Appendix C
Practice Script

The following is a very simple short fiction sample script that you may use to practice recording coverage of dialogue and action using the shot types (found in Chapter Two) and all of the editing techniques presented throughout the book. It is referred to as a “contentless scene,” meaning that it is purposefully vague and does not follow strict screenplay formatting so that you may interpret freely and maximize your creativity. It may be helpful if you first read the script, then make some decisions about who these characters are, what their story is, and where and when it should take place. Those decisions will then inform how you approach recording and editing the two brief scenes. Have fun.

CHARACTER A

Hey.

CHARACTER B

Hey.

CHARACTER A

How’s it going?

CHARACTER B

Good.

CHARACTER A

Cool. Cool. Um, listen – I’m really

sorry about the—

CHARACTER B

Yeah. It’s no big deal.

What are you going to do about it, right?

CHARACTER A

Right.

CHARACTER B

Well, I’ve got to get going.

CHARACTER A

Yeah. Yeah. Me too.

Character B exits – cut to new location. Character B enters followed by Character A.

CHARACTER A

Hey. Wait up. You forgot this.

CHARACTER B

That’s not mine.

(A few hints about this particular script: it should happen in at least two different locations; Character A must be sorry about something that can be represented visually, in some way, in the scene; Character A must try to present Character B with some “forgotten” item, in either a literal sense or in a figurative or symbolic fashion.)

Remember that although the script does not call out locations or specific items, your shot list should allow for such things as establishing shots, detail shots, inserts/cutaways, and a variety of shot compositions. This variety will provide you plenty of editing options during post-production practice.