Enjoy this next installment of exclusive behind the scenes interviews with key members of The Storyteller production. Learn more about how the film was made and see footage of the making of!

This video features the incredible Rachel Noll, co-writer and Producer of The Storyteller.

My favorite description of the rehearsal process and why it’s so important comes from Sidney Lumet’s book, Making Movies. Sidney Lumet, for the youngsters in the crowd, is of course the visionary director behind classics like 12 Angry Men, Long Day’s Journey Into Night, Serpico, Dog Day Afternoon, and many more. In his book he explains that he will ”generally hold rehearsals for a period of two weeks. Depending on the complexity of the characters, we sometimes work longer – four weeks on Long Day’s Journey Into Night, three weeks on The Verdict.” Clearly not a process afforded most independent directors. But the process itself is a master class in directing. Lumet would spend two-three days with the cast around a table, simply discussing the script to figure out it’s central theme. Then delve into each character, each scene, each line. Then the first complete read-through, full of discoveries and spontaneity and instinct. Then breaking the script down even more, with emphasis on important scenes between lead actors, and then another complete read-through. This time not nearly as exciting as the first, because, as Lumet puts it, ”instinct wears out quickly in acting, because of repetition.”

So how do ensure a fresh, emotionally truthful performance take after take? You substitute instinct with technique and use different actions in your performance to get the same response that you got from your first, uninhibited take – all based on the discoveries made in rehearsals.

But how can you make the most of the (most likely) limited rehearsal time available to you on an indie production? In the case of The Storyteller it was a matter of technology and priority.

Rehearsals were always a priority for Joe. He really wanted to have time with the actors well in advance of the shoot to start discussing the characters and building relationships and chemistry and comfort between them, so that when they got to set they would feel fully prepared to jump into the scenes. We initially did Skype rehearsals individually and in pairs. Joe talked with the actors about the character and the script, got into the nuances of character and arcs and story, and then we did one day of in-person rehearsals in LA where we actually stepped through each of the scenes with the actors and got them together and working. – Rachel Noll, Producer of The Storyteller

Skype is a great way to cover great distances without the cost of airtravel. Your producer will thank you for the dollars saved and your actors will thank you for taking the time to get into every little detail in the script ahead of shooting, even if lengthy in-person rehearsals aren’t an option.

The second trick to making the most of your rehearsals is to be structured enough to make time for discoveries. Sound like a contradiction? Consider this: If you put a bunch of strangers in a room and tell them to act, what you get is a noisy mess of personalities trying to find their place in the group. It’s human psychology. As a director you need to take control and make it clear which scenes are being rehearsed and why. Once the actors have a framework to operate within, they can leave their insecurities or egos behind and focus on making those discoveries.

And if you have the luxury of a long rehearsal period – is there such a thing as rehearsing too much?

I dont think so. I come from a theater background where rehearsal is everything, so I may be biased, but I think that preparation and time to think and discover can only help. – Rachel Noll, Producer on The Storyteller

The lesson to be learned here is, that even if your rehearsal time is limited to a number of Skype conversations and one day of walking through scenes, don’t assume that you can just as easily get the same results without rehearsing and while on set. In another anecdote from Sidney Lumet he recalls rehearsing with Paul Newman for The Verdict: ”At the end of two weeks of rehearsal … there were no major problems. In fact, it seemed quite good. But somehow it seemed rather flat …We hadn’t quite reached the emotional level we both knew was there in David Mamet’s screenplay … There was a certain aspect of Frank Galvin’s character that was missing so far. I told him that I wouldn’t invade his privacy, but only he could choose whether or not to reveal that part of the character and therefore that aspect of himself … On Monday, Paul came into rehersal and sparks flew.”

Foregoing the rehearsal process may seem like a bold and spontaneous move, but it actually just allows your actors to play it safe. Instead, force them to discover and make choices before you get on set.

By definition a tech scout is an on-location walk-through with your production’s department heads – think director, cinematographer, UPM, 1st AD, production designer, etc. – ahead of shooting at that particular location. This walk-through will give each department a chance to familiarize themselves with the location and the challenges it may bring. In other words, it’s a final preparation of the technical logistics associated with each major shooting location.

So, with terms like “department heads” and “technical logistics” being thrown around you’re probably thinking that a tech scout is something reserved for big budget movies, right? Wrong. They most certainly do it, but if you’re helming a low-budget indie production, you probably have even more incentives to do a tech scout before your shoot. Ask yourself this: Can I afford to rent my location for an extra day, if I encounter unforeseen circumstances? Will my lighting package be able to compensate for any changing conditions? Do I have the necessary means to do extensive ADR on noisy takes? No, you say? Then you better plan ahead.

