanic vs. Brooklyn
Script breakdown sheets are the bane of a PA’s life.Nearly all screenwriting programs offer script breakdown software--allowing you to generate reports on characters, props, VFX, locations, you name it.Continue reading Breakdown Sheets: How to Mark a Script with Final Draft Tagger
FREE Script Breakdown Sheet Template & Online BuilderLooking for a script breakdown sheet template ? We have two options for you! Either download the breakdown template below, or use StudioBinder to tag your elements and generate breakdown reports online.Peek Inside the Script Breakdown Sheet TemplateDownload an industry-standard breakdown sheet template with cast & element legends.What's included in this script breakdown sheet template?Our script breakdown sheet template is fully customizable and can be expanded to fit most any production.BREAKDOWN TEMPLATE INCLUDES:Create Script Breakdowns OnlineStudioBinder's script breakdown functionality. Learn more hereHow to Tag Elements when Breaking Down a ScriptTagging elements in traditional breakdown…
