Approach to screenwriting

You can have at least three different approaches to screenwriting depending on who will produce the film and/or size of the budget

  • Write a script without constraints. This is the preferred method when you write a manuscript for someone else to produce and/or have a larger budget.
  • Write a script with constraints. This is the preferred method when you write a script for a micro budget film.
  • Write a script for available location & cast. This is a preferable method when you have zero budget or would like to experiment.

Script without constraints

Write a script supposed to be produced and directed by someone else

Constraints

None

Activities

  1. Write a high level story with beats
  2. Write detailed script
  3. Create a storyboard per scene / keyframes (optional)
  4. Review script using checklist
  5. Re-write detailed script 
  6. Update storyboard (repeat from step 3 until ready)
  7. Lock manuscript

Script with constraints

Micro budget shortfilm, feature or series where you are supposed to be the producer or director yourself. 

Type of constraints are:  

  • Limited number of locations
  • Limited numer of actors
  • Limited crew
  • Limited company moves - not during shooting day

Activities

  1. Write a high level story with beats
  2. Write detailed script using constraints.
  3. Scout different locations & find suitable props
  4. Scout initial cast & make decisions on wardrobe
  5. Create a storyboard per scene / keyframes (optional)
  6. Re-write detailed script 
  7. Update storyboard (repeat from step six until ready)
  8. Lock manuscript

SCripT FOR AVALIABLE LOCATIONS & CAST

Micro or zero budget film supposed to be be produced or directed by yourself

Type of constraints

- Limited number of locations
- Limited numer of actors
- Limited crew
- Limit company moves - not during shooting day 

Activities

  1. Write a high level story with beats
  2. Scout different locations & suitable props
  3. Scout initial cast & wardrobe
  4. Write detailed script using avaliable locations, props, cast and wardrobe
  5. Create a storyboard per scene / keyframes
  6. Re-write detailed script 
  7. Update storyboard (repeat from step 6 until ready)
  8. Lock manuscript

Minimum script requirements before pre-production 

The traditional way  of screenwriting is to write a final draft and the start pre-production. However, if the story is written and produced as a micro budget production, a more agile approach may be used.

The script should then include majority of scenes, actors and locations before pre-productions begins. When this is good enough, you continue with a break down of manuscript.

The script should be ready and the script numbering must be locked when production starts, as it's not possible to change scene numbering after production starts.

Day planning also requirers the scene numbering to be locked down. However, there is a possibility to add scenes and shots at a later stage if needed, using exception handling.