Typically you will do your tech scout during prep week, about one week prior to the actual shoot, when all department heads are able to get together and finalize their preparations. However, if you have access to your locations even further ahead of time, there are benefits to visiting them.

During pre-production Joe did some initial location scouting and we rewrote scenes once we understood the layout and limitations of the locations available to us, so the script reflected accurately the locations we will be using. – Rachel Noll, writer/producer of The Storyteller

Once you have the script locked in, locations secured and shot lists made, you do the full tech scout of all major locations.

Producer, DP, Director, 1st AD, Production Designer, UPM, gaffer, key grip – they were all there. We wanted to make sure all the heads were clear on the limitations and possibilities of any given location, so we could all plan accordingly. Any limitations on power outlets or lighting sources, etc. we wanted to be able to make a note of, and also have an eye on the production design, possible areas for actor holding, for makeup and hair, and other details, so we were prepared come the day of the shoot. I think all the departments can benefit from a scout prior to the shoot, just to know what they are up against and to be able to plan contingencies or brainstorm creatively if things aren’t ideal or there are any surprises. – Rachel Noll, writer/producer of The Storyteller

Let’s break it down.

Producer – will be working with each of the department heads to accommodate any changes in budgeting due to the limitations or possibilities uncovered during the scout.

DP – will be making sure the planned camera movements will be possible. Are there narrow corners to turn? Will there be shots in harsh light? Your DP might change certain shots to accommodate the locations and retain the overall visual aesthetic.

Director – will be balancing the vision of the film with the circumstances and making any necessary changes in shots to stay as true to the original intentions as possible.

1st AD – is largely in charge of scheduling, background actors, callsheets and script breakdown, so any changes to either of these based on the limitations of the location will be noted and arranged accordingly. Is there a proper holding area for the background cast? Will shooting have to wrap an hour earlier than anticipated due to traffic conditions in the area – and what does that mean for the callsheet?

Production Designer – takes note of anything that needs to be dressed for the shots planned and anything on location that will add to or subtract from the environment she is trying to create. Also pay attention to details like whether the centerpiece executive boardroom conference table that’s been rented for a certain scene is able to fit through the doorframe and whether the colors of the the costumes are going to clash with the wall color.

UPM – the Unit Production Manager oversees all the off-set logistics, as well as day-to-day budgets and production personnel, so if a certain location calls for more lighting than initially planned for, the UPM needs to make sure this can be made available, is budgeted and operable with the hired crew – or make the necessary changes.

Gaffer – is the chief electrician on set and will need to make sure there are adequate power sources for the lights that will be brought in. Will a generator be needed? Are the outlets on separate circuits? What’s the maximum load for each outlet?

Key Grip – will in large part be responsible for making the director and DPs wishes come true, so if there is limited space on set or a shot calls for more equipment than can safely be utilized in a certain location, adjustments must be made in advance.

All of these obviously work together, which is why the tech scout is best done with all department heads at once and not separately. Filmmaking is a collaborative process and the tech scout is the perfect opportunity for everyone to contribute in order to make your film the best it can be.

Not only is it an important part of the final stages of pre-production, the tech scout is also a hell of a lot of fun – it’s great to get a chance to know your crew and to be impressed by what they do. And doing the tech scout also means that we are just days away from shooting – at last. – Joe Crump, writer/director of The Storyteller

In some cases you will need to do your tech scout months in advance, so every single aspect of your shots can be meticulously planned and rehearsed, like for the 2015 Academy Award winner Birdman. Because of the extremely difficult long shots used throughout the film, the crew prepared by drawing up a minimalist (but to scale) version of their theatre location in a warehouse and used that space to rehearse camera movement, cast movement and lighting for weeks before the actual shoot. Imagine pulling this off without diligent planning:

Follow the entire process of making a film – up close and personal – through the trials and triumphs of The Storyteller, as told in our on-going article series.

We started with an article on the rather lofty subject of Ideas – Which to Pursue and How to Start Writing. Since then we have delved into subjects like copyright, music licensing, film financing, casting, locations, script breakdown, scheduling and more, giving you an honest and personal look behind the scenes of the production of an indie film. It’s a long process. One that takes blood, sweat and tears, all before that magic moment when the director first calls out “…and ACTION!”

That moment has finally came and went for The Storyteller, which is currently shooting in Indiana. We’ll continue to follow the process through our article series and we encourage you to follow along behind the scenes on the film’s Facebook page.

Let us know in the comments below if you have any questions for the production team or if there is anything you would like us to focus on in future articles.

You can find all the articles related to The Storyteller here.

To create the best schedule, you must account for every element in your story.

How does one find all those elements? Simple: They are in your script.

A Script Breakdown is when the producer and/or the first assistant director take the locked script and go through and mark the occurrence of every element. This should not be confused with a casting breakdown, which is used when finding your actors.

