week 4.

breaking down a script

This week in class we discussed the steps that a director should take to understand and break down a script.
 The first thing a director has to do when they get a script is to read it several times. It may seem obvious but you should know the script inside out and back to front so that you can visualise it accurately.
You then have to imagine it. creating the film in your head allows you to avoid the technical aspect and concentrate entirely on the creative side. It can also help with...

• visualising the characters- what drives them
• the 'feel' of the film
• sound
• VFX
• Theme
• moral Premise
• possible location/era

You can then turn it into a shot list that conveys the emotions and themes of the scene.
breaking down a script proved to be a lot more difficult than I expected as everything has to be thought out very thoroughly to avoid doubts about the story later on.