|
 |
Our
first typewriter was replaced by a computer many years ago - yet it still
remains a symbol of the most important working process in television
production - where the story finds its way from a raw idea to a script
ready for the shoot.
We have always believed that the production is created more in the writing
process than at any other stage of production. Long before images, sounds,
graphics, music and people bring the story to life - the story must
"come off the page"
- if it doesn't, then there's reason to worry! |
|
| Regardless
of which tool the script is written with, it is probably the cheapest
technology in the entire production process. Within the world of QWERTY,
ideas can run wild, budgets may burst and the craziest of ideas may be
tried out - without undue concerns about cost. As the script takes form,
ideas can be tuned to match production needs and resources. In our
experience, the majority of situations which demand a costly re-think
during the shoot or the edit are identifiable - and economically avoidable
- in the script stage. |
|
| The
script may be developed in several ways - either Channel 6 Television
undertakes this task alone, or the client is closely involved in the
development. On some productions external advisors may be attached to the
project, to support on those aspects of the script which involve technical
or other specialist knowledge. |
|
| Our
experience shows that a detailed synopsis or shooting script makes it
easier to define the production content and increases the chance of the
end result meeting the needs of the client. |
|
The
usual approach at Channel 6 Television is to develop a shooting script as
the basis for production planning and the shoot.
A
shooting script resembles the script of the finished production closely -
a similar structure and disposition - the shooting script gives a clear
indication of the locations and participants involved in each scene.
Though action and dialogue or interview text cannot be defined exactly
until the location shoot is completed, the shooting script gives a clear
indication of the director's intentions regarding the content and purpose
of each scene. |
|
| During the editing (first
cut) the shooting script will be updated to reflect actual content and the
chosen dialogue or interviews and will become the editing script. |
|
The
shoot may be planned and undertaken on the basis of either a synopsis (or
scene breakdown) or a detailed shooting script - the choice will depend on
the type of production and the degree to which the content and action can
be defined.
Either way, the written word is the foundation for a logical plan and a successful
shoot. |
|
