Pre-Production: Scripting, Storyboarding and Planning
What the domain tests
Pre-production questions check whether you can move from an idea to a shootable plan: logline, treatment, formatted screenplay, storyboard, shot list, breakdown and schedule. The exam rewards correct format and logical planning order.
Core rules and concepts
- Script stages: logline (25–40 words), synopsis, treatment (prose), then screenplay.
- Screenplay format: scene heading in capitals -
INT. COFFEE SHOP – DAY- then action in present tense, character cue in caps, dialogue, and parentheticals used sparingly. Transitions such as CUT TO are right-aligned. - Storyboard panel: shot number, framing, camera angle, character/action, camera movement arrows, and audio/dialogue note. A panel without sound information is incomplete.
- Planning documents: script breakdown (cast, props, wardrobe, locations, stunts, VFX), stripboard/schedule, shot list, floor plan, call sheet, location recce and written permissions.
- Continuity: script supervisor tracks props, costume, eyelines and screen direction so shots cut together.
Worked example
Script line: “Riya runs into the rain and hails a cab.” Convert it: scene heading EXT. STREET – NIGHT (RAIN). Shot list: (1) wide, Riya exits building; (2) medium tracking, she runs; (3) low angle, arm raised; (4) cab headlights. Reasoning: each shot covers one action beat and gives the editor a cut point, so the sequence is shootable in one location and one night.
Traps that cost marks
- Writing camera directions such as “zoom in” in a spec screenplay; that belongs in the shot list.
- Vague scene headings that omit interior/exterior, location or day/night.
- Scheduling before completing the breakdown, which causes missing props and permissions.
- Storyboards that ignore aspect ratio and eyeline continuity.