Check this out before you get started on your script!

Writing your script

Check out these links with helpful writing tips:

http://www.wikihow.com/Write-a-Script

http://www.filmmaking.com/howtowrite.html

http://www.aaronshep.com/youngauthor/elements.html

Once you have your script mastered, you should start to think about how you will film it. There are several different Production Styles to choose from that will influence your final picture.

Documentary:  Real-life events. Like reality TV. Can be news-like in nature.

• Concept
• Outline
• Plan
• Shoot
• Edit and script

Television Style: Shot from several angles, sometimes using multiple cameras.

• Concept
• Planning
• Scouting Location
• Setup
• Shooting
• Editing

Feature Style:  All scenes are staged. Opposite of documentary style.

• Concept
• Script
• Plan
• Shoot
• Edit

Experimental Style:  Anything that falls outside of the defined styles.

from Microsoft Windows Movie Maker Handbook.

Here are some more things to think about....

What prompted you to make this movie? (WHY?)

Who will watch this movie? (WHO is your audience?)

What do you want the movie to do? or to say? (MESSAGE?)

What will you shoot?

from Microsoft Windows Movie Maker Handbook by Bill Birney, Matt Lichtenberg, and Seth McEvoy.

If you need some inspiration, take a look at this great resource on films.

Check out this 10 Minute Film School site!

Advance Planning Checklist:

1. Make a checklist of shots you will need for your film.
2. Check out your shooting location in advance.
3. Make sure you have permission to shoot the locations and people that will appear in your film.
4. Decide what time of day you will want to shoot. Lighting can vary greatly from morning to afternoon.
5. Make sure you have more than enough tapes, batteries, etc. to film your scenes.
6. What will your cast wear? Avoid thin stripes and bright reds and blues.

from Digitial Video for Dummies by Keith Underdahl.