What Are Script Sides? Definition, Examples & How To Write Them Effectively

Since a screenplay is a blueprint for a film, it is written in such a way that all of the technical details are included.

Not only the way in which each scene should be played out, but also the camera angles, lighting and sound are all included on the sides.

The script sides act as an instruction manual for the crew to follow in order to create the finished product.
 

What Are Script Sides?

Actors read scripts before they begin production to get an idea of their characters and how they fit into the overall story. 

They can then perform more effectively during filming.

After production is completed, scripts are used to market films to distributors and television networks.

Scripts are also used by artists who create promotional posters for films when it is shown in theaters.

Sides are the pages of a script that actors have in front of them when they read their lines.

These pages include the dialogue and stage directions and the names of other characters in the scene, their lines and descriptions, props to be used on stage, and anything else needed for an actor to know what they’re doing.

The sides are usually given to the cast one day before rehearsals begin on that play.

While ten days is standard in most cases, directors don’t always do it this way.

Some may wait until a few days before preview performances begin or just a couple of hours before the performance is set to begin.

   

Why Is A Script Called Sides?

Why Is A Script Called Sides?

It is one of the most frequently asked questions by those new to the entertainment industry.

The answer is because scripts are written from a dramatist’s point of view. 

Since you must always remember that a script is written for actors (rather than for directors, producers, set designers, or camera operators), your focus should always be on the dialogue as spoken by the characters.

You need to know which character is speaking at any moment because it can be very confusing if your dialogue isn’t identified. 

You need to know who said what to work out what they are doing in each scene. 

It is necessary so that you don’t get your scenes confused.

It may sound obvious, but when you write a scene, you tend to know exactly what happened and who was involved in it.

However, the reader has no idea about the scene or the characters and has no way of knowing which character said what. 

It means that the words have to be indicated by including them in parenthesis or brackets after each line of dialogue so that there is no confusion whatsoever as to whom all of the lines belong.

What Are Sides In Auditions?

What are the sides to auditions? 

Sides are pieces of a script that you might be asked to read at an audition. 

They’re given to you just before you go into the audition, and it’s your job to familiarise yourself with them in the time before you have to perform. 

Sides have their jargon, which we’ll look at later, but first, we need to know what they’re all about.

What Are Sides Used For In An Audition?

They help cast directors and producers decide which actor would be best suited for the role.

They give both the director and producer a chance to see how an actor “reads.”

It means they can see whether or not the actor can successfully interpret and represent the character as written by the playwright or screenwriter and whether or not they have enough range to do justice to all of the different facets of a character.

Sides help cast directors decide how well an actor can “connect” with somebody else on stage (even if that person is just standing there!).

It is essential for any stage performance but vital for something like a romance or other sensitive storyline.

How Do You Make A Side Script?

How do you make a side script? You could use Python, but there are a few caveats. 

The problem with Python is that it is not threaded safe (meaning that multiple processes can’t run Python simultaneously), and it is not as fast as C.

Tcl/Tk is another option, but it also has some drawbacks. 

Tcl/Tk was designed to be cross-platform and independent of the operating system underneath. 

While this makes Tcl/Tk very portable, it doesn’t interact with the operating system in the same way as something like a shell script or Perl would.

Java would be a good option, except the Java Interpreter isn’t available on most systems by default. 

You’d have to install it first before you could use Java to develop your side script.

So if we look at these three options, C, Tcl/Tk, and Java, there are pros and cons for each one. 

Clearly, C offers the best performance but requires knowledge of how to compile programs from source code (and may not even be available on your target platform). 

Java is portable but requires an extra step to get installed. Tcl/Tk has a steep learning curve and doesn’t allow you.

How Long Should Script Sides Be?

As a writer, you may have to write a scene involving two or more characters.

These scenes are called dialogue, and they can be tough to write. 

Dialogue scenes rely on features such as dialogue tags, rhythm, and subtext to create convincing characters in believable situations.

The tone is also very important in establishing character and advancing the plot. 

Like any other scene, the tone of your dialogue scene should reflect the mood that the character is feeling at that moment in time.

To achieve this, it’s important that you understand how tone works within a character’s personality and environment. 

Tone can be achieved through the description and word choices; however, some writers find it easier to identify tone through body language and actions within a scene.

So how long should script sides be? It depends on what effect you’re trying to achieve. 

You might want to establish a sense of urgency with shorter lines or write on multiple lines instead of just one long line.

You might want your character’s words to fill up an entire page. 

How long the script sides should be will ultimately depend on how you want your audience to feel about your story and its characters.

How To Use Script Sides?

