← Theatre and Film / 1 Creating
1.4 Pre-production
Theatre and Film · Grade 11 · 30 lessons in the design
What you will be able to do
- analyse the factors to consider when scouting locations for film
- create a storyboard for film
- create a shooting schedule for film
- value the pre-production stage in the process of filming
Key questions
“Why is location scouting important in film?”
“What is the role of a storyboard in film production?”
Lessons
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Location scouting
40 min · 1 practice tasks · quizDescribe location scouting and why it matters before a shoot.
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Location and story
40 min · 1 practice tasks · quizMatch a location to the script, theme and genre.
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Practical factors on a recce
40 min · 1 practice tasks · quizCheck space, layout, entrances and sightlines at a location.
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Light and time of day
40 min · 1 practice tasks · quizJudge the light at a location and the best time to shoot.
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Sound and noise
40 min · 1 practice tasks · quizCheck the noise at a location and find quiet places to record dialogue.
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Facilities and access
40 min · 1 practice tasks · quizCheck power, water, access and shelter before choosing a location.
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Permissions and rules
40 min · 1 practice tasks · quizGet permission and follow the rules before filming a location.
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Safety at the location
40 min · 1 practice tasks · quizSpot hazards and plan for safety at a filming location.
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Cost and budget
40 min · 1 practice tasks · quizWeigh the cost of a location and choose a sensible budget.
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The scout report and checklist
40 min · 1 practice tasks · quizRecord a location scout report and complete a recce checklist.
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The storyboard
40 min · 1 practice tasks · quizDescribe a storyboard and its role in film production.
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From script to shots
40 min · 1 practice tasks · quizBreak a scene into a sequence of shots.
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Shot sizes
40 min · 1 practice tasks · quizUse wide, medium and close shots in a storyboard.
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Camera angles and movement
40 min · 1 practice tasks · quizChoose camera angles and movement for each shot.
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Framing and composition
40 min · 1 practice tasks · quizCompose the frame using the rule of thirds, headroom and lead room.
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Sequence and continuity
40 min · 1 practice tasks · quizKeep shots in a logical order and respect the line of action.
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Drawing the storyboard
40 min · 1 practice tasks · quizDraw a storyboard with boxes, labels and notes.
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Storyboard conventions
40 min · 1 practice tasks · quizUse standard marks for movement, sound and transitions.
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The storyboard as communication
40 min · 1 practice tasks · quizExplain how the storyboard guides the crew and the actors.
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Digital storyboards and animatics
40 min · 1 practice tasks · quizMake a storyboard on paper or with a digital tool.
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The shooting schedule
40 min · 1 practice tasks · quizDescribe a shooting schedule and why it matters.
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Grouping scenes
40 min · 1 practice tasks · quizGroup scenes by location, cast and daylight for the schedule.
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Cast and crew availability
40 min · 1 practice tasks · quizFit the schedule to when the cast and crew are free.
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Estimating time
40 min · 1 practice tasks · quizEstimate realistic time for setups, rehearsal, takes and a buffer.
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Building the shooting day
40 min · 1 practice tasks · quizOrder the scenes and breaks within one shooting day.
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The call sheet
40 min · 1 practice tasks · quizPrepare a call sheet for a shooting day.
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Contingency and weather
40 min · 1 practice tasks · quizWrite a plan B for weather, illness, location problems and equipment.
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The schedule and the budget
40 min · 1 practice tasks · quizSee how the schedule controls the shooting cost.
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The pre-production pack
40 min · 1 practice tasks · quizAssemble the storyboard, schedule, scout report and permissions.
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Valuing pre-production
40 min · 1 practice tasks · quizReflect on the pre-production process in a journal and value planning.