Watch this video from IndieWire.com

“Pretty much everyone’s role on a film is indispensable,” Natalie Portman said during a discussion at the Apple Store SoHo last week, singling out the first assistant director as an example. “Without a good first AD, your movie falls to pieces. And those are people who never, ever, ever get interviewed anywhere. And they make the movie. I feel like you could probably run a set better with a good first AD and no director than a good director and no AD. There are people like that who you never hear from, and we want people to have an idea about who these people are if they’re interested in filmmaking.”

—–

The “Script Breakdown and Film Scheduling Online Course for Independent Filmmakers” is a 137 page pdf manual that takes you, step-by-step, through the proper process of breaking down a script and creating a realistic film shooting schedule.

This course is not just for Assistant Directors or Production Managers. It’s also for Directors, Producers and other filmmakers who want to have in-depth industry knowledge of the entire pre-production stage of making an independent film or TV series.

—–

Read this article from April Davila.

“Scheduling a film is the art of determining what scenes will be shot when and in what order. There are many factors to consider that will affect your budget. Getting good at scheduling takes some time, and for that reason I highly suggest that if you are making your first film, and you can afford to, hire a professional, or at least someone with some experience.

The assistant director is generally the one who will map out the schedule, working with the producers. If however you are attempting to do it with out an experienced assistant director, here are a couple factors to keep in mind.”

—–

The “Script Breakdown and Film Scheduling Online Course for Independent Filmmakers” is a 137 page pdf manual that takes you, step-by-step, through the proper process of breaking down a script and creating a realistic film shooting schedule.

This course is not just for Assistant Directors or Production Managers. It’s also for Directors, Producers and other filmmakers who want to have in-depth industry knowledge of the entire pre-production stage of making an independent film or TV series.

—–

What’s that old expression… “Timing is everything?”

Here’s an excerpt from an interview Natalie Portman gave at the Tribeca Film Festival promoting her new behind-the-scenes filmmaking site.

“Pretty much everyone’s role on a film is indispensable — hundreds of people,” Portman told a packed house of media, filmmakers, and not a few heartsick admirers.

“Like without a first [assistant director.] Without a good first AD? Your movie falls to pieces. And those are people who never, ever, ever get interviewed anywhere. And they make the movie. I feel like you could probably run a set better with a good first AD and no director than a good director and no AD.

There are people like that who you never hear from, and we want people to have an idea about who these people are if they’re interested in filmmaking.”
—-

I have never really thought about this way, but I have certainly worked with a few directors who “fell apart” on set and the crew had to finish the movie for them.

In my new 137 page course, “Script Breakdown and Film Scheduling Online Course For Independent Filmmakers,” I wrote a few sections that will help Assistant Directors better understand the directing process as well as tips on how to block a scene with actors:

7. The Duties and Responsibilities of the Director (pg. 25)
8. The Director as Storyteller (pg. 28)
9. The 3 Types of Director (pg. 28)
34. The 5 Groups of On-Camera Performers (pg. 101)
35. The 4 Types of Actors (pg. 103)
37. Understanding Traditional Camera Techniques (pg. 111)
38. The Director’s Shot List (pg. 113)
39. Concepts of Blocking and Staging a Scene (pg. 114)
40. The 5 Stages of Blocking a Scene (pg. 117)
41. 6 Blocking Tips for Assistant Directors (pg. 118)
42. The 180 Degree Rule (pg. 119)
43. Understanding the Film Editing Process (pg. 119)

Today is the last day for the special discount rate of US$27.00 for this 137 page course. This course will go up to its starting selling price of US$67.00 at midnight (EST) Monday, April 27.

But if you are one of the 200 filmmakers who purchase this Online course before midnight (EST) Monday, April 27, you will still be able to download this course for the discount price of $US27.00! (US$40.00 off the starting purchase price!)

And don’t forget, with my 100% risk-free 365 day money back Guarantee, you have absolutely nothing to lose.

Here’s the website link where you can find out all the details about this 137 page Online course including the content list, support materials and free bonuses.

