# Video Production Bootcamp: Shoot a Dialogue Scene from Script to Set

Canonical URL: <https://www.graduateschool.edu/courses/video-production-intensive>

## Overview

This hands-on course teaches students how to take a completed script from planning through production and into a professionally executed dialogue scene. Over the course of a full week, students participate in three in-person sessions on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, along with two independent production days on Tuesday and Thursday, during which they complete assignments that are reviewed and discussed in the following class.

Throughout the week, students work through the full production process, including script breakdown, coverage planning, storyboard creation, shot listing, directing performances, and managing core production elements such as camera, lighting, sound, and on-set workflow. By the end of the course, they will have gained practical experience guiding a small-scale shoot from script to post-ready delivery.

## What you'll learn

- Break down a finished script and prepare it for production with a shooting script, storyboards, and shot lists.
- Plan coverage and shot design with editing in mind.
- Evaluate casting and location choices for a dialogue scene.
- Use core production techniques for camera, composition, lighting, and sound recording.
- Apply on-set workflow principles such as slating, setup organization, and screen direction.
- Prepare footage, notes, and production assets for an efficient post-production handoff.

## Curriculum

#### Day 1: Pre-Production — From Script to Shot List

- Script breakdown for production: identifying beats, actions, and logistical needs
- Storyboarding as an editing tool and planning coverage with the edit in mind
- Shot lists and production planning: organizing shots for efficiency on set
- Casting fundamentals: finding actors and running simple auditions
- Location scouting: evaluating locations for sound, light, and blocking
- Introduction to budgeting and funding: basic cost considerations and low-budget strategies
- Scheduling and workflow: call sheets, time management, and planning your shoot days

#### Day 1: Assignments

- Convert the script into a shooting (lined) script
- Create storyboards for the scene
- Cast actors
- Scout a location for the shoot and bring reference photos to class

#### Day 2: Production — Camera, Sound, and On-Set Workflow

- Review and critique of assignments with group discussion and instructor feedback
- Camera fundamentals: frame rate, shutter speed, aperture, ISO, white balance, focal length, and lens choice for storytelling
- Composition and coverage for dialogue: master shots, over-the-shoulders, singles, and inserts
- The 180-degree rule and maintaining screen direction
- Lighting basics: three-point lighting and shaping light for actors
- Sound recording fundamentals: clean dialogue, lavalier vs. boom microphones, room tone, and audio consistency
- Slates and clapboards for syncing and organization
- Crew roles, communication, and efficient on-set workflow

#### Day 2: Assignments

- Shoot the scene
- Compile dailies and prepare footage for final review

#### Day 3: Delivery to Post

- Review and workshop of student footage
- Capturing pickups and final coverage: ensuring all necessary footage is captured, including inserts, cutaways, wild lines, and room tone
- Preparing footage for post-production: backing up files, labeling media properly, and delivering notes, logs, and assets to the editor
- Discussion of strengths, challenges, and next steps
- Planning remaining post needs such as pickup shots, ADR, and sound effects

## Pricing

**Tuition:** $975
