Scene Creation and Movie Visualization:
The following should be done on large index cards, one card per scene, as follows:
If you create a digital template that does the EXACT same job, then you are permitted to use that instead.
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SCENES:
Step out your script in a series of scenes. A scene starts with an objective, and a scene ends when that objective is either accomplished or when the objective is obviously not accomplished. A scene is made up of beats (actions). Beats are made up of shots. (Sequences are made up of scenes. Major Plot Points / Major Beats consist of sequences.)
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FRONT OF INDEX CARD FOR EACH SCENE:
---At the top of the front of each card, write the master scene heading (slug or scene title).
---Below the master scene heading, write the scene location and setting:
int = interior (indoor location) ext = exterior (outdoor location)
sample: INT. BEDROOM -- NIGHT
---Skip a line, and then write a sentence emphasizing the central action and purpose
or objective of the scene. (State this in terms of the goal of the protagonist or the antagonist.)
---Skip a line, and then list all props and costuming needed for the scene.
---In the lower left hand corner, list the characters that appear in the scene.
---In the lower right hand corner of your card, describe the pace of the scene (fast or slow).
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BACK OF INDEX CARD FOR EACH SCENE:
----At the top in all CAPS: write themajor plot point (from your core story outline) that the scene falls under.
-----Below the major plot point, write the objective of the scene.
----Skip a line and then list the Beats of the scene: (steps of what will happen)
----ANDbelow each beat, list the shots for the beat (what viewer actually sees).
EXAMPLE of back of index card:
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Major Plot Point: THE CATALYST
Objective: The protagonist, Sue, is late for work. Her goal is to sneak into work without her boss noticing she is late.
Beat 1: Sue’s alarm goes off and she realizes she is late for work.
Shots: CU Alarm Clock, Zoom out to hand shutting it off, Zoom out
farther to look of horror on Sue’s face.
Beat 2: Sue is rushing to get to work.
Shots: Cut to LS of car; MCU revealing Sue driving; CU of worried look on
Sue’s face; LS of car speeding up.
Beat 3: Sue is at work trying to get to her desk before the boss sees her.
Shots: Cut to establishing shot of office building; LS inside building of long
empty hallway. LS of Sue rushing down hall looking around and
turning into a doorway. Cut to Sue’s visual point of view: scanning
office seeing a man (her boss) standing right by her desk, but with his
back to her. LS of Sue sneaking behind boss into her seat, then boss
turning around and seeing her. XCU boss’s eyes; ZO to MCU of boss
as he does confused double take, Cut to boss slowly walking away
shaking head. Cut to CU of Sue exhaling…… END OF SCENE
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ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
MUSIC MONTAGE:
One of your requirements is to include a music montage. A montage in a movie is an editing technique that produces a sequence of short shots or quick scenes. Montage is usually used in films to compress a long period of time into a short period of time. Montage maycondense space, time, and information.Music usually adds to the tone or emotion of the montage. (In our class, it must be rights-free music.) A montage is usually used to bridge a gap in time or to forward the story in time, to show a major jump in the plot, or to create an emotional or inspirational moment for the audience.
Describe your montage(and provide all visual info) on one of your scene cards. AT THE TOP OF THE SCENE CARD, ALONG WITH THE SLUG OR SCENE TITLE, WRITE THE WORDS, “MUSIC MONTAGE.”
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CROSS CUTTING SCENE (Juxtaposition):
A cross cutting or juxtaposition scene is a scene in which two or more actions are going on at the same time. The movie cuts back and forth from one line of action to the other. The actions are often opposite type actions but are linked to create an emotion or to create meaning. The editing technique ofalternating, interweaving, or interspersing one narrative action (scene, sequence, or event) with another - usually in different locations or places, thus combining the two is often used to dramatically build tension and suspense, or to show the relationship between the different sets of action. A good cross cutting scene can add interest and excitement, can add deeper meaning, can add subtext, can create suspense, can create a strong emotion, etc.
Describe your cross cutting scene (and provide all visual info) on one of your scene cards. AT THE TOP OF THE SCENE CARD, ALONG WITH THE SLUG OR SCENE TITLE, WRITE THE WORDS, “CROSS CUTTING SCENE.”