What is a Shooting Script in Film?

Preparing your screenplay for the big day is something that the average screenwriter thinks about over, and over, again. Production is a HUGE step for any screenwriter. And something that is not to be taken lighting. But, before production of your screenplay begins. There’s still a lot of planning to be done. In order to ensure the shot lists, call sheets, and other pertinent details of the shoot are prepared. And that everything goes smoothly. Before any of this happens, you’re going to prepare a shooting script. But what is a shoot script in film and how is it prepared?

What is a Shooting Script in Film?

A shooting script in film represents a fundamental tool for your production that is clearly defined. And includes the detailed order of scenes and shots. As they will take place during the production of your motion picture.

They’re much different than your written screenplay. As they are not in chronological order and they rarely make their way into the original screenwriter’s hands. The shooting script really isn’t needed by the screenwriter. Because it’s really more of a plan for the cast and crew to follow. 

What’s the Purpose of a Shooting Script?

The purpose of a shooting script is to help the Director and the rest of the production crew to organize the production. In a way that provides maximum use of the time and resources on the set. 

Just imagine a film that was produced in the exact order that the screenplay was written in. With a scene-by-scene flow in which the production crew would set up, and take down, each set after each scene was filmed.

Logistically, it would be a nightmare and the production process would take probably double or triple as long. 

Savings

A shooting script saves time, and time and money on the set. The shooting script outlines the details of the production process.

Including details on how the director, cinematographer, and other members of the production crew have decided will be most appropriate to save the production time and to maximize use of resources.

By organizing the shooting script so that the production can maximize use of resources, the team can often shave time off of the filming process.

While at the same time preventing the need to rebuild sets, bring cast and crew back, and otherwise necessitate a logistical nightmare that would be without a shooting script.

Additional Benefits of a Shooting Script

In addition to the planning that goes into a shooting script, there are several added benefits that come from having a script that outlines the production needs in this manner.

For instance, imagine knowing that production is scheduled for a period of several months and should appear to take place during the fall.

If you’re filming in a location where winter is fast approaching, and the weather will no longer be “fall” pretty soon. Changes to the shooting script might take place. To ensure you can capture all of the footage required for that location before winter approaches. 

Organizational Benefits

The shooting script has the benefit of providing a clear picture of what shots and scenes must be captured, at what locations, and in what effect.

The shooting script, unlike the typical script, is not in chronological order. But rather in the most efficient order for which the production activities of building sets, coordinating talent, and filming can take place to maximize production resources.

So, what is a shooting script? It’s a beneficial tool that is used by Directors, and crew. To organize the production in a way that maximizes resources for the film.