What are the best techniques for analyzing a script in pre-production?

1 Read and summarize

The first technique is to read the script thoroughly and summarize its main points. This will help you understand the overall structure, plot, genre, tone, and message of your video. You can use a simple format like the logline, which is a one-sentence description of the premise, protagonist, antagonist, and conflict of your story. For example, a logline for The Hunger Games could be: "In a dystopian future, a teenage girl volunteers to participate in a televised death match against other children from oppressed districts." A logline can help you pitch your video to potential collaborators, clients, or audiences, and also guide your creative decisions.

2 Identify the scenes

The next technique is to identify the scenes in your script, which are the basic units of your video. A scene is a continuous action that takes place in one location and time. You can use a scene breakdown sheet, which is a document that lists the scenes in your script by number, location, time, characters, props, and any other relevant information. For example, a scene breakdown sheet for The Hunger Games could include:

Scene 1: District 12, morning, Katniss, Prim, Gale, hunting equipment, reaping ceremony

Scene 2: Reaping square, afternoon, Katniss, Prim, Peeta, Effie, Haymitch, crowds, microphone, lottery balls

Scene 3: Justice building, evening, Katniss, Prim, Gale, Peeta, their families, guards, farewell room

A scene breakdown sheet can help you organize your shooting schedule, budget, and resources, and also visualize your video.

6 Review and revise

The sixth technique is to review and revise your script analysis, which is the process of checking and improving your work. You can use feedback from collaborators, clients, or test audiences to gain input and suggestions on your logline, scene breakdown sheet, character profile, theme statement, and technical breakdown. Additionally, self-evaluation is an important part of script analysis; ask yourself questions such as whether the logline captures the essence of the story, if the scene breakdown sheet covers all important details, if the character profile reveals the depth and complexity of characters, if the theme statement conveys the meaning and purpose of the video, and if the technical breakdown matches the needs and limitations of the project. Through feedback and self-evaluation, you can refine your script analysis and be better prepared for the next stages of video production.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?