TV Commercial Production Prep — From Script to Schedule

If you’ve seen one commercial, you've seen 'em all, right? Not exactly. Each commercial is a unique production and requires everything a short film does. Scripts, shot lists, script breakdowns, shooting schedules, and more. In this post, we break down the TV commercial production process and everything you need to do before the cameras roll.Continue reading TV Commercial Production Prep — From Script to Schedule

How to Create Script Sides for Film & TV [with Examples]

You, a production professional, know how to make script sides.The 2nd AD tells you, “Make script sides and distro when they’re done.” But what if you’re responsible for sending script sides to actors and crew? What are sides, exactly, and why are they so important in production? 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.Continue reading How to Create Script Sides for Film & TV [with Examples]

What Does a Producer Do: Various Types of Producers in Film & TV

  What does a Producer do, exactly? More to the point, why are there so many different types of producers in film, TV and video production? Do you know the differences between a producer versus an executive producer? How about a co-producer, an associate producer, or TV producer? Some of the differences may not be as cut and dry as you may think. Let’s get started. Continue reading What Does a Producer Do: Various Types of Producers in Film & TV

What is a Theme Song — How Music Sets the Stage

  A theme song can be the defining sound of a television show, movie, or even a personal brand. It's a melodic and catchy tune that encapsulates the essence, mood, and tone of the subject it represents. Its importance is often underestimated, yet its power is undeniable. This article will delve into the significance of a theme song, exploring its role and impact in various contexts. Continue reading What is a Theme Song — How Music Sets the Stage

What Are Upfronts in TV — How Advertising Works in Television

Ever wondered why certain “hot new TV shows” get a full-on media blitz while others… barely get a bus ad? It’s more than just the luck of the draw, but rather a TV business strategy that starts at an annual event called the TV Upfronts taking place every Spring in New York. Over the course of this article, we’re going to define the event, its importance to the TV Industry as a whole and how it’s evolved over time. Let’s dive in. Continue reading What Are Upfronts in TV — How Advertising Works in Television

What are Subtitles — How Subtitles Work in Film & TV

Subtitles are more than just words at the bottom of the screen; they're a powerful tool that can break language barriers, improve accessibility for the hearing impaired, and promote cultural exchange through cinema. As we explore the intricacies of subtitles, we'll also discover how they have evolved over the years and their significance in today's globalized film industry. So, grab some popcorn and join us as we uncover the magic of subtitles and their role in elevating our movie-watching escapades.Continue reading What are Subtitles — How Subtitles Work in Film & TV

How Long is a TV Show Script — Half-Hour and Hour Formats

How long is a television script? If you want to write a television pilot, you will want to ensure that your script follows all formatting and length guidelines. But knowing exactly how long a television script should be can be more of a challenge than one might expect. In this post, we’ll be breaking down the different types of television scripts, defining the page counts for each, and explaining how runtime is calculated based on the number of pages in a screenplay. But first, let’s get started by exploring the differences between writing for film and writing for television.Continue reading…

What is a Cold Open in TV — Dissecting the Best Cold Opens

Have you ever started a new show and changed the channel or switched to another show within the first few minutes? The show probably didn’t do enough to grab your attention. Cold opens can make or break an episode of a TV show. But what is a cold open and why do TV writers use them so frequently? In this article, we’ll take a look at a few of the best cold opens to answer those questions and more. Continue reading What is a Cold Open in TV — Dissecting the Best Cold Opens

What is a Subplot in Film and TV? Definition and Examples

There are many ways to enhance the main plot of a film. You can flesh out your protagonist, establish a story structure that keeps the audience engaged, and fine tune the plot points that move the story forward. But did you know that introducing subplots can enhance your film’s main plot? Understanding how a subplot functions and serves the main plot can give your film the depth you desire. So, what is a subplot of a story? And what is the definition of subplot? We’ll answer all of that and more in this article.Continue reading What is a Subplot in…