Help with script for a short

K

krish

Well-known member
Hi, after months of trial and error i finally have a script that i feel is a good first treatmwent. I am at a point where i have done the best i could and would like to take the next step. what is the logical next step? I know that i need to figure out the story board, shot list , locations etc. should i just comeup with a list of shots based on the script? or should i first storyboard it and that will lead to a list of shots? I am a bit confused and would appreciate any help.

Thanks,

-Kris
 
On my last film, the first logical step was the script breakdown. It was kind of a mish-mash with everything else. I started working on shot lists early on and found that I'd have to go back and make adjustments as locations were secured.

As far as storyboards, I usually don't do them unless I have complicated set-ups. I only had one day of shooting that required a lot of planning and did the storyboards the night before.

Around the 2nd week of pre-prodcution, I laid out the shooting schedule but had to go back and make changes as parts were cast.

I'm assuming that you're going to shoot it yourself, so I would say just plan like hell before you start shooting and get somebody to help you with getting organized and all that.
 
The next step probably isn't any of those things, actually. The next step with a first draft should be to get trusted, talented people to read it and give you quality feedback, then write the second draft!
 
I really recomend you to do two things, the first to gather a group of friends and give them the argument (not the script, just the story told in actions mainly) and then after they have all read it, you tell them the story but don't let them interrupt you. At the end ask them the differences between your story and the one in the paper.

The differences they come up with are your weak points. Probably what you'll need is a little rewrite and nothing else. Ask them also what they didn't like and what did they found boring.

Hope it helps!!
 
I agree with Doug; then let it sit for a month or so. Then come back with a fresh mind and write a final draft. Usually that's when dialogue gets shaped best, after you've left the characters for a while.

If you haven't already, write background sheets on all the major characters, it will help you with the 2nd draft.

I think Storyboards are a very personal choice. Some people love the structure, sort of like a jumping point. Others hate it and feel restricted. Your choice. I generally put in short accurate shot descriptions in my Shooting script only (not in the final draft), that I can relay to the DP.
 
The best way I know of to do what fede:lang is suggesting is to have someone do actual coverage on your script. Rather than pitching them on the idea or anything of the sort, just give it to them without any explanation, have them read it, and then ask them to write a story synopsis. If they have feedback on things they liked or didn't like, that's great, but all you really want here is a detailed, blow-by-blow description of what THEY think the story is, having read it. When you read this, you'll notice very quickly which points of your script are confusing or misleading to people who aren't you. Really good thing to do, actually... you'd be surprised how often your writing is patently obvious to you but completely confusing to someone else.
 
i agree with the previous comments about getitng feedback and rewriting. but while you're rewriting, break down the script, figure out a budget, what locations you can shoot at, how many actors you need, etc. storyboards are great but a shot list and floorplans might be more useful on the set. don't bother storyboarding simple dialogue shots. getting ready for production takes up so much time it's easy to get distracted from your creative duties as director. find people you trust and delegate, because filmmaking is a group effort. good luck.
 
WAIT!!!!


DO NOT READ YOUR TREATMENT TO YOUR FRIENDS OR FAMILY!!!

why? because right now your story is so fresh and fragile that anything said can severly impact the overall story and tone of your original concept.

What I suggest you do is go buy some 3x5 flash cards. Title each card as a scene and underneath put a short description of what the scene is about, main characters, conflict, etc.

You should have like 5-10 scenes depending on how short your movie is. Lay them out, and if anything looks off, fix it.

Then write the script, then rewrite it.
 
First of guys, let me apologize for dropping off.

There are some great feedbacks on this thread and I really appreciate it.

Ok so I would say my script is somewhere between 1st and 2nd draft. I like most of the ideas on this thread and have run it past the people I know and they all seem to think that its a good script.

Ok here is the next question. would you guys give me your feedback on the script if I post it somewhere?

Again this is my first attempt at writing a script ever so please offer any constructive criticism.

I can still make changes but would like to get it as close to a final draft as possible soon.

Cheers,

-Kris
 
A first draft is just that. A first draft. Keep it close-hold until it's a final draft (for me that's version 20-something).
 
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