Pre-Production Process
What is a Slug Line?
A slug line (scene heading) is a line within a screenplay written in all UPPERCASE letters to draw
attention to specific script information
Define B roll and describe its purpose.
B roll is supplemental footage that can be used to provide context, cover edit points, and work as a transition between cuts.
What is a logline?
A 1 -2 sentence summary of your film.
What is native advertising?
Native advertising in as ad that blends seamlessly with the rest of the text on a website or page - it doesn't look like an ad.
List 3 differences between advertising and PR.
Advertising is paid for, PR is earned.
Advertising builds exposure, PR builds trust.
Brand has control over product placement and creative control in advertising, but not in PR.
Ads are mostly visual, PR uses language.
What is a stripboard?
A shooting schedule - organized by colour coded stripts representing day/night, interior/exterior, etc.
List 2 reasons why filmmakers use jumpcuts.
Amplify tensions, highlight the mental state of a character, create a montage or introduce a new character
What is a premise pilot?
A premise pilot is the first episode of a potential of a series (the beginning of the story, chronologically speaking).
What is SEO?
Search Engine Optimization - it improves the appearance and positioning of webpages in organic search results, using keywords and link building.
What are examples of issues and values of brand's target/core audience.
Issues - climate change, consumerism, diversity and inclusivity.
Topics - pop culture, politics, entertainment, sports, etc.
Genres - music (pop/hip hop) tv and movies (comedy vs drama), literature (comics or romance)
Creators - musicians, actors, influencers, etc.
Media formats - tv, streaming, Insta, TikTok, radio, newspaper.
List 5 pieces of information that appears on a Call Sheet.
Date, start time, actors' names, locations, parking, weather, nearest hospital (with an A&E), UPM (unit production manager), Director, 1st AD, name of the production,
List 2 characteristics of guerilla filmmaking.
Skeleton crews, not doing multiple takes, documentary/handhead look, no permits
What is the difference between dynamic and static characters?
Dynamic characters experience internal change, e.g. Shrek or Dobby. Static characters remain the same from beginning to end, e.g. Dumbledore and James Bond.
List 3 demographic characteristics that determine your target audience.
Age, Location, Interests, Values, Profession, family status (single vs married w/kids).
List 3 types of PR and their purpose.
Media relations - building and maintaining relationships with journalists, broadcasters, etc. through press releases and pitches.
Community relations - building meaningful relationships between organizations and local communities through sponsorship, volunteering and charity.
Public affairs - managing relationships with governmental/regulatory bodies to influence public policy and represent your organizations interests in the political sphere.
Crisis Communication - managing brand image during a crisis to mitigate damage and maintain trust.
Social media - curating and creating content that resonates with audiences, monitoring channels to track public sentiment.
Internal Employee comms - keeping employees aligned with initiatives and informed through emails, newsletters and company meetings.
List 4 Stages of the PreProduction Process and provide a brief explanation of what happens.
1. Form a company - to sign contracts, set up a bank account and retain a lawyer.
2. Budgeting - initial estimation - actors' salaries, days on location, etc.
3. Production schedule - season changes, actor availability, location permissions. Script breakdown sheets.
4. Hire production heads - casting director, cinematographer, editor, costume designer.
5. Creative Planning - Storyboarding, identify equipment needed.
6. Final budgets and shooting schedule (stripboard) - crew and cast members' changing energy (shoot easier scenes later in the day/ difficult scenes in the morning). Call sheets.
7. Secure rentals, props, permits, etc.
8. Hire crew and audition talent.
SFX - anything that happens in front of the camera, e.g. atmospheric effects, pyrotechnics and makeup. VFX - effects added to imagery captured during production, using techniques like compositing. CGI - any element that has been created digitally.
What is the difference between round and flat characters?
Flat characters are one dimensional and are usually defined by one trait or quality, e.g. Regina George. Round characters are complex and have psychological depth, e.g. Fleabag or Dumbledore.
The Call to Action is a message that invites the viewer to take a specific action, like buying a product or taking part in protests or social movements, e.g. Buy now or 'Tan como tu'.
What is the difference between Advertising and Branded Content?
Branded content is a marketing strategy that aims to create strong relationships with consumers to gain public attention and promote brand engagement. BC tells a story that evokes an emotional response or makes a social statement and provides brands with a chance to showcase their values.
Advertising is a form of communication used to persuade an audience to take action through print, digital, outdoor, and mobile advertising.
List 5 shooting schedule considerations.
Talent, crew, location and vehicle availability. Minors and stunts availability, how many pages to shoot per day, Changes in Physical Apppearences.
Documentaries that present a strong argument to the audience to convince them to believe or agree with a certain point of view are called...
Expository documentaries
Blocking is where you place your actors in the frame and creates subtext. Space creates visual contrast to portray tension and importance. Shapes carry emotional connotations, e.g. circles are safe. Lines emphasis power dynamics (horizontal vs vertical lines).
Why do brands use figurate language in advertising?
It communicates messages effectively, engages consumers emotionally, distinguishes brands from competitors, and transmits brand values to consumers.
Bonus Question - Name 3 applications of GenAI in the entertainment industry, using examples.
Music and composing, e.g. AIVA
Voice - create of mimic voices
Script writing - suggest plot twists or character arcs
Algorithms - predict success and customize viewing experiences
Gaming - creates landscapes and more immersive environments, e.g. NPC