Who gets the script? at DVinfo.net

Michael Chen · August 4th, 2005, 12:33 AM

People, from art directors, to AD, almost everyone involved in the production has been requesting for the full script.

Just a survey,
Who do you guys think should have the full script, other than the directors, producers and actors?

Do you give your script out to most people involved in the production? which personel do you give your script to?

K. Forman · August 4th, 2005, 05:07 AM

I think it would be easier to say who doesn't need a script... The grips, the p.a.'s, and the book keepers.

Barry Gribble · August 4th, 2005, 09:17 AM

Personally I think everyone who wants the script gets it, especially if it is low-budget. I want everyone on the set, even the PAs, to know what they are trying to make. Some of them don't need it artistically, but if they are working for me for free or cheap I'd like them to know why. I'd like them to be excited to help make it happen. People like the AD and Art Director I think absolutely need the script, without question, if they are going to help in a meaningful way. The Art Director has to know where it is all going, and the AD needs, if nothing else, to know (or make) the shot list.

I guess my question back to you would be why not share the script? Is someone going to leak a big surprise to the public? Or produce their own version of the film? I'm not sure.

Emre Safak · August 4th, 2005, 02:58 PM

Some directors do not give their actors the (full) script to prevent them from overintellectualizing or developing line readings.

Barry Gribble · August 4th, 2005, 06:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Emre Safak

Some directors do not give their actors the (full) script to prevent them from overintellectualizing or developing line readings.

That can make sense sometimes. Things like, for instance, person A is conning person B in the script... it could make sense for the director to not let person B know that they are being conned so that they don't react as if they know it.

A better actor will sometimes be offended by that, however, because it says that you do not trust them to be in the moment of the character.

Richard Alvarez · August 4th, 2005, 06:12 PM

Obviously, all the creative HEADS need the script, and the actors need a copy, though walkons and bit parts only need their scenes. Beyond that, it's your call. Yes, in a freebee situation, it can be a big help to get people excited by giving them a full script. Unless you are paranoid about having it "stolen" or "leaked"... no harm in it.

Matt Champagne · August 4th, 2005, 08:40 PM

Quote:

Unless you are paranoid about having it "stolen" or "leaked"... no harm in it.

Alot of people are way to afraid of that happening...I mean think about it. Anyone who is going to go through all the trouble of making a movie (and we all know how much trouble that is)...probably isn't going to go through that trouble because they think your idea is so amazing that they can totally steal it and make a profit. The people insane enough to actually attempt making a movie, only want to do so to prove their own creativity and ability.

If you can afford the ink/printing costs...why not give the script to whoever wants it? Or better yet email it, make a pdf file...whatever. Everyone can use the script...especially the creative portion of the crew. I've even found myself needing more than one copy of the script (say if I'm DP and an actor and I need to scribble notes concerning each task)

If you tell someone you need a dessert location...and they find and book you a place in arizona...and you have a scene with people riding a camel over a sand dune...you have a serious problem. Its very easy to give someone a general instruction which you think seems specific because you are already thinking in the context of your film...but if they don't have a script then they don't have that context. For wardrobe...if you say a fancy suit...does that mean a tux, a sports coat, a car salesman's type of jacket, or a 1940's style gangster suit?

There are a few thousand scripts on triggerstreet.com...and to my knowledge not one has ever been stolen and made into a film without the writers consent. With the exception of creative reasons why you wouldn't give a person a script (in regards to Emre's post)...there is no reason not to give the script to anyone and everyone involved.

Bill Porter · August 5th, 2005, 04:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matt Champagne

If you tell someone you need a dessert location...and they find and book you a place in arizona...and you have a scene with people riding a camel over a sand dune...you have a serious problem.

Yes, because you probably meant someplace like Baskin Robbins 31 Flavors.

K. Forman · August 5th, 2005, 05:49 AM

Matt- That is why you should have a Location scout and manager, and a wardrobe person. These people will be up to speed on everything, long before production starts. At least, they should be...

Matt Champagne · August 5th, 2005, 08:32 AM

Quote:

Yes, because you probably meant someplace like Baskin Robbins 31 Flavors.

haha definately...I proved my point rather well accidently due to my inability to spell.

Bill Porter · August 5th, 2005, 06:40 PM

Hehe

But hey, ice cream hits the spot in the desert!

Michael Chen · August 6th, 2005, 08:50 AM

Hey, but if you spell dessert in the script they will still think it's baskin robbins haha.

so even with passings of the script i still think it's good to go through the script with relevant people so that everyone's on the same page :)
and yes, agree with what you guys have said.

August 4th, 2005, 12:33 AM	#1
Michael Chen Regular Crew Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Singapore Posts: 163	Who gets the script? People, from art directors, to AD, almost everyone involved in the production has been requesting for the full script. Just a survey, Who do you guys think should have the full script, other than the directors, producers and actors? Do you give your script out to most people involved in the production? which personel do you give your script to?

August 4th, 2005, 05:07 AM	#2
K. Forman Capt. Quirk Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Middle of the woods in Georgia Posts: 3,596	I think it would be easier to say who doesn't need a script... The grips, the p.a.'s, and the book keepers. __________________ www.SmokeWagonLeather.us

August 4th, 2005, 09:17 AM	#3
Barry Gribble Major Player Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 817	Personally I think everyone who wants the script gets it, especially if it is low-budget. I want everyone on the set, even the PAs, to know what they are trying to make. Some of them don't need it artistically, but if they are working for me for free or cheap I'd like them to know why. I'd like them to be excited to help make it happen. People like the AD and Art Director I think absolutely need the script, without question, if they are going to help in a meaningful way. The Art Director has to know where it is all going, and the AD needs, if nothing else, to know (or make) the shot list. I guess my question back to you would be why not share the script? Is someone going to leak a big surprise to the public? Or produce their own version of the film? I'm not sure. __________________ Barry Gribble Integral Arts, IMDB

August 5th, 2005, 05:49 AM	#9
K. Forman Capt. Quirk Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Middle of the woods in Georgia Posts: 3,596	Matt- That is why you should have a Location scout and manager, and a wardrobe person. These people will be up to speed on everything, long before production starts. At least, they should be... __________________ www.SmokeWagonLeather.us

August 4th, 2005, 02:58 PM	#4
Emre Safak Trustee Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Brookline, MA Posts: 1,447	Some directors do not give their actors the (full) script to prevent them from overintellectualizing or developing line readings.

August 4th, 2005, 06:12 PM	#6
Richard Alvarez Inner Circle Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: San Mateo, CA Posts: 3,840	Obviously, all the creative HEADS need the script, and the actors need a copy, though walkons and bit parts only need their scenes. Beyond that, it's your call. Yes, in a freebee situation, it can be a big help to get people excited by giving them a full script. Unless you are paranoid about having it "stolen" or "leaked"... no harm in it.

August 5th, 2005, 06:40 PM	#11
Bill Porter Major Player Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Ventura, California, USA Posts: 751	Hehe But hey, ice cream hits the spot in the desert!

August 6th, 2005, 08:50 AM	#12
Michael Chen Regular Crew Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Singapore Posts: 163	Hey, but if you spell dessert in the script they will still think it's baskin robbins haha. so even with passings of the script i still think it's good to go through the script with relevant people so that everyone's on the same page :) and yes, agree with what you guys have said.