Script sides are essentially the working documents for a film, with all the scenes laid out and the dialog written out. 

They’re used to help with pre-production, production, and post-production since they contain all the information about what’s supposed to happen in each scene.

Script sides are often called “script notes,” “takes,” or just “pages.” When you start to work in Hollywood, you’ll see many terms that don’t mean quite what you think they do. 

It’s important to understand the difference between script notes and script sides because it can make a big difference in your paycheck.

Script notes are usually provided by someone who isn’t on set when the film is being made. 

For example, a script supervisor might take detailed notes on scenes during filming to ensure continuity during editing.

These notes also help ensure that everyone involved knows what’s going on in each scene to ensure that each shot is framed correctly and matches up properly with other shots.

Script notes aren’t necessarily read by anyone other than the person who makes them. 

They’re working documents, not necessarily intended for public consumption. 

If you’re reading script notes from someone involved with the production, it’s likely because they’re trying.

How To Make Script Sides?

Script sides are the script for your film that has been divided into pages. The script is the blueprint of your film, and the script sides are the blueprint for the individual pages that make up the whole. 

They not only contain all of the dialogue, but they also indicate all of the shots you need to create and any sound effects or music cues you may want.

A good script side is clear and easy to read, with plenty of white space to separate each shot. 

It should include a camera direction for every shot (close-up, mid-shot, long shot), along with extra information such as whether it’s a master shot or an insert (which will always be smaller).

Script sides are usually written in a very small font because they have so much information.

Take care when writing them out so that you don’t make mistakes! A simple copy and paste from your computer will do most of the work if you’re being paid to write out your script sides. 

If not, then you might want to get someone else to do it for you or take your time and do it yourself.

What Things To Keep In Mind When Looking At Your Audition Sides?

When we look at our audition sides, we see what we want to see. It’s only human nature to read one’s lines and imagine each scene is awesome.

It isn’t. And the more you can get out of the way of your imagination and into the reality of what your scene partner has to work with, the better off everyone will be when reading a scene.

Before you go in for an audition, remember a few things:

The director has chosen these particular pages for a reason. 

If something doesn’t quite make sense or feel like it fits, remember that you are not alone and that the director probably knows something you don’t.

The director is paying attention to EVERYTHING you do (and so is everyone else), so if you have a weird tic or habit that pops up, they’re going to see it. 

They might even think “cut” to give you time to get it together, and they’re going to notice if it happens again.

Every choice affects every other choice in the scene and every scene after it. 

If your character would never say this line because there’s no reason for them to say it, then don’t say it!

What Are The Function Of Sides In Filmmaking?

Sides are documents that contain the dialogue and stage directions for each character in the movie. 

A script supervisor uses the sides to keep track of continuity for a production.

Tape numbers are used on each page of sides to identify the take and scene. 

Other departments refer to these numbers to ensure that props, furniture, and costumes match the appropriate take.

The director also uses this information to ensure that the actors are consistent throughout each take.

The script supervisor also uses sides to ensure that all necessary lines are recorded during a shoot.

It is important because many movies today have voiceover work, which means that all necessary dialog must be recorded while on set. 

If an actor forgets their lines or if it appears as though they will not be able to complete the scene, a new scene may need to be written, or characters may need to be brought back another day so they can get the required footage.

What Are The Function Of Sides In Filmmaking? The sides are a very important part of the filmmaking process.

They help actors decide how they are going to play their parts, it gives them a chance to see what other characters will be doing in different scenes, and it also gives the director an idea of what kind of film he is going to make.

Description: The sides are basically a script that is not acted out but only has the dialogue. 

It is important because it gives the director a chance to see what kind of film he will make. 

He can then decide if the movie will be serious or funny. He can also see which actors work well together.

Script Supervisor Daily Progress Report

So you’re a new assistant, and you have to write your first script report, but you have no clue how to do it. 

You need this information for your supervisor so that they can see what the production is doing on any given day.

Script reports should be short and sweet. 

The purpose of a script report is to provide the production company with a brief synopsis of what filming took place that day and the expected budget for the remainder of the shoot.

It should also include any special notes from the director or producer.

There is no set form for writing a script report, but there are some basic elements that should be included in every report:

• Production title: This should be self-explanatory and include specific information like who is producing the movie (this should be in parentheses), what the name of the company is, and where the movie will be released (theatrical, television, pay per view).
• Cast: List each cast member who worked that day and their character names.
• Crew: List each crew member who worked that day and their job title or department.
• Script Number/Revisions: If you’re working on an existing script, list out which script number it is and if there have been any revisions done.