MEST2: Pre-production

Having completed extensive existing product research, institution research and audience research it's now time to move on to pre-production.

This is the absolutely crucial planning phase where you create a script, storyboard, shot list and mise-en-scene planning (cast, props, costumes, locations etc). You should have received some excellent feedback from the class as part of your focus group so now it's time to put that feedback to use. This is a great YouTube video taking you through 15 common mistakes filmmakers make...



This will be very useful for your pre-production - particularly in terms of casting, lighting and locations.

As a group, you need to complete the following:

1. Project schedule
2. Script
3. Storyboard
4. Shot list
5. Mise-en-scene: casting details, location scouting with photographs, props, costume and make-up, lighting.

Your project schedule means laying out a week-by-week plan for shooting and editing your film - you may wish to use Microsoft Excel or Word for this.

You'll find guidance for setting out a script by visiting the BBC Writer's Room (click on the Script Library tab) and storyboard sheets are available in DF07 (alternatively you can access an electronic copy of an AQA storyboard sheet here). A three-minute film will require extensive storyboarding - you may wish to share this out between two people.

I advise laying out your shot list simply using Microsoft Word - this is an example of what it should look like. The key with a shot list is to plan lots of extra shots that give you options when editing - particularly a large number of extra close-up and cutaway shots.

The mise-en-scene planning can be formatted as you wish.

Important note: you only put work YOU complete in your coursework folder so make sure the pre-production tasks are shared equally between members of your group.

Due: First drafts of ALL your pre-production documents must be produced for the first double lesson back in January.