https://drive.google.com/open?id=1X5uBCIDYqIYl1p8h1np5DyFruO1yY_Rv
Script Breakdown Task.
For this task the main choices I made were the shots chosen for the story board. I had to read through the script a few times to get a clear vision of how I wanted the script to be visually presented. Storyboarding is the most important part of the pre-production stage in my opinion as is supported by Bamford, ‘For some directors a storyboard is more essential in the preparation for a shoot than a script. After all, television…is a visual medium, therefore the script should be visual too. And that, effectively, is what a storyboard is – a visual script, and a preview of the edit’ (Bamford, 2012, pp. 29-31).
Once reading the script a few times I had developed the visuals in my mind and was ready to start drawing the shots on paper. For my first attempt I used basic lines to block out the shots, working out the camera angles for my first draft in order to revise it and make it more concise for a second draft.
In the second draft I managed to filter down the shots, as I decided that because of the tension required to build through the story. I felt that the use of a wide shot on the poker table showing the entire scene created tension by breaking normal film conventions, when the audience are expecting a cutaway to a close up or medium shot and are not payed off, it makes us borderline uncomfortable. Time should be taken between lines to allow as much audience anticipation as possible. My main influence for this form of tension building was a single scene from the film Inglorious Bastards (2009) in the restaurant where the character Shosanna is talking with Col. Hans Landa over strudel. It is a very simple scene that relies entirely on the ending, as throughout it is clear the character Shosanna is uncomfortable. The audience are aware it was Col. Landa who had her family executed at the beginning of the film; it is not until he leaves she breaks down into tears and is distraught, this is finally where the tension is broken and the audience are rewarded. The scene is simple and almost calming which creates a much greater reaction in the audience. This was my intention for the storyboard.
Creating storyboards is a skill I am still developing, in some shots, it is unclear which direction I want the characters to look I believe the feel and mood of the story is expressed well and shows my understanding of camera use, and story telling conventions. Using classic methods such as shot reverse shot and close ups to show a character’s reaction to certain events. All of these concepts positively impacted the final piece meaning I had a storyboard that mirrored the annotated script I had produced and was clear what was required and would help on the shooting day.
In terms of what went well and what did not, I felt that the annotated script, although following conventions and professional practice, could have been improved. In future I would create 2 scripts, one with tramlines alone and the other just annotated as it would have been clearer and more professional. After reflecting on this I have decided that I did not feel the sense of achievement I thought I would, because I still felt confused by the end as I struggled to read it all, so I will change it next time to reflect my new understanding (Schon, 1987).
In conclusion, I felt that the entire task went reasonably well, by creating an annotated script for a full 5-page short story and matching storyboard to suit, alongside breakdown sheets and character sheets. This project has helped me to better understand the industry I am going into and what is required to be able to succeed.