Shooting Script: How to Write a Shooting Script

A shooting script is a production-ready screenplay that details instructions for the film production crew. The director and cinematographer develop the shooting script by breaking down the scenes and assigning numbers to each shot within a scene. Shooting scripts also contain camera shots and notes for lighting, props, and script revisions, allowing the production team to follow along on set.

Teams use the production-ready shooting scripts while on set; meanwhile, people write spec scripts (short for speculative screenplays) without the promise of purchase or production. Spec scripts tell a story and highlight the voice of a writer; therefore, the technical details do not matter as much. Shooting scripts, on the other hand, outline camera shots scene-by-scene and contain helpful production notes about sound effects and special effects to support the production crew on set and the postproduction team.

Film directors and cinematographers typically develop the shooting script ahead of production. Follow these steps to create a shooting script:

1. 1. Begin with a storyboard. Before the production of a motion picture can begin, you need to develop a cohesive visual style to bring your story to life. A storyboard is a visual version of your screenplay that tells the production team how the film should look. Based on the storyboard, the production team can plan cinematography, actor blocking, visual effects, and other technical aspects of filmmaking.
2. 2. Create a shot list. During preproduction, break the original screenplay down into scenes and number them in order of appearance in the feature film. Distinguish each shot within the scene by labeling them with the same number as the scene, plus a letter. For example, label shots within Scene 1 as “1A,” “1B,” and so on. Label each scene number and shot accordingly. Based on the shot plan, assistant directors devise a shooting schedule.
3. 3. Fill in the details. Annotate the shooting script with cinematography notes like camera directions, close-up camera angles, set and prop information, special effects, sound effects, stunts, and transitions. The more detail you include in your shooting script, the more you set the production company up for success. Also, include detailed notes to help the postproduction team through the editing process.
4. 4. Revise. After you distribute your shooting script, you will likely need to make adjustments. Rather than reprinting and redistributing updated scripts, print revisions on separate, differently colored pages. Follow a shooting script template to implement the industry-standard revision procedures, or use screenwriting software to do it for you.

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