The traditional way of making movies has been to create a final draft and then start pre-production. I have also seen examples where you start pre- production before the script have reached a final drift.

During spring, I’ve been writing a manuscript for a feature, Lost and Found, and I’m probably trying to do something in between.

As a writer, when the first draft of the manuscript was ready, I imported it into the pre-production software I use (Yamdu) as an aid to structure the writing process. This first version was mostly to place the characters in different locations and draft an initial dialogue.

For each character, I created a wardrobe, using Pinterest for inspiration, that would reflect their character. Then I wrote in this in the manuscript, instead of the other way around. I did the same for props, set design and locations. This is their world that they have to act in.

When I the started with the second draft, these boundaries made it much easier to concentrate on the story and have a coherent environment.

The door from the bathroom is opened and ANGELICA, 26, a fit young woman with long blonde hair, dressed in a red robe, enters the livingroom.

As a first time writer, this made the screenwriting easier for me. I also think it will make the manuscript more plausible to be good enough to get financing, as it’s producable.