Did you know that the Back to the Future script was nominated for Best Original Screenplay at the 1986 Academy Awards? Back to the Future may be most famous for its incredible production design and visual effects, but the script is excellent as well. We’re going to break down the Back to the Future screenplay by looking at its characters, quotes and iconic ending. By the end, you’ll know why the original Back to the Future script is such an iconic example of effective screenwriting. Doc, rev up the DeLorean, we’re going back – back to the future! Continue…
 We've all seen a continuity error in a film or noticed a plot hole at some point. The fact that you don't see hundreds of them is because productions hire someone to pay attention to the details of a script. This person on set is known as the script supervisor. We'll go over what a script supervisor does, why they're so important, and also provide a free script supervisor template and forms. Continue reading Ultimate Guide to Script Supervisors (FREE Script Supervisor Template)
Abbreviated DPR or just PR, the daily production report might be the most important documents a producer looks at every day.From video agencies to indie productions, having a up-to-date DPR is necessary for assessing progress, catching inefficiencies, and tracking each production daily expense. In our post, we cover the process with our free production report template and step-by-step guide. Daily Production Report Template - Tear Sheet - StudioBinderWhat is a daily production report?What is a daily production report?The Daily Production Report (often a two-sided page) is filled out by a member of the production, and contains key information about the shoot day.…
The best short films have a few key things in common: concise storytelling, great performances, an original concept, and stunning visuals. You can learn from each, but which are the best to watch?Continue reading The 49 Best Short Films of All Time That Every Filmmaker Can Learn From
If you want to write a script, and finish it, story outlines are helpful. Why? Because once you have waded even knee-deep into the writing, it's easy to lose sight of things. Even worse? Predators named fear and self-doubt will be stalking you.Continue reading How to Write a Story Outline that Works [FREE Script Outline Template]
We all know every story starts at the beginning, right? But what’s the thing that truly starts every story? The answer is the inciting incident. It’s a critical element to all narratives. This is true if you're writing a half-hour sitcom, an epic action movie, or a small rom-com set in your apartment.Continue reading 15 Best Inciting Incident Examples for Screenwriters and Directors
When you’re shooting a scene there are a lot of choices to be made about what’s in the audience’s focus. If you want them to see everything, then you need to use a deep focus shot. Today we’re going to go over the deep focus shot, deep space mise-en-scene, and see why these camera angles should definitely be part of your shot list.Continue reading Deep Focus Shot: Creative Examples of Camera Movements & Angles
We’ve all seen a film or TV show breaking the fourth wall. It’s hard to miss, and that’s why breaking the 4th wall is a really big filmmaking decision that can polarize your audience. Is your project right for this technique? If so, when should you do it? We've included plenty of breaking the fourth wall examples, and three tips to help you decide whether this cinematic technique is right for your project. Continue reading Breaking the Fourth Wall: Definition, Meaning and Examples
When you’re inside a movie or TV show most of the world is built around the character's POV. That can feel limiting. But what about when the filmmaker takes you out of the world and reminds you that you’re a viewer and not a participant (like an aerial shot)?Continue reading The Aerial Shot: Creative Examples of Camera Movements & Angles
Whether you're a 1st AD or in the production unit, these best practices could help prevent common mistakes that occur as you start sending call sheets to talent & crew.Continue reading 5 Best Practices for Prepping and Sending Out Call Sheets
