After the script was marked up, the Producer would then create a breakdown sheet for each scene of the script.
- Script breakdowns are typically put together by the 1st AD or producer during the pre-production phase. A script breakdown informs and leads into the creation of the shooting schedule and the budget. First, let's cover script breakdown basics before we dive into marking up a script step-by-step.
- These simple templates can easily be modified to record the data you need and therefore, they prove to be extremely useful during film making. You can use the shot list template alongside the storyboard template to gain extra artistic and visual directions during the making of the film or photoshoot.
- A shooting script is a version of your screenplay that incorporates the production of the film. Usually created by the director and cinematographer, it adds shots, camera angles, scene numbers and other directions for the production team. For reference, download our template of a shooting script by clicking on the banner below.
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It would look something like this:
Each Category would have its own little box, and the Producer would write in what was needed for each scene. These 'breakdown sheets' were then handed to the appropriate department heads so that they could prepare properly by either renting the item needed, buying it, getting it on loan, or even creating it.
Some of the department heads would include:
• Prop Master
• Head Makeup Artist
• Head Hairdresser
Script Breakdown Sheets
• Casting Director
• Stunt Coordinator
Script Breakdown Template Excel Template
• Head Greensperson
• Head of Special/Visual Effects
So, for example if there were many EXTRAS needed for the scene, the Casting Director would have to make sure that there were enough extras on the set.
Also notice that the PAGE COUNT of the Scene is specified on the Breakdown Sheet. For this scene it is 2 1/8 pages.
So, how is this calculated? Again, in the 'old days' the person charged with breaking down the script would also have to calculate this number. They would take a pencil and a ruler and divide the screenplay pages into EIGHTHS OF PAGE, thusly:
Dividing the Screenplay in /8's of a Page
This was done so that the Director, Assistant Director, and Director of Photography could estimate or 'time' the scene. At the end of the shoot day, the Production Manager needs to log the page count shot on something called a Daily Production Report (DPR).
You are welcome to download our free Breakdown Sheet template below.
Breaking Down the Script with Film Scheduling Software
The modern way of breaking down a script is to use Film Scheduling Software. We here at Jungle Software recommend our software,
Gorilla Scheduling , which has been around since 2002. There are others, and you can see our Film Scheduling Comparison article to learn more and to compare them.
Breaking Down a Script in Film Scheduling Software
One of the major perks when using Film Scheduling Software like Gorilla Scheduling, is that you can import the screenplay into it from your favorite screenplay program. Once imported, you can navigate to any scene and tag any element, such as a Prop, a Costume, a Special Effect, etc.
All Cast Members (CHARACTERS WITH DIALOGUE in the screenplay), will automatically be tagged and attached to the scene. The PAGE COUNT will also be automatically calculated for you, so you don't have to take out the pencil and the ruler and draw silly lines all over your script!
Instead of using a highlighter on your physical screenplay, you can attach elements to scenes directly. Once you create an element, for example, a GUN, you can easily attach that element to any other scene in the script.
And when you are ready to print out a Breakdown Sheet, all you have to do is click a button.
Breakdown Sheet in Gorilla
For a complete working demo of Gorilla Scheduling click here for Macintoshor here for Windows.