The first step in the script breakdown process is to have a script that you feel is ready to be broken down. It won’t do you any good to start planning your production if the script is still in the collaborative stage.

We waited until we were pretty certain there would be no more major changes – because we didn’t want to lock in the shoot dates until we were sure no locations would be changing dramatically. – Rachel Noll, Producer of The Storyteller.

Now let’s be honest, a script is never truly finished. Even while filming there can be changes. Still, a schedule has to be made. So how does a filmmaker know when their script is ready for breakdown?

Once we had a general idea of what our locations were and where they were located, and had secured our cast and confirmed they had no conflicts with the shoot dates, we sat down with our 1st AD to break down and schedule the script. This happened in January – 5 months out from the shoot. We wanted to get this stuff locked down early so we could start booking travel for our actors. – Rachel Noll, Producer of The Storyteller.

The script is ready? Time to start breaking it down!

Step 1: Number Your Scenes

Below is an example of a Scene Heading from a writer’s draft:

Int. Heather’s Apartment – Afternoon

Now this is fine for the writer, but production needs to know how many scenes are in the script and which of those scenes are self-contained. A self-contained scene is one that can be shot in its entirety. Thus whether you schedule that scene in the morning, afternoon, end of the shoot or the beginning of the shoot, you’re going to film the entire scene.

Below is an example of a Scene Heading from a production’s draft:

1. Int. Heather’s Apartment – Afternoon 1.

Step 2: Measure Your Scenes

Numbering the scenes also allows production to have an idea of how long each scene will be. In a properly formatted script, 1 page equals 1 minute of screen time. So, if Scene 5 is three pages long, we can estimate that Scene 5 will equal 3 minutes of screen time.

An 8th of a Page:

When it comes to the length of your scenes, you want to be as specific as possible. If a scene is longer than a page but less that two pages, simply saying “the scene is a page and a half,” doesn’t work. The industry standard is to divide your pages into 8ths.

Thus a scene that’s longer than a page, but less than two, can be accurately described as “a page and 3/8ths,” or such.

While there are many programs that aid in the breaking down of a script (more on those in a moment), there is a more tactile way:

1. Print out your script
2. Take a ruler
3. Using the ruler, horizontally divide your script into 8ths.

Here’s a visual for that nifty little trick.

Step 3: Time To Color

Whether you are working in a budgeting software or are using a printout and colored highlighters/pencils, the process in the same. Each element in your script is assigned a color or symbol. You then read through the script and highlight (or if using color pencils, underline) the element with its corresponding color/symbol.

The Elements and their color/designated symbol:

1. Cast – The speaking actors. Remember, this is NOT for casting, this is so you know which members of your cast are needed in a given scene.
2. Featured Extras – An extra that has no lines but performs a specific action
3. Background Extras – Extras that create the atmosphere for a scene. Example: Diners in a restaurant.
4. Stunts – Any action where you will need a stunt coordinator and possibly a stunt double for the actor(s).
5. Props – The objects in a script that are used by the actor.
6. Special Effects
7. Vehicles/Animals
8. Sound Effects/Music – This is for anything that happens on set, NOT sounds added in post.
9.Wardrobe (circle all occurrences) – This is for specific costumes needed for the production AND to track any changes to those costumes. Example: The character is running in the woods, trips and rips their pants.
10. *Hair/Make-up* – All actors have hair/make-up done, but this is to call attention to a particular story point. Example: The character has been cut and is bleeding.
11. Special Equipment (box all occurrences) – Does the scene require any kind of unique camera equipment? Example: The scene takes place in a lake, and you would like an underwater camera to do a shark POV.
12. Production Notes – This calls attention to any concerns/questions for a given scene.

Still need help with the breakdown? Here’s a great video from a working Assistant Director that takes you through the process:

Step 4: The Breakdown Sheets

Once you know every element needed for every scene, you will use that information to create both your schedule and determine the budget not only for your department as a whole, but how that budget will be divided between the different departments.

Each scene of the script is given a Breakdown Sheet. It lists all the different elements and information for that scene.

Here’s an example of a Breakdown Sheet template. Breakdown sheets are then used to build your production schedule.

So Many Programs!

Our 1st AD – who is usually in charge of scheduling the shoot – did the breakdown with me (producer.) So I was able to offer insight into some of the production logistics, and she worked within the software to break it down digitally into the scheduling program. – Rachel Noll, Producer of The Storyteller.

As mentioned above, there are a number of computer programs that are designed to help breakdown, schedule and budget a film. Let’s take a look at some of them:

Final Draft Tagger – This function allows you to go through the script is Final Draft and “tag” all the elements. You can then export those tags and input into most scheduling software. This is basically the same as using a highlighter but done digitally. The caveat is that you must use a scheduling software that can use the export. Here’s a link that lists the types of scheduling/budgeting software that is compatible.

Movie Magic Scheduling – Allows you to input all of your elements, create the breakdown sheets and, based on those sheets, create a schedule.

Our AD utilized a program called Scenechronize online. She prefers this program for its ease of use compared to Movie Magic Scheduling. – Rachel Noll, Producer of The Storyteller.

Scenechronize – The big difference between this program and Movie Magic, is that Scenechronize is a web-based program. Here’s an in-depth article describing the differences between the two programs.

The prep work is now over: With your breakdown sheets in hand, you can commence with scheduling your production. Join us next time when we do just that; Scheduling and the Importance of Having a Great 1st AD. Until then, here’s a trailer for another movie about making movies that came out this year. May your production be easier than theirs:

h/t StudioBinder – Breaking Down A Script

Giving it to friends and family for feedback is not always the best way to go. I know how hard it is to give honest feedback to someone I care about because you don’t want hurt your relationship by being negative about their work. – Joe Crump, director of The Storyteller

Understanding Script Coverage

At its core, script coverage is the process of having a reader read the script, analyze it and then give a report/feedback. In the filmmaking world, script coverage is done at production companies who have stacks upon stacks of screenplays. Typically an intern or assistant will read the script and submit coverage that then determines whether the script will move up the ladder within the production company. In the screenwriting world, a writer can employ a coverage service/reader to get an outside perspective on their screenplay.

Traditionally, a script coverage report will consist of a synopsis, comments, and a recommendation.

• The Synopsis: This is the reader’s summary of your story.
• Comments: This is where the reader analyzes how well or poorly the writer communicated their story. What was the journey of the characters? What was clear? What wasn’t? Was the reader emotionally affected? Do they have any recommendations or suggestions on how the writer could solve some of their problems?
• Recommendation/Rating: This category is used by production companies and offers an opinion as to whether the screenplay should continue to be developed by said production company. There are typically four answers to this category: Pass, Consider With Reservations, Consider, or

So many options

There are countless companies/readers ready and willing to take your money in exchange for “coverage”. Do your research and ask yourself:

1. Who is this company/reader? How long have they been in business?
2. Who are their clients? Can you confirm that they’ve read and given coverage to the people/companies they claim?
3. What are the reader’s credentials? Have they read scripts in your genre? Because yes, while it’s good to get an outside eye, script coverage is supposed to offer a trained outside eye.
4. Do you know or can you get in touch with anyone who’s received coverage from this company? What was their experience?

Writer/director Joe Crump and writer/producer Rachel Noll used a unique method when seeking out their script coverage.

The place we found the most competent people for the best price has been by placing an ad on craigslist (gigs/writing). A lot of the people who responded to that ad had some pretty impressive credentials and the cost was typically between $100 and $125 per coverage. After each major rewrite, we’d find 3 or 4 people to do coverage. – Joe Crump, director of The Storyteller

Don’t want to place an ad? Here are some trusted Script Coverage companies courtesy of Stephanie Palmer and her site Good in a Room:

1. Amanda Pendolino – Packages vary (A Feature under 130 pages = $129)
2. Scriptapalooza – Packages vary, (Their Regular Package = 4-6 Pages of Coverage for $176)
3. Screenplay Readers – Packages vary, (A One-Reader Package = 6-8 Pages of Coverage for $97)

I would also like to personally recommend Maureen Green at Book an Edit. While her services don’t include a Coverage Package, she does offer Story Notes and can refer you to a professional reader.   I have used her services numerous times and have found her help invaluable.

How to deal with critical feedback

Sometimes I’d think they were hacks, sometimes they weren’t close and sometimes they were so close it was painful. Whatever they said, I always thanked them and never complained about their comments. – Joe Crump, director of The Storyteller

Even though we know a first, second or even third draft isn’t perfect, getting any kind of criticism or feedback is ALWAYS hard. The key to implementing coverage, is knowing how to listen.

They didn’t always get to the problem – sometimes they would talk around the problem and not really get it – but other times what they would said would give us ideas and a general guideline of where to go next. – Rachel Noll, producer of The Storyteller

Don’t get discouraged. Listen to Denzel!

So your script is ready, now what?

The start of a New Year brings many things: resolutions, commitments, and for writers it brings a new round of screenplay contests. There are countless contests, some are part of a larger film festival, others offer fellowships, and all of them bring a certain amount of prestige. As a filmmaker planning to produce your own film, winning a contest can bring both attention and possible funding to your project. As a writer, winning/placing in a contest can bring industry attention to not only the script you entered, but to you as a writer.

Think there are a lot of script coverage companies? There are even more screenplay contests. So, how do you decide which ones are worth entering?