Peter

P.S. This is not a live workshop you have to attend. It is a 100% Internet based course you can instantly download onto your computer. (No DVD’s – No CD’s – No Shipping!)

Thursday, April 23, 2009

Well, after a marathon of several weeks and 14 hour days (sounds like a film set!) I am extremely happy to announce that I have finally finished the “Script Breakdown and Film Scheduling Online Course For Independent Filmmakers.”

The website is now live and you can be one of the first to get a look at this intensive Online Film Scheduling course. But before you go, here’s another section of this 137 page course you can read:

=======

“The Classic Three Act Script Structure”

In 2007, a Production Manager called me and asked me if I would interview as a 1st AD for a feature film. He told me the director wanted to bring in his own 1st AD, so these interviews were more about meeting the locals than hiring someone. Knowing that I probably wasn’t going to have a chance at the job, I said yes anyway. He emailed me the script.

Now I have read hundreds of scripts during my career, and after a while, you get a “gut feeling” about whether a script will make a good film or not.

Well, as I was reading this script, I sensed something different about it. The story grabbed my attention and wouldn’t let go. When I got to the end, I had a big grin on my face. I really enjoyed this funny and charming story.

What was the script? It was called “Juno” and we all know what happened a year later at the 2008 Academy Awards!

Why am I telling you this story?

It’s because everything to do with the making a film starts with the script. And every department on a movie has to take this script, read it, understand it and break it down to find all the elements they need to look after during the production.

Therefore, before we get into the 1st AD breakdown of the script, I think it is a good idea to discuss the actual structure of a dramatic script.

Traditionally, the basic structure of any movie script is divided into three (unseen) acts. Here’s how it breaks down:

1. ACT ONE (Set Up) (Boy meets girl)

a. Who is the main character?

b. What is the premise or theme?

c. What is the situation? (story)

d. What are the main character’s needs and goals?

2. ACT TWO (Confrontation) (Boy loses girl & fights against impossible odds to get her back)

a. What is the dramatic action?

b. What are the obstacles?

c. What is the conflict?

3, ACT THREE (Resolution) (Boy gets girl) OR (Boy dies – “Titanic”)

a. How does the story end (what is the solution)?

b. What happens to the main character?

c. What happens to the other characters?

=========

I am very excited about the quality of the content I’m going to share with you in the “Script Breakdown and Film Scheduling Online Course For Independent Filmmakers.”

I guarantee that when you have finished reading this 137 page manual, you will have gained in-depth industry knowledge of the entire pre-production stage of making an independent film or TV series.

And don’t forget, this course is not just for Assistant Directors and Production Managers. I also wrote this course for Directors, Producers, Location Managers and other filmmakers who need to know and understand the proper steps involved in breaking down a script and creating a realistic film shooting schedule.

Here’s the website link again so you can be one of the first to check out all the details about this online course including content list, support materials and free bonuses.

Hello Filmmaker,

After the information I sent yesterday to my email list and posted on this blog about the “Script Breakdown and Film Scheduling Online Course for Independent Filmmakers,” several people contacted me and asked why I didn’t mention the price.

Normally I would have discussed the price before this, but the reason I was holding back was to see what else I could add into the main package before making the decision on the price.

Well, I finished the final touches on the course Tuesday evening and I am now happy to announce that the regular selling price for this 137 page course will start at US$67.00.

BUT…

If you are one of the 200 filmmakers who purchase this Online course before midnight (EST) Monday, April 27, you will be able to instantly download this “hot-off-the press” filmmaking course for the substantial discount price of $US27.00! (That’s US$40.00 off the regular purchase price!)

To get to the “head of the line” and have access to this course one day earlier than anyone else (on Thursday, April 23) send your email address to sbfsblog09@aweber.com and I will put you on the Early Bird List.

On Thursday, April 23, watch your email inbox for the website link where you can check out all the details about this 137 page Online course including the content list, support materials and free bonuses.

Here’s more content from the course I would like to share with you.
—–

How do I get into the film and television business?

