Moving Images, Understanding Media

Chapter 7 From Page to Screen 271

For short form visual media, the storyboard can be the primary preparatory

document. For a commercial, it can serve as the exact template for the

narrative of the piece. Th is will oft en depend on the amount or importance

of dialogue in the motion picture. If there is signifi cant dialogue or voice-over

in a project, written format is typically necessary.

Using Improvisation

Another approach is the use of improvisation in the fi lmmaking process.

Th is can be done in moderation, where the actors are allowed or encouraged

to ad-lib from the established script. It can also function as an integral part

of the fi lmmaking process, because the actors spontaneously generate the

spoken elements of the story. American fi lmmaker John Cassavetes used

improvisation to drive the creation of his fi rst fi lm Shadows (1959), which

strove to create the lives of its characters through a highly collaborative

environment between director and actors. Sometimes, improvisation can

be on camera, while it also can be used to create a script. British fi lmmaker

Mike Leigh commonly works with his actors to develop characters and the

content of scripts.

Improvisation has been an eff ective method for fi lmmakers who have

created dramatic situations that are designed for improvisation or carefully

selected collaborators well prepared for the task. Writer-director Blake

Edwards and actor Peter Sellers collaborated to improvise a great deal of

the Hollywood satire Th e Party (1968). Finnish director Aki Kaurismaki has

prepared for some of his fi lms using written formats that resemble treatments.

Kaurismaki’s familiarity with his crew and recurring actors helps him to

maximize their contributions while putting onto the screen his unique vision.

Figure 7-19 Actor Jean-

Pierre Léaud and director

Aki Kaurismaki on the set

of I Hired a Contract Killer.

Collaboration between actors

and directors is a vital aspect

of the storytelling process for

many fi lmmakers. (Courtesy

Photofest)

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