I did research online and polled websites, fellow screenwriters and other resources to find the contests that had the industry clout and connections to actually help the winners advance their scripts and careers. Or prizes that were substantial or valuable. There are certainly a lot of contests to wade through, but you can pretty easily narrow them down by reading up on articles posted by other industry writers on which ones are worth your time. – Rachel Noll, producer of The Storyteller

Create a budget for how many competitions you’re going to enter and ask yourself:

1. What am I trying to achieve by entering a Screenplay Competition?
2. Are my chances of winning/placing and potential prizes worth the entry fee?
3. Does the Screenplay Competition offer any kind of feedback? Is this in addition to the entry fee?
4. Does the Screenplay Competition have a specific category for my script?

Here to Help!

Well, just as she provided a list of great Coverage Services, Former MGM Studio Executive Stephanie Palmer has also provided a list of the best 2016 Screenplay Contests on her blog Good in the Room. Here are her Top 5.

The Big Two:

1. Academy Nicholl Fellowship – This is the MOST prestigious Screenplay Competition. Even becoming a Quarter-Finalist can help to open doors.
2. Austin Screenplay Competition

Three Others:

3. Blue Cat Screenplay Competition
4. PAGE International Screenwriting Awards – you may recall that The Storyteller did VERY well this past year
5. Scriptapalooza

Which contests did The Storyteller enter?

We entered the Nicholl Fellowship, Bluecat Screenplay Competition, PAGE International Screenwriting Awards, Script Pipeline, Final Draft Big Break, AFF Screenplay Competition, Scriptapalooza, and Stage 32 Features Contest. – Rachel Noll, producer of The Storyteller

The screenplay for the 2000 film Finding Forrester earned writer Mike Rich the Nicholl Fellowship in 1998. Check out the trailer below.

Remember  your target audience

After writing an Action/Adventure screenplay, I submitted to a number of contests, including those that had an action/adventure category. These included the Breaking Walls Thriller Competition and the Film Crash Screenplay Competition. My script was a Finalist and Winner in the Action/Adventure Category respectively.

Screencraft is a GREAT resource for specific screenplay contests. They cover everything from Comedy to Action/Adventure to Short Films.

Another popular resource for script feedback – and for a few select scripts, even a road map to industry recognition – is The Black List. And no, this is not the James Spader series. Since 2005, The Black List has served as a highly respected database of the best unproduced scripts, with strong industry connections as the main selling point.

Read all about The Black List in our Do You Know: The Black List article.

I believe The Storyteller received a 7 from the person we paid for coverage. Which is quite good I’m told, but not enough to really get anything moving for us on there. We weren’t willing to pay to host the script for more than a couple of months without any organic traffic. It adds up fast. – Rachel Noll, producer of The Storyteller

The key to a great screenplay is understanding where your script is in the writing process and what you need to get it to the next stage. Getting feedback is crucial to making any script grow.  Whether Coverage, Contests or The Black List is your next stage, you should now have a better understanding of what’s involved in each stage.

Here’s the trailer for a personal favorite that was listed on the 2010 Black List report.

h/t Good In A Room and in particular this blog post for being incredibly helpful when researching this article

Image source: Nicholl Fellowship/Facebook

In 2005, Franklin Leonard, an industry executive, surveyed around 100 industry executives about their favorite unproduced screenplays from that year. He published their answers and thus The Black list was created. Since then, it has become a database where screenwriters can upload their script, pay for evaluations and get the attention of industry players. In addition, The Black List continues to publish a yearly report of the best unproduced screenplays. Past screenplays on this list have included Hanna, Argo, The King’s Speech, The Butler, and this year’s award favorite Spotlight.

So how does it work for me?

“Putting your film on The Black List” does NOT mean you are automatically included in the yearly report. You are paying The Black List to host your script on their database and make it accessible to industry executives/filmmakers. That’s it. The hosting fee for your script is $25 per month.

Similar to script coverage, The Black List offers script evaluations. Qualified readers will rank your script from 1 to 10 in a number of categories and give comments. Evaluations are a $50 one-time fee per evaluation.

Scripts that receive a “high score” (usually 8 or higher) are then labeled a “Spotlight Script.” The Black List sends a list of these Spotlight Scripts to industry members. If interested, industry members will then go to your scripts page and can choose to view/download the script. If they like it, they can then get in contact with you.

What if there’s a rewrite?

You do have the ability on The Black List to switch out versions of your script. However, you must consider this: How different is the draft? If we’re talking a page one re-write, then you might not want old evaluations and ratings associated with the new draft. It’s recommended (both by The Black List and myself) that you delete the previous entry and essentially start over.

Listen carefully, please – While The Black List does offer screenwriters an invaluable opportunity to receive industry attention, it’s really only screenplays that receive a rating of 8 or higher that get attention.