I’ve been working in the film and TV industry for over 35 years and during that time I’ve had many young filmmakers ask me these same five questions:

1. How do I get into the film and television business?

2. How do I get people to notice my “obvious talents”?

3. How do I become a 3AD, 2AD, 1AD, PM, Director?

4. What are the tricks to getting work and surviving in this business?

5. How do I become successful?

Well, as you have probably guessed by now from your own experiences, there is no right answer – no one answer – no special secret! Yes…we all need to find our own way in.

But to guide you along the right path, I’ve come up with ten “factors” that I believe you need to have, learn or nurture to help you pursue your dream of working (and making a living) in this business:

1. Experience (make videos; go to film school; work for free)

2. Luck (being at the right place at the right time)

3. Connections (who you know)

4. Passion (if you don’t have this, give up now)

5. Determination (believe in yourself)

6. Creativity (we are all born with a special gift. What’s yours?)

7. Business (learn the steps on how to run a business)

8. Marketing (learn how to market and promote yourself)

9. Politics (understand the “unspoken rules” of the film world)

10. Win the lottery (or have a rich relative)

So what does all of this have to do with being an Assistant Director?

Everything!

I believe that to be successful in this business means:

1. You have to have an understanding of the POLITICS OF FILM!

2. You have to have a knowledge of who the POWER PLAYERS ARE AND HOW TO DEAL WITH THEM!

3. You need to know as much as you can about EVERYONE ELSE’S JOB!

4. You need to have a KNOWLEDGE OF YOUR CRAFT!

5. You need to know what is expected of you when you begin pre-production and when you step on the set

6. But most of all, you have to have PASSION! (Because some days that may be the only thing that will keep you going.)
—–

On Friday, April 24, this course will go live for the general public. I am offering the special discount price of US$27.00 for only the first 200 filmmakers who purchase this course, up to midnight (EST) on Monday, April 27 (whichever comes first.)

To get to the “head of the line” and have access to this course one day earlier than anyone else (on Thursday, April 23) send your email address to sbfsblog09@aweber.com and I will put you on the Early Bird List.

All the best,

Peter

P.S. This is not a live workshop you have to attend. It is a 100% Internet based course you can instantly download onto your computer. (No DVD’s – No CD’s – No Shipping!)

On Friday, April 24, I will be releasing my 137 page “Script Breakdown and Film Scheduling Online Course for Independent Filmmakers.”

I am very excited about the quality of the content I’m going to share with you in this Online course and even though the title says “Script Breakdown and Film Scheduling,” this course is much more than that.

When you are finished reading this 137 page manual, you will have gained in-depth industry knowledge of the entire pre-production stage of making an independent film or television series.

And one more thing!

This course is not just for Assistant Directors. It was also written for Directors, Producers, Production Managers and any other filmmaker who wants to discover the proper steps involved in breaking down a script and creating a realistic film shooting schedule.

On Friday, April 24, this course will go live to the general public and I will be offering a substantial discount for the first 200 filmmakers who purchase this course, up to midnight (EST) on Monday, April 27 (whichever comes first.)

Here’s how you can get on the Priority Notification List. If you are interested in finding out more about this intensive 137 page Online course, please send your email address to sbfsblog09@aweber.com.

You will be automatically placed on the Priority Notification List so you can be contacted on how to access “The Script Breakdown and Film Scheduling Online Course For Independent Filmmakers” on Friday, April 24.

This is not a live course you have to attend. It is a 100% Internet based course you can instantly download onto your computer. (No DVD’s – No CD’s – No Shipping!)

Now here’s more content from the course I would like to share with you.

—–

How to Figure Out Scene and Shot Timings

The question that gets asked the most about a First Assistant Director’s job is “How do you know how much time to give a scene or a shot?”

Well, the one word answer to this question is “Experience!”

Like anything else in life, the more time you spend at any activity, the more natural it becomes. How to break down a script, design a shooting schedule, and run a set are all part of the same equation: the more experience you have, the better you will be at your job. (That’s the theory anyway!)

The best way I can help you with this question is to tell you what I did when I was a 2nd AD: I made a time record of everything that happened on the set each day by taking my call sheet and marking down all the blocking and shooting times for each shot in every scene.

