Breaking Down the Script
Learn to properly break down the script, line the script, techniques for breaking down each scene, how to use scene breakdown forms, and how assistant directors and line producers should manage the breakdowns from other departments on the project.Breaking Down the Script
Developed by Jason Tomaric, FilmSkillsABOUT THIS LESSON
Once the script is complete, multiple departments begin to break down the script to determine the materials they need, the costs, and schedule demands.
In this module, learn how to properly break down the script, how to line the script, techniques for breaking down each scene, how to use scene breakdown forms, and how assistant directors and line producers should manage the breakdowns from other departments on the project.
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19:11 video that takes you step-by-step through the process of breaking down a script
- Complete companion guide
- Sample lined script
- Blank scene breakdown form you can use on your production
- Recommended industry-standard software packages
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN
- How to properly line a script
- What scene breakdown forms are and how to use them
- How to create a breakdown bible for the crew
ABOUT THE LESSON AUTHOR
Jason Tomaric
Director, Cinematographer Los Angeles, CaliforniaJason J. Tomaric is an Emmy, Telly, and CINE Award-winning director and cinematographer of four internationally-distributed feature films, dozens of national television commercials, music videos, and the largest film training content library in the world, published author of 8 books - used in many top universities, and creator of AccuSkills.com, an industry-changing learning management platform.
Jason has worked in Los Angeles and around the world in over 20 countries. His clients include Disney, NBC/Universal, National Geographic, McDonald’s, Toyota, Scion, Microsoft, and Paul Mitchell, with narrative work screened at Sundance, Slamdance, and South by Southwest film festivals as well as on Netflix and on all broadcast networks.
Jason has taught and/or guest lectured at some of the nation's most prestigious film schools including UCLA, Columbia College, John Carroll University, Kent State University, San Francisco State, University of Notre Dame, and numerous film festivals.
Jason has written eight industry-defining books, all sold in bookstores, and used in film schools around the world. The American Society of Cinematographers hails Jason's books - "There are no wasted words in Tomaric's tome, which concisely summarizes each facet of the director's craft. It's difficult to think of a step in the process that Tomaric fails to address."
Jason’s DVD training series on Hollywood film production have trained filmmakers in over 40 countries, with distributors in Europe, Hong Kong, New York and Australia.
In 2010, Jason launched FilmSkills, which combines the world’s largest film training video library with his proprietary learning management system. Adopted by 47 universities within the first year, FilmSkills is now the leading industry-standard training solution for motion picture and television production.
In 2015, Jason launched AccuSkills.com, an industry-changing learning management platform that bridges the gap between academia and industry.
CONTRIBUTORS TO THIS LESSON
Cristen Carr Strubbe
Line Producer, UPM, "Catch Me if you Can," "Charile Wilson's War," "Ali," and "The Prestige"Through her company, Pimpernel Productions Inc, Cristen Carr Strubbe provides breakdowns, board and budgeting services for independent and studio majors alike. As a Production Manager Mrs. Carr Strubbe collaborates some of Hollywoods best directors, writers and financiers. Since 2001 she has worked along side Sam Remi, Aaron Sorkin, Christopher Nolan, Sam Mendes, Mike Nicols, Michael Mann and Steven Spielberg. Mrs. Carr Stubbe's credits include: AMERICAN BEAUTY, CATCH ME IF YOU CAN, ALI, CHARLIE' WILSON'S WAR, and THE PRESTIGE.
Matthew Feitshans
1st Assistant Director, "Total Recall," "Tombstone," "Army of Darkness", and “Remember The Titans”Matthew Feitshans graduated from the University of Southern California Cinema School in 1991 with a degree in screenwriting, although his career in the film industry began long before that. As a young teenager he held jobs as production assistant every summer on films produced by his father, Buzz Fetishans. By 1993 at the age of 23, Matthew had earned a place in the Director’s Guild of America and has worked on several films in the capacity as Assistant Director, including “The Forbidden Kingdom,” “The Last Legion,” “The World of Tomorrow,” “The Last Castle,” “Remember The Titans,” “Kull, The Conqueror” “Shadow Conspiracy,” “Beverly Hills Cop III,” “Tombstone,” “Army of Darkness," “Trading Moms,” “Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story,” “Prancer,” “Timebomb,” and “Total Recall."
Beginning in 2006, Matthew assumed responsibilities as VP of Development for Raffaella Productions, Inc. Projects under his supervision currently include: MacGyver, with New Line Cinema; What Happened To Monday?, with Vendome Films; Killer Pizza with Chris Columbus and 1492 Films; and the upcoming production Vivaldi, starring Luke Evans, Jessica Biel, and Sir Ben Kingsley.
Stephen Marinaccio
Line Producer, "America's Next Top Model," "Headless Horseman," "Trade of Innocents," and "The Counselor"Stephen Marinaccio picked up his first camera at the age of 8 and immediately knew that he wanted to be a filmmaker. He studied tirelessly through high school and college to learn the history and techniques of the medium. With 20 years of experience working in various positions on over 45 feature films he has acquired the knowledge it takes to line produce.
In 2001, James Cameron gave Marinaccio his first break. He was upgraded to UPM on the Mexico shoot for Ghosts of the Abyss. From there, he started working as a UPM on independent features and was soon accepted as a member of the Director’s Guild of America as a Unit Production Manager.
Soon after, Steve McEveety (Passion of the Christ, Braveheart) hired him to oversee all production and post for feature films at Mpower Pictures, including The Stoning of Soraya M. and the recently released Snowmen. While at Mpower Pictures, Marinaccio was given the opportunity to assist with development, marketing and awards campaigning, further increasing his understanding of the business side.
In early 2009, Marinaccio started his own company, More Nachos Entertainment. MNE is working on various properties in the video game world, comic book channels and even the Los Angeles stage scene.