Discussion

Pulling Off Your Shorts Notes Chapter 3 - 6

Chapter 3: Screenplay: The Every Other Daily Grind

• Script - 3 weeks and it’ll be over
• Improves work on set creatively and practically
• Allows everyone  to literally be “on the same page”
• Watch film and read screenplay at same time
• One page of screenplay = one minute screen time
• There is available screenwriting software
• Use stage directions
• Slug lines carry info about location
• If characters talk, it better be interesting
• A late start is key
• “Stock” - stereotypical, familiar, or overused
• View your characters as complex, multi-hued, and layered
• Stay ahead of audience, don’t let them know where the film is going
• Look at treatment and identify the reversals, should be at least one
• Make a schedule, stick to it, and grind it out.
• Add writing into your schedule, between classes etc.
• Make sure to schedule a reading
• Keep distractions down to a minimum, internet, IM, video games etc.
• Don’t criticize too early in the draft making process
• Do a reading - listen carefully and take notes
• Ask yourself questions such as “ What about the story engaged you?” and “What confused you?”
• If you have camera access, shoot the reading
• Make sure you revise!
• Don’t worry about over-writing, its common to overwrite

Chapter 4: The Producers

• Associate Producer, the Assistant Director, the Camera Operator, and the Sound Engineer will become a large part of the film
• Get adults involved, their opinion can be valuable
• “Gaffers” “Grips” “PAs” and “Propmaster”
• Don’t recruit new people through technology
• Formal and open auditions are a must
• The Assistant Director should run the auditions
• Trust instincts when casting actors to their roles
• Scout locations then schedule
• P - Power, A - Accessibility, N - Noise, and T - Traffic
• Make sure to get permission before shooting on private property
• A prop list is a must, and note which segment they are needed in.
• Actors for the most part provide own costumes, just set guidelines to follow
• Rehearsal is not only for actors but crew too.
• At rehearsal - collect contact info, costume check, technical check, introductions, the pitch, a read through, and a review schedule.

Chapter 5: Time and Money

• Don’t need much money, just be creative and resourceful
• Find three days to shoot your movie
• Cut script into six easy manageable pieces, more complicated scenes go in the AM
• Make call sheets - who has to show up where and when.
• Keep on set, water, sodas, three lunches, a table full of snacks, and sunscreen.
• Watch your budget

Chapter 6: Director’s Preparation

• Combine storyboards and shot lists into “shotboards”
• Practice by creating  shotbaords in reverse from movies you’ve already seen and love.
• Share the shotboard with the superfriends
• Make sure superfriends are on same page by walking them through the movie.