Paperfree Filmmaking
Guest Blog about #paperfree filmmaking by
Preproduction & filming with Apps & the iPad
Working as a 1st AD on film & television drama I need to carry with me on the day, the callsheet, strip order schedule & the script pages along with any Storyboards & Shots Lists.
Before I embraced ‘paperfree’, I used to carry with me an arch lever folder containing my broken down annotated script, storyboards, the Expanded (full fat) schedule, along with the Cast Day out of Days Breakdowns (DooD’s), Risk Assessments, VFX notes, SFX notesCast & Crew contact info and so forth. I started using ‘Movie Magic To Go’ for having my schedule on the iPad & Final Draft Writer/Reader for the script(s). This was very helpful but I still needed something to write on through the filming day.
Although you can convert all the ‘paperwork’ to PDF’s and use various Apps to read them such as ‘Goodreader’ or the native iBooks - the breakthrough for me came with ‘iAnnotate’. The App allows you to have multiple PDF’s open at the same time that appear as separate windows or ‘tabs’ on your screen which you are then able to draw on & also add ‘Post It’ or ‘Stickies’ notes to. You can import anything to iAnnotate that can be converted into a PDF. You can also import photographs directly from the iPad camera and scribble over those too. I have used it to take a photograph of the Director’s shot list and imported that image into the App for reference.
The first pre-production meeting that I went to ‘paperfree’ was rather nerve racking - armed only with my laptop & iPad. The Line Producer asked me if he could borrow my script to check - which was all on my iPad, of course, & was rather surprised that I had not brought a folder with any paperwork. The same Line Producer, three weeks later into prep, purchased his own iPad & asked me for a list of Apps he should purchase…
The first day filming was the biggest experiment, I was so used to having my script pages/sides to scribble on. I had purchased a Stylus for the iPad (from Justmobile) to assist with the transition but it was, never the less, very strange to be carrying nothing but a slim iPad mini. What was interesting was how useful it was being able to carry ‘everything’, especially working so closely with the Director. Soon it became expected that I would have anything to hand on my iPad screen - the full script, the script changes, floor plans for sets, location photographs, storyboards.
The only problem I have encountered has been filming in heavy rain & rain effects & in or around water. I have now purchased a ‘Life Proof’ case which is completely water-proof - there are various other cases available but I found this make to be the lightest & thinest. I have now just wrapped on my fifth ‘paperfree’ production and would not go back to how I used to prep & shoot. It’s been awesome.
Some Suggestions:
There are so many Apps available to filmmakers now that make our lives that much easier & more productive - Director’s Viewfinders, Shot Lists & Shot Designs, Sunrise & Sunset apps, weather apps, tide apps and so forth. I have listed a few below that I have been using:
Use iAnnotate to read, mark up, and share PDF, DOC, PPT and image files Join the over 1 million users worldwide who say iAnnotate is “an indispensable tool to have,” and “the reason I bought an iPad.”
Inspiration can strike at any moment…
It hits you at a coffee shop, while waiting in line, or on the train to work. Create new scripts or edit existing ones anytime, anywhere with core Final Draft® features specifically designed for the iPad.
Now free with the release of Movie Magic Scheduling 6, Movie Magic Scheduling To Go gives you the freedom to schedule right from your iPad
Shot Designer makes it ridiculously easy to block complex scenes, complete with Camera Diagram, Animation, Shot List, Storyboards, Director's Viewfinder, and Sync & Team Sharing via Dropbox
The display will simply show you where the sun is going to be. You are able to set when and where. Simplicity is what makes this app a nice option.
Artemis Director’s Viewfinder is an indispensable tool for filmmakers. It replaces the traditional viewfinder that would hang from a director’s neck, with a more convenient form factor and far more accurate and adaptable feature set. It is now the most used director’s viewfinder in modern filmmaking.
Map-A-Pic Location Scout for iPhone is your essential tool for all your location needs. It is designed by a photographer specifically for photographers and film makers to help them with their work.