Pre prod

Stage 4
Short Film
Planning and
pre-production
YOUR NAME HERE

Guidance
 This template PowerPoint presentation includes all the
relevant elements you need to cover your film production.
 It is suggested you save this PP in a different name so you
always have a copy – some sections require you to delete the
information on the slide and replace with your own work
 Add more pages to each section where necessary [you
should be doing this!]
 Add visuals as you see necessary
 This document will be added to as you progress through the
pre-production phase.
 Remember, you need to give as much attention to your sound
planning as you do to your visual planning

Your story
Use the story development resource to help
structure your short film with more detail
Not all the aspects have to be followed
verbatim, use the resource the plan out
character, motivation, stakes and the arc of your
film, this will help to ensure that it works
structurally
Proforma is on bb
Add a structural breakdown of each scene once
you have done this

Structural breakdown
Breakdown your film into it’s basic sections [e.g.
via scene breakdown or similar] and apply broad
visual ideas to each section. You should list the
shots required
You can use this as the master template for your
production, then add more shots to each section
when you develop your full visual plan
From this you could work on a conventional
script if you want, but using the scene
breakdowns should be enough

Scene No. Approx timing What happens Visual notes Audio notes
1
Around 6-10
shots of him by
himself.
15-20 seconds Granddad is
sat in the living
room watching
time go by. He
sits at a two
seated table
by himself and
looks at photos
of his wife.
Long shot of him
sat in the living
room by himself.
Medium shots and
crane shot of him
setting the table
for himself. Close
ups and insert
shots as he looks
at pictures of her.
Dark to set tone
and mood of an
empty house.
There will be no
background
music in this
scene, ( not until
shot 3). When he is
sat in the living
room there will be
the noise of the
clock ticking to
highlight time
going by very
slowly. Sound
effects as he sets
the table and
gets out glasses.
Sound effects of
his footsteps in the
house. As he looks
at the
photograph he
will say:” that
wasn’t supposed
to happen”. Non-
diegetic of song
in the
background.

Scene No. Approx timing What happens Visual notes Audio notes
2
Around 2-3
shots.
5 seconds
altogether
when you
combine all
shots. 10
seconds
maximum.
His
granddaughter
sees him upset
and struggling
to complete
everyday tasks
so she feels
sorry for him as
he is going to
be lonely this
Christmas.
Close ups of
her face as she
watches him
struggle and
get upset.
Medium shots
as she walks in
and sees him
looking at
photographs of
her.
Sound effects
of footsteps as
she walks in the
room. Some
background
music will begin
quietly.
Diegetic
sounds of birds
outside the
window, him
setting the
table and
putting down a
glass on the
table.

STRUCTURAL BREAKDOWN
Scene No. Approx Timing What Happens Visual Notes Audio Notes
3
Around 5 shots.
20 seconds. Whole family
comes round
on Christmas
day with
Christmas
presents and
dinner. Family
and Granddad
become
happy.
Granddaughter
gives him the
rabbit as a
special present.
Over the shoulder
shot as he opens
the door to the
family coming
over. Long shots
of them opening
presents. Medium
shots as they eat
dinner. Close ups
as he becomes
happy. I will
include the 180
degree rule as
two characters
are established.
Over the shoulder
as she gives the
rabbit and over
the shoulder as he
receives.
Happy
background
music as they
enjoy exchanging
presents and
eating dinner.
Laughter as a
sound effect. Also
sound effect of
pulling crackers at
Christmas table.
Music gets quieter
when she gives
him the rabbit
and then starts
again when he
smiles.

