Writing a film script is one of the most important and initial tasks of the post-production phase, and there are some key steps that are important to perform when writing a script. After you get the complete script in hand, it is time to review it, read it, analyze it, and then suggest necessary changes in it after brainstorming with the director and team. But there is one more important task that is yet to conduct after the script is finalized, and that is the identification of elements.
Knowing about the elements is not only important for the film to complete, but it is also important for script breakdown. Script breakdown is the process of breaking down the script requirements and elements into portions to identify the total costs required for arranging each element. Apart from the cost factors, there are several other reasons for the script breakdown and knowing about its elements.
Keep scrolling down the article to get familiar with some common types of elements that you will find in almost every film script.
Top 6 Key Elements of a Film Script
In a script, there will be several characters and elements that are necessary to complete the film, and it is important to know about these elements. When you know about the elements through your script, it becomes easier to arrange those elements before you step into the production process. You cannot start producing a film if you are unfamiliar with the key elements and are not available on the set.
Here are some key elements of a script that are crucial for a film’s success and completion.
1. Cast Members
The cast members are the people that can be seen talking in the film, or sometimes they do not speak at all. Without a cast, there will be no one to deliver the script, and they are an important element of the script. When reviewing the script, it is important to identify the total cast members required to conduct auditions accordingly. Film casting is a tough and time-consuming job, so people consider the professionals of film companies in Dubai to do the auditions and select the perfect match.
2. Extras
Extras are the cast members who do not play any vital role in the film, but they are still required during various scenes. For example, a scene being filmed in a school may require several other performers who may or may not speak during the scene. These extras will always be mentioned in the script to help identify how many people are in total to complete a film. Based on the contribution of extras in the film, there are two categories which are as follows.
- Featured extras
- Atmosphere extras
3. Stunts
Either one or more, there will always be some stunt in a film, and these stunts are pre-defined in the script. It is important to define the type of stunts that will be in a film in the script along with the total number of stunts men to make sure the gathering of these people is made on time. Moreover, special arrangements are also made before a stunt is performed, like designing the set or identifying the location to perform it. All these tasks become easier when they are pre-defined in the script.
4. Vehicles
A film becomes successful when all the script demands are met; the most important script demands are the performers and the supporting material. One of the supporting resources that will be mentioned in a script or while breaking down the script is the vehicles. It is important to keep in mind that small vehicles may not be included, but others like ships, boats, and trucks will be necessarily mentioned.
5. Props
All the elements that can be seen during a shot or a scene are known as props, or the items with which the performer plays or take support. Using the right prop in the right scene is crucial, and make sure everything goes right; the list of required props will be given in the script. Moreover, depending upon the type of props used, script breakdown software will categorize them for a better understanding.
6. Costumes
With characters and scenes, costumes of the performers and cast are already defined in the script, and these tasks take a lot of time. It is better to keep everything organized and decide by labeling the names of characters wearing the type of costume according to their shots. Such organization and management are only possible when you have an experienced and professional team. So, make sure to hire the film companies to get expert help in organizing film essentials according to the script demand.
Read also: Essential filmmaking steps first-timers should follow
Know the elements to ensure the film’s success!
No film can be produced without a script, and one of the most required essentials for film production is the script. It does not only provide information about the dialogues the performers have to say, but it is more than one thinks. So, make sure you are figuring out and knowing every necessary element in the script to make sure film completion and production are assured. Seek the expert help in understanding and defining the script element, so there are no ambiguities and halts in the later production phases.