I believe The Storyteller received a 7 rating from the person we paid for coverage. Which is quite good I’m told, but not enough to really get anything moving for us on there. We weren’t willing to pay to host the script for more than a couple of months without any organic traffic. It adds up fast. – Rachel Noll, producer of The Storyteller

The key to a great screenplay is understanding where your script is in the writing process and what you need to get it to the next stage. Getting feedback is crucial to making any script grow.  Whether Coverage, Contests or The Black List is your next stage, you should know what you’re buying before you whip out your credit card. Our comprehensive article on the subject – The Storyteller Series: Script Coverage & Screenwriting Contests – will give you a head start.

Need an example before we get into the nitty-gritty of scouting for locations?

Take a look at this trailer for Woody Allen’s Manhattan.

Now take a look at the trailer for Martin Scorsese’s Mean Streets.

Both Directors are synonymous with New York, both movies are set in New York, but the stories are very different and their locations reflect this.

There are two kinds of Film Locations:

1. A Stage: A stage is basically a building where you can build your sets. The benefit to this option is that you have complete control over the environment and actual structure of the set. A wall can be moved so that a camera can be placed to get a certain angle.

Have you seen Room yet? This Academy Award nominated film’s main location is not only the title of the movie but is also a built set.

Check out this featurette with the Production Designers talking about they created Room.

2. A Practical Location: Often referred to as just a Film Location, this means that the filmmaker shoots in an actual existing location. The scene is set in a house, you film in a house. Low budget/independent filmmakers often utilize this option because it can actually be less money to shoot in a local location and dress it (meaning make it look the way you want) than to rent a stage. There’s also an added authenticity for the audience; they know that what they’re seeing actually exists.

Here’s the trailer for another Academy Award Nominated film, only this one was shot on location.

To the less trained eye, a Film Location is simply the place that a film (or television show) is filmed, but a specific location can really add depth to a story. However, this doesn’t mean that a location should dictate the story. In the case of The Storyteller, Writer/Director Joe Crump and Writer/Producer Rachel Noll found a balance between using locations to fuel their ideas and letting their ideas inspire their locations.

We didn’t restrict the story too much in our first drafts, we let it flow organically and then went back and tailored locations to fit places we knew we could get once we moved into the early stages of pre-production. We did try to keep conscious of not using too many locations or anything that would be hard to find. We kept the story simple and the locations as well. – Rachel Noll, Producer of The Storyteller

Once the script is written, production is tasked with finding suitable locations. There are many factors, both logistical and creative, that a filmmaker should keep in mind when choosing the locations.

The first step is to decide where you are going to film the project.

Did you know?

Many states offer production benefits for companies to shoot in their state/locations? These benefits can include Tax Credits, Cash Rebates, Sales Tax and Lodging Exemption and/or Fee-Free Locations.

• Tax Credits: When a production company works in a specific state, they will have to pay an income tax back to the state. If a production company meets the minimum spending requirements as determined by that state, then they (the production company), will qualify for a tax credit. This means that a portion of the income tax will be given back to the production company. On big productions, this can end up being rather large amounts.
• Cash Rebates: These are similar to tax credits in that money are given back to the production company. However, a cash rebate is based on the production company’s expenses.
• Sales Tax & Lodging Exemption: A state will try to entice a production company to film there by offering an exemption from both sales and lodging taxes.
• Fee-Free Locations: It’s important for any filmmaker to know that government owned locations are often offered for no cost.

Remember – These benefits vary by state so it’s important to do the research and compare your production needs and constraints with the offers provided by each. Here’s a great website that compares state incentives!

Understand that tax incentives offer options, but should not solely dictate where the filmmaker decides to shoot their film. The Storyteller will be shot in Indiana, a state that does not offer incentives. This may seem like a disadvantage, but shooting in a state that doesn’t regularly have production companies shooting can be very welcoming, especially when compared to places like Los Angeles and New York.

Everyone I have spoken to has been so excited and generous. Everyone wants to be a part of a movie out there because they have not been over saturated. Its still exciting. We have gotten such a tremendous positive response from the locations and the owners of the businesses we approach offering us all kinds of things and saying they are honored we thought of them. It’s been really heart warming. – Rachel Noll, Producer of The Storyteller

Once you’ve picked the state you’ll be shooting in, it’s time to start looking for specific locations. A Location Scout can be very helpful at this point. The production company will employ them to find a number of possible locations and present those decisions to the filmmakers. The benefit of having a location scout is that they know the area you’re shooting in and deal with location managers all the time. It can especially help when the production company isn’t local.