STRUCTURAL BREAKDOWN
Scene No. Approx Timing What Happens Visual Notes Audio Notes
4
Around 3-5
shots.
10 - 15 seconds. Family leaves
and he is now
happy
because he
has company.
He sits on the
sofa with his
rabbit and is
really happy.
Close ups of the
rabbit and his
face. Long shot as
they are sat on
the sofa. Over the
shoulder shot as
the family leave.
The colours are still
bright and
decorations and
still up to show he
is now happy and
content. The door
shuts and the
music stops.
Viewer thinks he
will be said again
but there is a fade
to black screen.
Then a fade in
where he is happy
sat on the sofa
with rabbit.
Background music
is light hearted
and sweet and is
the loudest it will
ever be. Noise of
where everyone is
saying bye and
leaving. Music
stops when the
door shuts, ( there
is a fade), then
music starts again
as they are sat on
sofa. Song carries
on playing till end
of credits. Sound
effects of rabbit
eating food.
Mostly non-
diegetic sounds.

Pre-Production: Visual
Planning
 This section is concerned with the visual planning of your
film
 You should use this section to develop the sequencing or
your video, establish the visuals look and sequencing of
your film and create a structure for you to follow when
filming
 It is important that you ‘pre-visualise’ the film before you
make it; it will make filming and production a more
streamlined process
 The following tasks are part of your visual planning
 Pre-visualisation and concept boards
 Storyboarding
 Shot list

Pre-visualisation/Concept
Boards
 Tool for exploring the direction and visuals
 Provides inspiration and information for the “look & feel”
 Presents key moments in your video
 A means to sketch/plan ideas
 Information on colour/lighting
 Defining the “mise-en-scene”
 Include as much here as you like, but keep it relevant to the
production, the following slides have been left blank for you to
approach in your own way, add more as you need to
 Suggestion: include your edited short sequence of clips that have
inspired or influenced your video [similar to this:
http://io9.com/5941145/this-directors-video-pitch-for-hunger-games-
might-be-better-than-the-real-movie]

Colour & Lighting:
• Beginning scenes are dark with
no colour in the house therefore it
sets the tone and mood of
sadness.
•Characters are not wearing
colourful clothes until scenes
where the family comes over.
•Once the family have come
over, the lighting will be bright
and colourful as there are
Christmas decorations up. This
highlights he is no longer upset
and lonely.
Mise En Scene:
•My short film will be set in my
house as this is the easier location
to film in.
•There will be a few props. For
example, the family will exchange
presents: the family will also enjoy
a Christmas dinner which means I
need to feature things like
crackers, hats and lots of food!
Finally, the film ends with him
being gifted a rabbit therefore, I
will be using my pet rabbit.
•There are only 2 main characters;
the rest of the actors are extras.
There is my Granddad, (who the
story is about), the grand
daughter who sees him upset and
the entire family who come round
on Christmas day.
Costumes:
•In my short film, I will not need any specific
costumes. All actors need to wear there
casual/smart clothes that they would wear
on Christmas day when visiting family.
Key Moments:
•One key moment in my film is the insert shot of the photograph of
my Nana as this highlights to the viewer what the background story
is without having to explicitly show that she has died and Granddad
is now lonely.
•Another key moment is when his grand daughter sees him
struggling and getting upset because this shows that his family want
to make a difference for him and his life to make it change for the
better.
•The final key moment is where she gifts him the rabbit and there is a
long shot of Grandad and my rabbit sat on the sofa. This is a key
moment because it suggests to the viewer that he is now happy
and content and no longer feels lonely. It also highlights that there is
a happy ending and the viewer no longer needs to feel empathetic
towards the main character.

