Director's screenplay

alex whitmer

alex whitmer

Veteran
Anybody here know where I can find info on how to write in Director's info on an existing screenplay?

Camera angles, things like dolly up and steady cam, close on, pull back, etc.

I've seen very few out there, but need more.

Alex
 
yeah most scripts don't have too much of that kind of info. usually writers try to leave that stuff out on purpose because it's the director's job.

i would suggest maybe try try finding scripts by writer/directors? maybe they would write in more information since they'll be shooting it.

also, maybe try looking at different shooting scripts (as opposed to earlier drafts) - http://www.script-o-rama.com/table.shtml
 
I did a search on google and found this image of a lined script.

http://www.bilkent.edu.tr/~treske/Courses/comd482/482_asmlined.html

Although I do it a little bit differently, that image could give you an idea. The lines that go down the page cover how much your wanting to capture from a specific camera angle. I tend to place the shot number at the top of the line along with the shot and what happens in the shot. For example, "1A - CU - Character walks down street."

I'll draw a line for each shot that I want in a scene with a description of the shot.

Hope that helps.
Ken
 
Even a shooting script won't contain that info. The odd script written by an old school writer will have some camera instructions, but I've been on film crews for $20 million studio pics and the director just ignores it. It would never be memorialized after that fact either.
 
kiyong said:
yeah most scripts don't have too much of that kind of info. usually writers try to leave that stuff out on purpose because it's the director's job.

i would suggest maybe try try finding scripts by writer/directors? maybe they would write in more information since they'll be shooting it.

also, maybe try looking at different shooting scripts (as opposed to earlier drafts) - http://www.script-o-rama.com/table.shtml
Click to expand...

As a script writer I never do it. But, I had a request from a new Director to help out with it.

Thanks!

Alex
 
taormina said:
Even a shooting script won't contain that info. The odd script written by an old school writer will have some camera instructions, but I've been on film crews for $20 million studio pics and the director just ignores it. It would never be memorialized after that fact either.
Click to expand...

I know a few do it. Tarantino, for example. But little other info is there. So, how does the Director communicate to his or her crew to do a certain shot, or use a certain camera? Must be notes somewhere.

I wouold yhink as A Director reads through a script, there would be notes, such as close on, or overhead shot.

A

www.alexwhitmer.wordpress.com
 
kennethhurd said:
I did a search on google and found this image of a lined script.

http://www.bilkent.edu.tr/~treske/Courses/comd482/482_asmlined.html

Although I do it a little bit differently, that image could give you an idea. The lines that go down the page cover how much your wanting to capture from a specific camera angle. I tend to place the shot number at the top of the line along with the shot and what happens in the shot. For example, "1A - CU - Character walks down street."

I'll draw a line for each shot that I want in a scene with a description of the shot.

Hope that helps.
Ken
Click to expand...

Yes, that helps. Thank you.

A
 
alex whitmer said:
I know a few do it. Tarantino, for example. But little other info is there. So, how does the Director communicate to his or her crew to do a certain shot, or use a certain camera? Must be notes somewhere.

I wouold yhink as A Director reads through a script, there would be notes, such as close on, or overhead shot.

A

www.alexwhitmer.wordpress.com
Click to expand...

A specific shot list is a good tool to use. Storyboards are another, basically a graphic shot list.

depends on the director.. and the scene.. and the budget... a huge scene with crane shots.. explosions... steadicam etc.. anything really specific that needs to be thought out would done in a production meeting beforehand...

but if you refer to say a simple 1 camera scene... nothing like the good ol "thumbs n index fingers" framing. ie: just show & tell em what ya want ;)
 
kennethhurd said:
I did a search on google and found this image of a lined script.

http://www.bilkent.edu.tr/~treske/Courses/comd482/482_asmlined.html

Although I do it a little bit differently, that image could give you an idea. The lines that go down the page cover how much your wanting to capture from a specific camera angle. I tend to place the shot number at the top of the line along with the shot and what happens in the shot. For example, "1A - CU - Character walks down street."

I'll draw a line for each shot that I want in a scene with a description of the shot.

Hope that helps.
Ken
Click to expand...

wuts the a,b,c,d,e, tihng?
 
Here is how I've done it both as a Screenwriter and Director

1. Complete a spec script (no directions)
2. Complete a shooting script (with directions)
3. Complete a shot list.
4. Complete a lined script.
5. Complete an overhead diagram (pencil or whatever).
6. Complete storyboards.

#1 goes to the actors. #2-#6 stays with me and the DP, some departments will of course get various forms, like wardrobe will have copies of the storyboards, etc. Everyone is happy :)

If you need help with any of these let me know, I've done quite a few of each.

Good luck!
 
PT Anderson's "Shooting Scripts" are available for Boogie Nights, Magnolia and Punch Drunk Love....haven't seen one for Sydney. His scripts are very camera direction specific and are an interesting read.

Good luck!!
 
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