My first (and only) job as a 2nd AD was on 13 x half-hour episodes of the TV series “The Hitchhiker.” Every day I would take my call sheet and mark down the following times for every single scene we shot that day:

1. The start time of the blocking

2. The end time of the blocking (which is the start time for lighting)

3. The end time of the lighting (which is the start time of rehearsal)

4. The end time of the rehearsal

5. How much time for finals

6. The starting time of each shot

7. The end time of each shot

When I got home at night, I would take the call sheet with my timings on it, plus the script sides and I stapled them together and put them in a file folder.

At the end of the series, I had an enormous folder filled with timed out scenes of all descriptions. I then went through those files and sorted the scenes into specific groupings such as:

1. Scenes with two actors

2. Scenes with many actors

3. Large scenes with extras

4. Stunt action scenes

5. Insert car (process trailer) scenes

6. Scenes with gunfire and explosions

7. Scenes with visual effects (and so on…)

Of course, as we all know, every production is different, but what all this paperwork did for me was give me the “average” timing for a certain type of scene. I learned a great deal from this exercise and it’s helped me to this day.

The good thing about this technique is that anyone can do it. It’s not restricted to the on-set crew. So if you’re the lonely location PA watching the crew cars in the parking lot, as long as you have a radio and you can hear the First AD, get a call sheet and some sides and record everything you can.

The rest is about experience and you only get that by doing it. Get yourself onto a film set. Make friends with crew members. Watch and take notes. It’s the additional work you do on your own that will give you more confidence and help you get noticed quicker.

And everyday, ask yourself this question: “How bad do I want to be a Director or a First Assistant Director?”

—–

On Friday, April 24, this course will go live to the general public and I will be offering a substantial discount for the first 200 filmmakers who purchase this course, up to midnight (EST) on Monday, April 27 (whichever comes first.)

So if you are interested in getting on the Priority Notification List, send your email address to sbfsblog09@aweber.com so you can be contacted on how to access “The Script Breakdown and Film Scheduling Online Course For Independent Filmmakers” on Friday, April 24.

Watch your email inbox on Friday, April 24, when I will send you the website link where you can check out all the details about this 137 page online course including the price, content list, support materials and free bonuses.

All the best,

Peter

P.S. This is not a live workshop you have to attend. It is a 100% Internet based course you can instantly download onto your computer. (No DVD’s – No CD’s – No Shipping!)

Hello,

I have spent the past two months researching and writing my newest online filmmaking course, the “Script Breakdown and Film Scheduling Online Course For Independent Filmmakers.”

This intensive online course goes live on Thursday, April 23, and it is based on my 20 years of first-hand experience as a First Assistant Director on TV movies, TV series and Hollywood feature films.

This is not a live workshop you have to attend. It is a 100% complete Internet based course you can instantly download onto your computer. (No DVD’s – No CD’s – No Shipping!)

I am very excited about the quality of the content I will be sharing with you in this course and so I thought I would reveal one section of this 110 (plus) page pdf manual with you today.

=====

PERSONAL OBSERVATIONS

“I have been working in the film and TV industry for over 35 years and during that time I’ve had many young filmmakers ask me these same 5 questions:

1. How do I get into the film and television business?

2. How do I get people to notice my “obvious talents”?

3. How do I become a 3AD, 2AD, 1AD, PM, Director?

4. What are the tricks to getting work and surviving in this business?

5. How do I become successful?

Well, as you have probably guessed by now from your own experiences, there is no right answer – no one answer – no special secret! Yes…we all need to find our own way in.

But to guide you along the right path, I’ve come up with ten “factors” that I believe you need to have, learn or nurture to pursue your dream of working (and making a living) in this business:

1. experience (make videos, go to film school, work for free)

2. luck (being at the right place at the right time)

3. connections (who do you know, do you have a mentor)

4. passion (if you don’t have much of this, give up now)

5. determination (believe in yourself, persistence of vision)

6. creativity (we are all born with a special gift – what’s yours?)

