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The script is the foundation in which a film is built on. You cannot film something without a script to work with. It is basically the document that guides everybody what they can and should do in relation to bringing the film to fruition from word to image.
Not everyone appreciates the importance and the far-reaching influences of a script into a film project. In pre-production, for instance, it takes on several incarnations that it actually evolves from the simple narrative that it begins with at the start of preproduction.
What Happens to the Script?
Once production has been green-lit, meaning a producer liked the story enough that he or she decides to approve funding for the project, the script is then dissected by various departments. It is then broken down into new documents, all of which are based on what has been written by the screenwriter.
A screenplay is analyzed and converted into the following documents:
• Location breakdown
This is a document that lists down the locations specified by or, at the least, described by the screenplay. This breakdown will guide the crew responsible for seeking out the locations that the production will take place in.
• Cast breakdown
Every script will list down the characters that are involved in the story, both for main and minor parts. The casting crew will take note of these, and will compile all of this information into a cast breakdown. This data will include information on the character descriptions so the casting director will know what to look for during the auditioning phase.
• Crew breakdown
The scope of the script will allow the director, as well as the director of cinematography, to visualize just how big the production is going to be. Thus, they can identify what tasks are needed, and the skilled crew that’s needed to fill those spots so production can take place.
• Scene breakdown
Of course, the script will give information on what scenes need to be shot, and each scene’s particulars. This can help people in location scouting, and then in scheduling the upcoming production process. A scene breakdown will allow the production to go on as smooth a manner as possible.
• Effects breakdown
Last but not the least, the special effects crew as well as the director and the writer can get together for a session and talk about what special and visual effects are needed in some of the shots. This can give the effects crew the information they need in order to prepare, so the scheduling crew can take that into consideration as well.
The Script is Not Just One Document
The script is often described as the driving force behind a film. You know now that this is true. Instead of just a printed document that guides actors and directors in how to go about the project, it actually becomes the basis of a set of documents that dictates what the entire production crew needs to do. Without a script, a film can never be produced in a timely and organized manner.
Photo credit : Joe Flood