Archive for August, 2011

Aug 26

What the squiggles mean

If you work on a scripted production, whether it is a commercial, television show or movie there will be person on set called a Script Supervisor, or a Scripty.

This person I think is an invaluable member of the production crew.  The scripty is the one that is checking all the continuity of your project, and they are the eyes and the ears for the editor on set.

If you still don’t get what I am talking about think about the movie Ocean’s Eleven the remake with George Clooney and Brad Pitt.  There is a scene where Julia Roberts is walking downstairs and Brad Pitt and Matt Damon are watching her.  As the scene cuts back and forth between Julia and Brad, Brad is holding different food items each time it cuts back to him.  This is a continuity error in the film.  This is bad because it takes the audience out of the story.

Now do you see why a scripty’s job is so important?

If you ever have had a chance to look at a scripty’s notes there are usually a ton of lines and squiggles marked on their script making it look like a child decided to draw on their papers.  These squiggles and lines actually provide very specific information to them and the editors.

Check out the video below where the Script Supervisor from Numb3rs explains her notes.

2
comments

Aug 17

One way to never get a call back

While sipping my coffee this morning and going through my daily news and blog sources online I came across this headline:

Script left at Beverly Hills talent agency blown up by police

I am not joking.  A bright young man in Beverly Hills decided to bring a locked briefcase with his script inside to a talent agency and leave it there with the hopes that someone would read it.  The talent agency’s security called the police thinking that it was a bomb, thus resulting in this man’s blown up script.

Read the full article on this story from the LA Times here.

Now I have heard creative ways of trying to get your script in the door, but seriously?  Did this guy actually think that this was the best way to get people to read his script?

To all of your aspiring screenwriters out there..this is NOT the way to get your script read!

1
comments

Aug 16

The Find Work Panic

The current show I am on is completing production in about a month or so, and I am now entering what I like to call the find work panic.

It is always at this point in time when I start to hear other crew members already talking about their next gigs and unfortunately I have no idea what I am going to be doing after this yet.  I start to have minor panic attacks as I realize, well crap I have to find another gig too.

To ease this find work panic I start to email everyone, and I mean everyone I know in the industry letting them know my availability.  Most of these contacts are people I have worked with before and hopefully one of them will know of another show crewing up around the time that I am available.  I cannot stress enough oh important it is to keep up with people you have worked with before.  This entire industry runs by word of mouth and recommendations.

This time I thought I would utilize my blog as well, so starting mid-September/ October I will be available for work!  If anyone knows of anything please send the info on over :)

What do you do to find your next gig?

0
comments

Aug 15

48 Hour Film Project

The 48 hour film project is a festival where teams write, shoot and edit a short film all in 48 hours.  Now to those that aren’t that familiar with the filmmaking process you might think that 48 hours is a long time so it should be a pretty easy task to complete a 5-7 minute film.

I can assure you..it is not.

I was lucky enough to participate in this whirlwind of a festival two weekends ago and I have to say that I am now finally catching back up on my sleep. The screenings start to take place this week and I am so excited to see what the other teams accomplished.

I have to say that I highly recommend anyone and everyone to participate in the 48 hr film project.  The festival tours the country so I am certain there will be a one taking place near you.  As another incentive, if you win your city you get a chance to win the national competition to screen at Cannes Film Festival.

I love this festival because it forces you to do what everyone in this industry always talks about, making their own film.  I cannot tell you how much you will learn and how fun it is to create a concept and see it air on the big screen.

To find out more information about 48 hr film festival check out their website.

Good luck to all of those teams that are screening this week!

2
comments