Story Boards!

You're probably thinking what a story board is? Basically; it's a visual interpretation of the script. It shows what types of shots you will be using which gives you a clearer idea when it comes to filming.

When it comes to creating a story board, there is a few things it needs to include. As it is a visual interpretation of the script it must show the location of the scene, this even includes certain lighting requirments and props within the scene.

 You need to take a not of how many actors are in that specific scene, also if an actor moves within the scene you should take a note of the action, usually you would show this by adding an arrow in whatever direction the actor/prop has moved in.

You would also have to make a note of what props are needed in the scene, such as cars, guns etc and what action the props are making, for example; 'a car drives along the road in the background'. Try to go into a lot of detail about this and try not to leave anything out. If you're inlcuding any special effects, like explosions etc, I would take a note of them as well.

 The type of shot is very important as well, so you would have to decide and take a note of what type of shot it would be for that specific scene and it's vital to show what camera angle it is aswell. If you follow and use these tips, you will have a great idea of what the film will look like visually, making it substantionally easier for you to write up your script and start filming.

This is an example of what a storyboard looks like!

Scripting!

Scripting

·         Starting point (edit): Is the introduction, such as ‘fade in/dissolve in’ It’s always on the left hand side of the page.

·         Scene heading: Is a one line description of the location and time of the day of the scene. It’s always in block capitals, it’s occasionally called a s ‘slug line’. Here is an example; EXT. New York City skyline – Night. This shows that it’s outside (Ext being an abbreviation for exterior) and that it nigh time.

·         Action: The narrative description of the events in a scene, it’s written in the present tense. Here is an example ‘Cold, rainy night in New York City, a commercial airline flies low over the skyline’

·         Character: When a character is introduced, usually with a brief example of the character. Here is an example of how a character is introduced, a character’s name should always be in capitals: ‘Looking over at the skyline JAMES, a 40 odd year old balding businessman going through a midlife crisis takes the last puff of his cigarette before throwing it down aggressively’ Minor characters may not be named, depending on the importance of the character.

·        Dialogue: Lines of speech for each character, the dialogue format is basically used when any character is heard speaking. This applies for off-screen roles and voice overs. Here is an example for you, notice how everything is centred:

JAMES

(Heavy smokers cough)

‘Im going to do it, I have too’

·         Transition: Transitions are basically film editing instructions. They usually only appear in shooting scripts. They are always on the left hand side. Here are a few examples of different transitions. ‘Fade in, Dissolve in and fade to’.

·        Shot: A shot tells the reader of the script the focal point when a scene changes.

 

 

 

 

Introduction

Hello there, My name is Connor Williamson. I'm currently studying Media/Journalism at South Tyneside College. I'm going to produce a blog to help out people with video editing, so i'll include things like hints, tips, techniques and a lot more, Ill be using Adobe Premier Pro for my own projects.