Directions & Visuals:
•I would like my film to begin sad with a dark
mood and tone so that it influences the
audience to feel sympathetic towards the
main character. Then as the story develops,
it becomes more colourful and light hearted
which means that the viewers emotions are
altered as they are now happy the main
character is happy.
•To visually show this without any dialogue, I
will use no colour or background music in
the beginning of my film so that it has a
depressing feel to it. To change the
direction I will incorporate colour and light
background music which will further
develop so that the film becomes more
happy mirroring the characters emotional
journey.
Look & Feel:
•I want the film to look very realistic
based on a family at Christmas time so
that the viewer can relate and after
watching the film will feel happy and
pleasantly entertained.
•I want the short film to feel like a John
Lewis advertisement where the film is
sweet and heart warming and
influences you to spend more time with
your family this Christmas.
Inspiration:
•My inspiration for my short film not only came
from my experiences this year but also from
the movie Up! The beginning of the movie
shows the viewer Carl and Ellie’s life as they
grow old together. Ellie then dies and Carl is
left all alone. The tone and mood of this clip is
what I would like to feature in my film as the
house is extremely quiet and dark.
•Another inspiration was from the John Lewis
advert ‘Man on the Moon’. The advert is
about an old man who is lonely at Christmas
that he feels he is on another planet all by
himself. A girl sends him a present this
Christmas so that he can see Earth. The
storyline is very similar to my idea therefore I
analyzed the ad to see why it was so
successful.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=CloPR0MiwZA Up video link
v=wuz2ILq4UeA John Lewis Ad

v=EUukDDF7mMw
This is another practice film that I created. I downloaded
clips from adverts and films that had similar storylines to
the film that I would like to create. I imported the footage
and edited the clips together in Adobe Premiere. I also
incorporated background music to make the short film
look more professional.
I would like to include photos of the
couple to make it more emotional for
the viewer. The rabbit will also make the
ending of the film nicer than him
constantly living alone: it settles the
audiences mind.

Storyboarding
 Your storyboard should bring your idea to life
 Provide an idea of the sequencing of you film
 Provides a basis for production
 Suggested online storyboard creators are:
 https://www.storyboardthat.com
 http://www.pixton.com [very complicated]
 http://www.storyjumper.com [allows you to insert your own images]
 Alternatively, hand draw or photograph your storyboard and
scan or copy to insert it onto your slides
 There are lots of tips collected together on Blackboard!

Shot 1:
Shot 1 will begin
with a fade in long
shot of Granddad
sat on the sofa by
himself. There will be
the sound effect of
the clock ticking.
After this shot, there
will be an insert shot
of the clock ticking
extremely slowly.
The setting is very
dark with little
colour in the living
room.
Shot 2:
Shot 2 is a crane shot of him setting the table
just for 1 on a two seated table. There will be
several shots featured of him like sat eating by
himself, looking out of the window and
watching time go by. These shots will be close
ups, medium shots and long shots. There will be
no background music: just sound effects. Once
again, there will be little colour. This sequence
will run for 10 seconds.
Shot 3:
Shot 3 will be an insert
shot of a photograph of
Nana then a close up of
Granddad being upset.
On this shot, he will say “
this wasn’t supposed to
happen”. These types of
shots increase and
heighten the emotion for
the viewer. It also
explains the back story.
This shot is one of the key
moments in the film. This
shot will be at least 5
seconds to make sure
the viewer feels the
same emotions as the
character.
Shot 4:
Shot 4 will be an over
the shoulder shot. It
will be behind his
grand daughter who
sees him getting
upset. Because the
previous shots have
been basic close ups
and long shots, the
shots makes the film
more interesting and
dramatic. Shot 5:
The camera then flips from over her shoulder to
in front of her face as a close up. This close up
shows her getting upset seeing her granddad
being upset. Dark colours are still included to
suggest that his sadness affects the rest of the
family.
Shot 6:
There is then a long shot of granddad
answering the door. In this shot I will
incorporate sound effects of the doorbell
and footsteps. The family all come in.
Background music will begin.
Music will not
begin in
background until
shot 3-20. Then
returns at 24 till
the credits have
finished.