We are currently looking to bring on a local location scout to help us with our final house location, because its really specific in terms of what we need it to accomplish for us – multiple locations as well as crew lodging – and since I am based in LA it would be very helpful to have another pair of boots on the ground in Indy to help us find some options. Our UPM is currently vetting some location scouts for us. – Rachel Noll, Producer of The Storyteller

The Key Criteria when looking for location is to know what you are looking for and be aware of your shooting schedule. The filmmaker has to have a vision for the film to understand if the scouted location will help bring the film to life. In addition, you have to understand how shooting in that location will fit into the entire production schedule. The filmmakers of The Storyteller have been sure to keep this in mind.

Joe has had a pretty clear vision in his mind of local spots in Indianapolis that he wants to use, so we always go there first… We are very aware of our time limitations on a three week shoot, and so the more locations we can find that are within close proximity to each other, or can serve as multiple locations, the better off we are. It’s also important that they look and feel like the world we are trying to create. – Rachel Noll, Producer of The Storyteller

Other criteria to remember when scouting locations:

• Lighting: What does the location look like during the time that you’ll be filming? It’s important for your DP to know their canvas. Understanding how light enters a building will inform how the DP lights the scene and even what kind of equipment is needed.
• Power supplies: Are there enough power outlets for your equipment? If not, are you going to need to rent a generator?
• Outside noise: Sound should NEVER be underestimated. Is the building near any kind of airfield? If so, your days will be filled with “holding for sound” until the plane finishes flying overhead.
• Parking: How large is your crew? Is there enough nearby parking? Is it free or will you have to pay? Will you need a permit to park on the street?

Depending on what locations are available, it is possible that your story will change. This is something The Storyteller has had to deal with first hand.

Small adjustments in the script have been made as we began to understand the logistics of the various spaces. Nothing major though. At least not yet. There was one scene we had written to take place at a pond when we thought we had a certain house location with a pond out back. This location fell through, and so we adapted the scene to be in a park we are already shooting another scene in. Small modifications like that. – Rachel Noll, Producer of The Storyteller

Permits, permits, permits.

Once a location has been selected, it needs to be secured. Obtaining a Film Permit is a key part of the process. Issued by the state government, a film permit authorizes the production company to film in the desired location (state owned or otherwise). The requirements for obtaining a film permit are different for each state and usually include: providing location details, date and time of filming, a description of the scene and if there are any stunts involved. In order to obtain a permit, the production company will also have to pay a fee and provide proof of production insurance.

We are too far out to begin obtaining permits – and actually, Indiana doesn’t require permits in the same way California does unless you are closing down a major street, which we are not. We have tentatively secured the majority of our locations already, but will not be able to formally lock them down until we have a locked shooting schedule, which our AD is working on now and we hope to have finished in the next few weeks. – Rachel Noll, Producer of The Storyteller

Join us next time when we discuss Script Coverage, Screenwriting Contests and The Blacklist: What is it and what’s it good for? Until then, here’s the trailer for an Academy Award Nominated film set in Australia – but filmed on location in Namibia!

The written page is where you first form the character and that is exactly where your search starts.

We let the story inform the characters rather than the other way around. The characters changed and shifted with each draft, and it wasn’t until we felt we had fully discovered them that we started putting out feelers for actors. We wanted to really understand who each character was and how they served the story. – Rachel Noll, Producer of The Storyteller.

With so much riding on the shoulders of the cast, how does a filmmaker even begin to build their team?

Since we are shooting in Indiana, our original plan was to cast all local Indiana actors. We assumed we would have a cast of mostly unknowns and our main priority in thinking about casting was making sure our actors had the skill and talent to bring the roles to life. – Rachel Noll, Producer of The Storyteller.

The casting process is literally a search and the first step is to decide how you want to conduct that search. Do you want to bring a Casting Director on board the project or do you, the filmmaker, want to conduct the search yourself?

Option One: The Casting Director

A Casting Director (also know as a CD) is a person who aides the filmmaker and facilitates the search for actors for each role by contacting agents/managers/actors, scheduling and holding auditions. They specialize in being aware of what the filmmaker and production is looking for while keeping an eye out for that special quality that an actor can bring to the part. A CD is an outside eye – one trained to think and not only look at how an actor performs in the audition, but how they’re capable of performing. They can be champions for the actors, while also guarding the filmmaker’s best interests.

Many of the most famous actors owe as much of their careers to casting directors as they do to, say, directors. Here’s the trailer to a documentary on one of those pioneering CDs, Marion Dougherty. It’s well worth the watch.

Wanna learn more? Check out this round table discussion by some of Hollywood’s hardest working CDs.

Option Two: The Filmmaker as the Casting Director

We decided to not use a casting director. The main reason being that our budget is so tight and I have some experience in casting myself. We felt we had the know-how to do at least a first round of casting calls ourselves, and if we didn’t find who we were looking for, we had talked about reaching out to a CD for the next round to help us find our key roles. In our case, it turned out not to be necessary. I in no way mean to diminish the role of a CD, as they are invaluable to a production and have resources and connections that can really enhance a films casting pool, we were simply lucky in that we got a lot of interest and were connected with bigger actors without the aid of a Casting Director and found our cast before bringing anyone on. – Rachel Noll, Producer of The Storyteller.