7. business (learn how to run a business – you are a business)

8. marketing (learn how to market, promote and advertise yourself)

9. politics (learn and understand the “unspoken rules” of the film and television world)

10. win the lottery (or have a rich relative)

Now here’s where I’m going to give you probably my best piece of advice. It’s not original – you’ve probably heard me say this many times. It’s a quote from the legendary film director, Frank Capra:

“THERE ARE NO RULES IN FILMMAKING – ONLY SINS! AND THE CARDINAL SIN IS DULLNESS!”

I would like you to always remember this quote. And when you get up each morning and walk onto that set, refer to it often!

So what does all this have to do with finding a job? With getting noticed? With being successful?

Everything!

I believe that to be successful in this business means:

1. you have an understanding of the POLITICS OF FILM!

2. you have a knowledge of who the POWER PLAYERS ARE AND HOW TO DEAL WITH THEM!

3. you need to know as much as you can about EVERYONE ELSE’S JOB!

4. you need to have a working KNOWLEDGE OF YOUR CRAFT!

5. you need to know WHAT IS EXPECTED OF YOU when you begin pre-production and when you step on the set.

6. but most of all, you have to have PASSION! Because some days that may be the only thing that will keep you going.”

=====

I’m still working overtime right now putting the final touches on this course: adding more website reference links and creating script breakdown sheets, one liners and shooting schedules you can print out and use for your own reference.

On Thursday, April 23, this course will go live to the general public and I will be offering a substantial discount for the first 200 filmmakers who purchase this course, up to midnight (EST) on Sunday, April 26 (whichever comes first.)

Here’s how you can get on the Priority Notification List.

If you are interested in finding out more about this intensive 110 (plus) page Online course, please send your email address to sbfsblog09@aweber.com.

You will be automatically placed on the Priority Notification List so you can be contacted on how to access “The Script Breakdown and Film Scheduling Online Course For Independent Filmmakers” on Thursday, April 23.

So please mark your calendars and stay tuned for more information from me about this original film scheduling course in the next few days.

Thanks for your ongoing interest in professional filmmaking!

Peter

P.S. Are you interested in learning more about the duties of a 1st AD? The proper techniques for breaking down a script? The correct method of designing an accurate shooting schedule?

If you are, be sure to send your email address to sbfsblog09@aweber.com so I can put you on the Priority Notification list.

On Thursday, April 23, I will send you the link where you can check out all the details about this online course including the price, content list, support materials and free bonuses.

P.P.S. This is not a live course you have to attend. It is a 100% Internet based course you can instantly download onto your computer. (No DVD’s – No CD’s – No Shipping!)

Hello,

I have some big news I want to share with you.

Over the last few years many filmmakers have asked me if I could create an Online course about how to properly break down a script and create an accurate film schedule.

On January 9 of this year, I created a short Online survey of 10 questions on what filmmakers would like to know more about regarding script breakdown and film scheduling.

Well…I’ve listened to you!

I had a total of 476 answers to my 10 questions. I took all the information from the survey, organized the answers into sections and then created the first of several Online products called “The Script Breakdown and Film Scheduling Online Course For Independent Filmmakers.”

This week, I am still putting the final touches on this 100 plus page course: adding website reference links and creating examples of script breakdown sheets, one liners and shooting schedules you can print out and use for your own reference.

On Thursday, April 23, this course will go live for the general public and I will be offering a substantial discount for the first 200 filmmakers who purchase this course, up to midnight (EST) on Sunday, April 26 (or whichever comes first.)

I am very excited about all the script breakdown and film scheduling tips and techniques I will be sharing with you in this course, but first, I would like to take a moment and tell you why I decided to create this Online course now.

For the past 35 years I have worked in the “trenches” of the film and TV industry: I’ve had the chance to co-ordinate huge WW1 battle scenes, to help plan complicated visual FX shots, manage large groups of extras and direct intimate emotional scenes between actors.

Because I’ve had the unique opportunity to work as both a Television director AND a Feature 1st Assistant Director, I have been able to get “up close and personal” with major Hollywood studios and producers, exciting and imaginative directors and Academy Award winning actors.

During my career, I spent over 20 years as a First Assistant Director. I have worked on 13 Hollywood Feature Films, 15 Television Movies, 6 Television Series, 4 TV Pilots and over 20 Commercials.