Shot 7:
There is then a long shot
which is a neutral angle to
show no character has more
power than the other. The
family exchange and open
their presents. After this shot,
there will be a close up of
granddad then a close up
shot of his grand daughter
happy that he is now happy.
Shot 8:
Shot 8 is a long shot of everybody at the table eating
Christmas dinner. There will be several medium shots of
different characters eating their food and pulling
crackers. All the decorations will be up in the
background which highlights how much happier he is.
There will be background music and sound effects. This
sequence will run for 10 seconds. This is a key moment as
he is now happy and content that his family have
visited.
Shot 9:
This is a close up shot of
granddad being
happy sat at the table.
This shot will go on for
at least 3 seconds so
that the viewer is
influenced to feel
happy for him. Much
more colour is
incorporated in these
scenes to highlight the
development on the
character.
Shot 10:
This will be a long shot
of the family hugging
each other and
saying bye as they
leave. After this I will
follow the 180 degree
angle. Granddad and
his grand daughter
will face each other.
Then over Granddads
shoulder, I will lift the
rabbit up. Then the
camera will flip to
over his shoulder
where you can see
the rabbits face. The
background music will
become louder as he
gets happier.
Shot 11:
Carrying on from the 180 degree rule, I will
then flip back to the original shot of them
facing each other where he takes the rabbit
out of her hands. This shot will be in slow
motion to add emotion. This shot will then
fade out. There will be a sequence of close
ups of the rabbit.
Shot 12:
Shot 12 will then fade back in to a long shot of the
original first shot of Granddad sat on the sofa. Except
this time, he has his rabbit sat next to him. Decorations
and presents will be everywhere to suggest he is now
happy and content. This is a key moment in the film as
we can see clearly how much he has changed
overtime since shot 1. The background music will be the
loudest it will get in this shot. Shot 12 will be a minimum
of 5 seconds. This shot will then fade to a black screen
where the credits will begin.

StoryBoard
I created my storyboard on Storyboardthat.com.
I used this site because I had previously used it
when creating storyboards for my Irn Bru
advertisement.

Shot List
 Your shot list should contain the sequential
breakdown of what you need to shoot for your film
 It should work in partnership with your storyboard
 It will be your working document when you film
 It should contain the shot number, scene number,
shot description, framing, cast/location info and
action you will see
 It should also have information on performers in the
scene and other props, etc
 Shot list template is on Blackboard in the pre-
production folder.

Shots will be filmed on the tripod and hand
held to make the film look more realistic
and smooth as well as entertaining as it is
boring to see a shot that is still.
Only me and Granddad are in shot 1-12.
Whilst filming, I adapted the story so that it
was my mum seeing Granddad upset and
giving him a present.

If I follow this shot list exactly,
my film will be 60 seconds then
another 10 seconds for credits.
Family as well as me and
Granddad are in shots 13-23.
Just Granddad and the
rabbit in shot 24 and 25.

Section 3
Organisational Planning

Production Group Info
Include names, contact info, and defined roles
at difference stages of production, using a table
is suggested
Name Contact Info Role
Bryan N/A Main Actor
Belinda N/A Extra Actor
( family
member)
and Filming
Luke N/A Extra Actor
( family
member)
Abbie N/A Act as grand
daughter/
career,
Filming and
Directing

Cast information
Who is going to be in your film, how and why
have they been deemed your best choice? Do
you have any backup options?
Actors
Bryan ( Granddad)
Me
Luke (Brother)
Belinda (Mum)
I am going to have 5 people featuring in my short
film, possibly 6. I have decided to choose these
people because I need a family with my Granddad
and I thought that having my own family in the film
would make him feel more comfortable. I have
back up options for my extra actors however I do
not have backups for my main character:
Granddad. If he no longer wanted to be in the film I
would have to make my mum the main character,
however this would mean I would have to alter the
storyline. Granddad is my best choice because
having the story based on an old man who has just
lost his wife is more emotional and upsetting for the
viewer.

