One of the ways that my script remained accurate throughout the brief is in the way that it followed the typical movie script format. In the brief, it stated that they were looking for an opening sequence of a 'new thriller movie'. To remain accurate, I formatted the script with the typewriter font and kept dialogue in the middle and action lines to the side. This is unlike other scripts, such as radio drama scripts, where the character names are on the left and dialogue is on the right. Additionally, the brief stated that they were looking for the 'first two minutes' of an opening sequence. To keep on track with this, I made sure to keep to roughly two pages in total, since with the typewriter font, it works out to be a page a minute. Finally, another key point mentioned was: 'It should include all the conventions of a film opening and many of the techniques used in the thriller genre.' This is seen in various ways throughout my script, and mainly in the writing. For example, I knew that the thriller genre usually has suspense, so I built a story with a lot of anticipation. These are some of the methods I used to meet the expectations of the client's brief.
To help me further evaluate my script, I then conducted a survey to gain some audience feedback. I decided to do this as a Google Form document for a few reasons. One of them is convenience - doing an online survey can be done wherever you would like, which means that it makes it easier to share with my audience and collect data. Another reason is that it also allowed my audience to feel comfortable whilst answering, and they could take their time. Focus groups can sometimes be intimidating for people, and this is sometimes a reason why people do not want to participate; therefore, this method meant people wouldn't feel as if they were put on the spot whilst answering.
I then asked my audience what they disliked about the script, essentially what I could have maybe improved on. One of the points focused on how I could have included more dialogue since the stage directions became tiring to read. Before writing the script, I did imagine a short film without much dialogue, and relying on the other technical aspects to help tell the story. This meant that, naturally, there would have been less dialogue. However, perhaps I could have condensed my action lines instead to make the script less 'tiring'. Another comment mentioned how I was vague and pointed out where I said "we watch her react". This was a very good spot, and I agree that this part could have been a bit clearer. However. I felt as though since I had used a lot of parentheticals, I stayed a bit vague. Going forward, I will be mindful of this. The other point mentioned that I had written in bold, and I could have left this just for the slug lines, which I believe is true; it just depends on the person.
In my final draft, the content of my product can be described as correct. Overall, I managed to encompass all of the required conventions of a film script. For example, I ensured to include the script conventions, i.e. the sluglines, action lines, courier font, parenthicals and much more. In reference to the latter, I ensured to use the courier font, which is the industry standard to write my script in. This font is important primarily because not only is it clear to read, but it also helps the directors to understand how long the movie may be; with this font, the script can follow the 'minute a page rule.' Another thing I ensured when it came to my form was that things such as action lines and sluglines were kept on the left, and dialogue/parentheticals were kept in the centre. This helps to create a clear and easily readable script, and prevents the readers from getting lost in all the words.
Perhaps some things that I could have reviewed and edited in my script could have been the addition of camera directions. Throughout my script, there is a lack of mention of how cinematographers should film the scenes. This would possibly make it harder for the directors and crew to gain a grasp on the full idea of the short film, and leaves them out. Another thing that I may have also left out is certain transitions between scenes. Looking back now, I realised that there may have been certain points where (for example) a 'SMASH CUT TO:' could have been used as direction. Whilst I had included a transition on the last page of my script, I believe I could have also added it on the second page, that is on the left. After Chantel says, "This can't be-", there is an abrupt jump scare cut to Sean, who is suddenly standing behind her. If I were to hire a crew, directions, etc. I would have needed to include this to ensure they understand the feel of this jump. When reading, we can't necessarily see the jumps care, therefore, such a transition would have helped to add clarity.
When it comes to using the script as pre-production planning material, it is an important document to use as a reference. The script is the whole story, and usually, it has everything that will be in the final product. What I mean to say is that what is in the script will be in the final product. This means that it can be used as a pre-production planning material since it will let us know (for example) what props, locations, cast members and more will be needed. For instance, in the page above from my script, it states that there are ropes, a duffle bag, tape and a hammer that are found in the boot when Chantel opens it. This lets us know that during production, we will need these props. Another example is that at the beginning of my script, I used a slug line that let us know where the location will be set. This is another indicator for the director, and let's them plan accordingly.