And as a 1st AD, I know that a properly designed shooting schedule is essentail to your budgeting process. Without an experienced Assistant Director to prepare this schedule, you will end up creating an unrealistic budget which will have a negative impact on your entire production.

Now, since I can’t physically be with you to guide you through this very important film production process, I have done the next best thing by creating “The Script Breakdown and Film Scheduling Online Course For Independent Filmmakers.”

Here’s just a sample of what you will find inside this intensive 100 plus page Online Course:

1. The Duties and Responsibilities of a First Assistant Director
2. The Duties and Responsibilities of a Director
3. The Director as Storyteller
4. The Role of Director During Pre-Production
5. The 1st AD/Director Relationship
6. The Director and 1st AD Meetings
7. The 1st Assistant Director in Pre-Production
8. A Breakdown of Pre-Production Activities
9. What Happens When the Cast Arrives
10. Shooting on Film or HD
11. The Physical Breakdown of Scripts
12. The Shooting Script
13. The Breakdown of Scenes in a Shooting Script
14. The Three Phases of Designing the Film Schedule
15. The Eight Step Process of Script Breakdown
16. General Scheduling Factors
17. Preparing the Production Board
18. Production Board #1
19. Production Board #2
20. Production Board #3
21. Preparing the Shooting Schedule
22. The Day-out-of-Days
23. The Call Sheet
24. On-Camera Performers
25. The Shooting Crew
26. Understanding Camera Techniques
27. Understanding the Film Editing Process
28. The 5 Parts to Blocking a Scene
29. Assistant Director Tips and Hints
30. The 1st Assistant Director On the Set

Here’s how you can get on the Priority Notification List.

If you are interested in finding out more about this intensive Online course, please send your email address to sbfsblog09@aweber.com where you will be automatically placed on the Priority Notification List so you can be contacted on how to access “The Script Breakdown and Film Scheduling Online Course For Independent Filmmakers” on Thursday, April 23.

So please mark your calendars and stay tuned for more information from me about this original film scheduling course in the next few days.

Remember, on Thursday, April 23, this Online course will go live for the general public and I will be offering a substantial discount for the first 200 filmmakers who purchase this course, up to midnight (EST) on Sunday, April 26 (or whichever comes first.)

Thanks for your ongoing interest in professional filmmaking!

All the best,

Peter

P.S. If you are interested in learning the proper techniques for designing an accurate film schedule, be sure to send your email address to sbfsblog09@aweber.com so I can put you on the Priority Notification list.

On Thursday, April 23, I will send you the link where you can check out all the details about this online course including the price, content list, support materials and free bonuses.

Over the last few years many filmmakers have asked me if I
have created any books, manuals or dvd’s about breaking down
a script and creating a film schedule.

I have worked in the Film and Television Industry for over
35 years (22 years as a First Assistant Director) and I know
that a properly designed shooting schedule is fundamental to
your budgeting process.

Without an experienced Assistant Director (or Production
Manager) to prepare this schedule, you will end up creating
an unrealistic budget which will have a negative impact on
your entire production.

I have been teaching my “Designing the Film Schedule”
workshop for over 15 years and it is now time for me to
create a series of manuals (and maybe a book!) to go with my
2 day workshop.

With that in mind, I would appreciate if you could take a
moment to participate in a short Online Survey by answering
a few questions on what information you would like know more
about regarding script breakdown and film scheduling.

Your answers will help me decide in which film scheduling
topics filmmakers like yourself are most interested.

10 Question Survey
==================

Please click here to start the Online survey.

This short Online survey is strictly confidential. You do
not need to put your name or email address on this survey -
it is completely anonymous.

Once you have completed the survey, click on “Done” at the
bottom of the page. That’s all you have to do.

Thank you very much for your help.

Peter

I was at my SCTC (Speakers, Coaches, Trainers and Consultants) support group today where I committed to having my next project, “The Script Breakdown and Film Scheduling Manual” done by March, 2009.

Gulp!

I have been teaching my “Designing the Film Schedule” workshop for over 15 years and this manual is the next logical step for me. I guess when you put it in writing it better become a reality!