Location information
Information and images of your location[s] for
filming
You should have address details,
clearance/premissions for filming, recce photos
and floorplans [including camera, equipment
and cast/crew layouts]
Where possible, have a plan B fallback location
option
Assess each location for any issues and suggest
solutions

Location- My House
For my short film, I am going to
be filming at my house in
Huntington. I chose this location
because it is easily accessible for
all my family to get there and
film. I also have pet rabbits that
are going to be in the film
therefore it is easier for me to
film at home. I have permission
to film here, however I will need
to move some things around so
that we can put decorations up
etc.
The majority of the filming is going to
be in the living room. This is where I
can film the scenes of Granddad sat by
himself as well as where the family will
sit and open their presents. I will also
film at the dinner table and in the
hallway as the family arrive and leave.
The camera will be set up by the
outside doors facing the sofa.
There may be some problems with filming at my house. For
example, the beginning scenes need to be completely silent
therefore if there are lots of family members home this will
disturb the sound and filming process. When filming at my house,
it is possible that not all family members will be able to get there.
This means that I have had to choose a backup location.
Solutions:
If the house is too noisy I
can film at the backup
location or I could film
and delete the sound on
the clip. After this I could
record sound effects and
edit them on top of the
clip.

Back Up Location-
Granddads House
If I experience difficulties filming at my
house, I can film at my Granddads house
instead. This location is in Riccall which
may be easier for some family members to
get there, however it may be more difficult
for other members to get there.
The majority of filming will be in the living room, however I
could also film shots in the dining room, sun room and hallway.
The camera will be set up facing the seats and window to
achieve the best angle and lighting. I also may experience some
difficulties at this location. For example, for the majority of my
family we will have to travel to this location with a rabbit which
may stress the animal and ruin filming. One advantage of filming
at this location is that it will be quiet in the house.

Risk Assessment
Risk Assess each separate filming location using
the provided form in the pre-production folder
on Blackboard and insert into your powerpoint
Completing a generic filming assessment would
be a start, then you can add specialist/site
specific risks as you progress your production
Remember, a Risk Assessment is an ongoing
document, you should evaluate if anything
changes in production and when you put
control measures in place

Risk Control Measure
Animals on set could chew through
wires or escape.
• Make sure that the rabbit is away
from any cables or equipment.
• Keep rabbit in cage when not being
used for filming.
• Ensure all doors are shut and locked
to prevent the rabbit escaping.
Equipment getting broken. • Make sure when filming that the
strap is around you so if you
suddenly drop the camera it will not
fall to the floor.
• Ensure that when you move the
tripod the camera is taken off so
that there is less risk of the camera
falling off the tripod.
Too many actors in one room therefore
things could get broken or stood on.
• Make sure that all the actors are
only in the room when filming. No
more than 5 people should be in the
room during production.
• Ensure that cables, equipment and
props are in a safe place that can

Contingency Planning
Things go wrong
Your contingency plan is there to give you a
backup or to minimise the effect on production
You should consider the following areas:
Technical, Location, Personnel and
Organisational areas [about 5 potential issues for
each]
Use the form in pre-production folder on
Blackboard

Production Schedule
Provide an outline of what you will do on which
days during production

Monday- 11th
December
 On Monday, I will begin filming for my production. I will film
the beginning of the film where Granddad is alone in the
house as I know the house will be empty and quiet perfect for
filming these clips. I will also film the ending of my short film
where Granddad is given the rabbit and sits on the sofa with
him.
 Filming should take place from 10:30am till 1pm at the latest,
however I do not think it will take this long.
 I will begin setting up for production at 10am.
 The next time I will film will be Monday therefore the days in
between I will be editing what I have filmed so far.
 Any diegetic sounds will be recorded.
Shots 1-12 then 20-
25.

Monday- 18th
December
 On Monday, I will film all the shots where the family arrives
and opens their presents and enjoys a Christmas dinner.
 Filming will begin at 2:30pm till 4pm. Once again I do not think
filming these shots will take this long.
 If I finish filming early, I will record any necessary sound effects
needed.
 I will setting up for production at 2pm.
 If I have not finished filming on both days, I will book a
camera and other equipment for Thursday 21st December,
however all filming should be complete.
 Non-diegetic sounds will have been downloaded from
YouTube and KeepVid.
Shots 13-19.

