How to Break Down a Script for Film Production Scheduling

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By msmarymac
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To know how many days a film shoot will be and to schedule it accurately, you must first do a script breakdown. This is a very important step to complete as soon as possible in pre-production, as it will keep you organized throughout your planning and your shoot.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Script
Pencils
Ruler
Highlighter
Computer

Step 1

Read the script at least once, preferably several times.
Step 2

Assign each scene a number and draw a horizontal line across the page at the bottom of each scene.
Step 3

Measure each scene by its page count and by dividing each page into eighths. Generally, the rule of thumb is that each inch of text equals 1/8. For example, a scene that is one page long and spills over onto the top of the next page would be identified as a scene that is 1 and 1/8 pages in length.
Step 4

Next, highlight each specific component of the scene, such as interior or exterior, day or night, number of characters, wardrobe needs, special equipment, etc.
Step 5

Assign a number to each speaking role in the script. Once this number is established it is important that it never change, as the character will be identified by this number in all schedules that follow. Generally, assign the character with the most scenes #1, the character with the second most number of scenes #2, etc.
Step 6

Transfer the information you have gathered on each scene to its own Breakdown Sheet and make sure you have one sheet for each scene. This will help keep you organized as you continue on with your scheduling. Include on this sheet everything you will need to shoot this scene. This includes the characters, the page count, the location, whether it is interior or exterior, day or night, wardrobe, props, makeup needs, effects needed and anything of importance.

Comments

SchedulingBuzz said

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on 11/30/2008 Reel Production Calendar, the only scheduling calendar specifically developed for film production, now imports scripts directly from Final Draft.

http://www.reelproductioncalendar.com

digitalgirl said

on 7/17/2008 You might want to try ScriptE systems software for script supervising. Its and all in one program that lets you import your script from Final Draft (or other script programs) and create a scene-by-scene breakdown. Basically it does everything that was suggested above in a few keystrokes. Check them out at www.scriptesystems.com.