Oftentimes low-budget productions do not have the option of bringing in a CD. The filmmakers will instead organize, search and audition the actors themselves. Do not look at this as a disadvantage. This means that you, the filmmaker, get the opportunity to meet and discuss your story directly with every actor and find exactly the best cast for your film – and most likely learn something new about your project in the process. Such is the case with the Cast of The Storyteller.

If you know who will be casting your project, the next step is understanding how.

The first step with casting is to break down the roles. This means that you (or your CD) go through the script, list all the characters that need to be cast and compose descriptions for each role. Descriptions should include an age range for the character, their ethnicity, and a brief overview of the character. This is the first chance actors have to get a sense of your character, so your descriptions need to communicate not only personality, but how that character fits into the story.

Can you guess the character from this breakdown?

MASKED HERO: 16-20, any ethnicity. This high school student was once a normal, science-loving, picture-taking nobody, but that all changes when he comes in contact with a radioactive spider. Endowed with strength, speed and agility, this webhead must battle the world’s greatest villains while trying to keep his identity a secret, get the girl and survive high school.

Once you’ve compiled your list of roles, you’ll then post those roles on a casting website. It’s on those sites that actors can read about your project, the roles you are casting and submit themselves for your review. The most prominent casting sites in the US are Breakdown Services and LA Casting.

The thing that stood out with everyone we called back was a connection to the character. It didn’t seem like they were reading lines, it didn’t feel forced or like they were “acting” – I felt like I was seeing the character come to life through them. They took their time. They listened. They responded honestly. Every person brought something different, but it was immediately apparent who really connected with the lines and made them their own. Some were off book, some weren’t. Some filmed themselves with a professional set up, others on an iPhone. Ultimately none of that mattered. The people who connected with the character and expressed it honestly were the ones who stood out. – Rachel Noll, Producer of The Storyteller.

Once a project has been posted and the actors (or their representatives) have submitted, then comes the – to some people fun, to others terrifying – process of bringing actors in to audition. It’s a daunting process for both parties. You, the filmmaker, want to find the “perfect” actor. You want the actor coming through the door to be “the one!” Similarly, the actor coming through the door wants to do their very best – and be “the one.”

The ultimate key to casting, however, is that there is no “the one.” For the filmmaker: You’re searching for that spark that will bring your story to life. For the actor: It’s not always about whether or not you can act; it’s about whether you are right for that part.

Just as every scene builds on one another, so does each member of the cast. With one role filled, your audition process evolves. Does the auditioning actor have chemistry with the lead? If you’re casting a family, do they look a like?

Okay, but Heather – my production isn’t shooting in LA. Won’t that hinder my chances of finding the best cast?

In today’s digital age, not casting in LA won’t slow down your production. Case in point; The Storyteller!

We had actors do a self-tape for the initial audition and then asked some of the actors to come to a round of in-person callbacks. We asked actors to submit only if they could work as an Indiana local hire, and ended up with a list of actors based in Los Angeles and Indiana areas, so we set up callbacks in both cities. Right around the time we started scheduling the callbacks we started getting approached by people offering to connect us with actors with a little more experience, so we started taking meetings and talking with actors outside the initial pool of actors we auditioned as well. - Rachel Noll, Producer of The Storyteller

Even the best and some of the biggest stars will put themselves on tape for a role. Check out this featurette that includes the tape of Rachel McAdams auditioning for a little film called The Notebook.

Filmmakers, remember: Casting is where the relationships between the characters come to life. It’s also where your relationship with the actors begins. Thus, assembling your cast must feed your story, your vision and your production. And keep in mind that you will be working long, hard days with the cast, so be sure to assemble a team that will get along.

We built our cast based around a number of factors. Talent and experience are obvious ones, but beyond that, we really took the time to get to know each actor, to talk with them about the role and the story and make sure they understood what we were doing, and connected with the script and the way we were going about filming it. On such a low-budget production, passion is really the fuel and the glue that will hold the shoot together, so the cast we ultimately assembled is full of people who came at it heart first, just as we have.- Rachel Noll, Producer of The Storyteller

For more information about the practicalities of posting breakdowns and starting your search, Breakdown Services is a great resource. They have staff on call to answer your questions and also provide in-depth explanations throughout the process online.

Join us next time when we’ll be discussing locations: How to secure locations based on budget and story. Until then, here’s a featurette exploring how one of the most famous and beloved 80s movies had a very different actor originally cast in the lead role.