Call sheets
Complete a call sheet for each production
activity
Forms are on Blackboard
Insert into powerpoint here

Filming will
take place
outside of
college
therefore
lunch time and
lunch place is
not relevant.
My Dad can not be in the film as there
will not be a time I can film with him.

I have all contact information needed.
Dave Nicholls excluded.

Resources, constume, props,
comsumables, etc
List, explain how you’ll acquire and provide an
overview of anything else you’ll need for your
production – this is about anything that isn’t cast,
crew, technical equipment and locations, but
could be how those things will be moved to a
location, for example.

Costumes:
•My short film does not require any
costumes: the actors must wear their
normal casual clothes.
•I would like the main character ,
( Granddad), to wear a dark green jumper
and dark grey trousers. This means he will
look smart but also enhance his emotion as
the colour of his clothes are all dark.
•I would like my family to wear bright,
colourful jumpers and t-shirts that are
Christmas themed to highlight to the viewer
that they will make him happy.
•If any back up costumes are needed, I have
plenty of spare clothes at the location that
can be borrowed that will give the same
effect.
Props:
•For my production I will need a rabbit to act as a gift to my
Granddad. I will be able to provide this prop as I have pet
rabbits. If the rabbit becomes stressed and does not co-operate
I have two other rabbits that I could use.
•Another prop for my production is a photograph of my Nana.
My Granddad is going to bring this prop with him, however if he
forgets it I have plenty of other pictures that can be used.
•My film is set at Christmas time, therefore there will be
decorations such as a Christmas tree, crackers, presents etc. I
have all of these resources at my house, however actors can
bring some presents if they wish.

Diegetic sound
These are sounds in the environment, part of the
‘world’ your character experiences – these can
be recorded on location, produced afterwards
using foley techniques, etc. Some use of royalty
free sounds is permitted, but you must list their
sources and information
Consider what you might need, how you are
going to get it, etc

Diegetic Sound
 Clock ticking- record noise effect, film in silent house to make it louder.
 Birds ( as he looks out the window)- record noise outside to make sure it is loud enough,
(possibly get sound effect from online).
 Footsteps- use sound effect from clips.
 “ This wasn’t supposed to happen”.- from the scene of looking at the picture.
 Setting the table- use noise from clip but edit it louder.
 Placing down a drink on the table- use noise from clip but edit it louder.
 Doorbell rings- use noise from clip but edit it louder,( clip will be filmed in silent house so
it will sound louder anyway).
 Laughter- record from clip of family arriving, opening presents and eating food.
 Crackers on table popping- use noise from clip but edit it louder if need be.

Non-diegetic sound
These are the sounds/audio that the audience
experiences, but are not part of the ‘world’ of
the character[s], this could be music, sound
cues, etc
Consider where you are going to get these, only
royalty free sources and original content is
permitted – please track your sources

Non-diegetic Sound
 Background Music- Have options of songs from YouTube. One option
is “Skinny Love” by Birdy. It will not begin until he is setting the table
and looking at the photograph. The chorus begins when family arrive.
Suddenly stops when he is gifted the rabbit but then fades in with the
clip to where they sit on the sofa with the chorus playing. Another
possible song option is “Half The World Away”. I will download the
songs from YouTube into KeepVid that can then be imported in
Adobe Premiere. Another possible song choice is “Power Of Love” by
Gabrielle Aplin.
 “Skinny Love”- Birdy
 “Half The World Away”- Oasis or Aurora cover
 “Power Of Love”- Gabrielle Aplin.
 “Real Love”- The Beatles or Tom Odell cover

Song With Important Links
 Prelude No. 18 by Chris Zabriskie is licensed under a Creative
Commons Attribution license
(https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)
 Source: http://chriszabriskie.com/preludes/
 Artist: http://chriszabriskie.com/
 "Bittersweet" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
 Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H6ydejhm4EY&feature=youtu.be

Sound Effects I Used
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A2u3k1X-
t7o
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=P1ycKSgJECw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=ZoH8E9MlB7s

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