Breaking down the script


The process of breaking down the script occurs after the producer reads through the screenplay once. The producer or a first assistant director reviews the script, and marks certain elements that need to be taken care of before production, or even before pre-production can begin.

Marking eighths

Each scene, as per slug line, is measured into eighths of a page by its number of inches. Most pages of a screenplay are eight inches, so each inch is an eighth, even if a page exceeds eight inches. The number of eighths is then marked in the top left corner of the scene, and circled. If a scene lasts longer than eight eighths, it is converted to 1. So, a scene lasting twelve eighths is marked.

Marking elements

To ease future production, an assistant director marks the elements found in each scene. This process repeats for each new scene. By the end, the producer will be able to see which scenes need which elements, and can begin to schedule accordingly. The film industry has a standard for color-coding: