FILM 100 Notes
Elements of Drama
- A protagonist
- Wants / needs something
- Will take action to achieve it
- Will meet with conflict
- That escalates to a climax
- And resolves in a way that is both surprising and inevitable
Three Acts
Beginning = Setup
- 1/4 of the script
- Creates the context, establishes the world of the film
- Inciting incident (Catalyst) = Event that sets the story in motion.
- Raises the central question.
Middle = Development
- 1/2 of the script
- advances the story, develops the conflict (rising action), explores the
theme, builds relationships.
- Midpoint (raises the stakes) and turns the action in a new direction.
End = climax and resolution
- Less than 1/4 of script.
- Climax is the highest point in the drama where the problem is resolved,
central question Is answered, and tension is released.
- Resolution (Falling action) ties up loose ends, answers all the story’s
questions.
A solo trip to Varanasi leads to the profound transformation of a young
18 year old boy as he confronts the duality of life and death together.
SCREENPLAY
- I/E = Scene that crosses between INT and EXT
- OS = Off screen voice
- VO = voice over
- Angle On = Drawing attention to crucial detail
6 phases of a film
- Development
Find material to develop
Rewrites
Attach talent / director
Soft prep = Prepare initial budgets and schedule,
research tax incentives, secure financing
- Pre production
Form a production company. Secure insurance
Hire Key production personnel: UPM/Line producer,
Accountant, DP, PD, location manager.
Establish a production office
Director/DP pre visualise film: Shot list / storyboard
Budget and schedule. Hire cast and crew.
Location Scout
- Production
Rehearse / block / light / shoot
- Post production
Scores are composed, music cues are selected
Finalise licenses and legal clearances
Visual effects
Directors cut, test screening, pictures lock
Final mix and DI (digital intermiediate)
Credits
- Distribution
Distribution deal can be made at any point
International vs domestic distributors
Sales agent
Distributors handles P&A
- Exhibition
Film exhibitors own and operate theatres
Can affect box office success
