MAJOR PRODUCTION: SCRIPT READ THROUGH

The script read through is a stage in pre-production when the films script is read aloud around a table by the full cast of actors. It is also attended by the main heads of departments within a production, such as producers, writers and editors. The read-through is a major milestone in the production  process, it gives the core filming making team an early insight into the projects potential and also highlighting any problem areas hidden in the scripts.

-Read throughs traditionally happen before any rehearsals, therefore actors are not expected to give stellar performances and to be blown away. Their job on the read through is quite simply to read the dialogue as it is written on the page. This gives the actors a chance to understand their character more and really get into the role as much as possible.

-For the writer, this should be one of the most exciting parts of the filmmaking process, after a long development stage, it will be exciting to finally see a project come to life. It is also extremely useful, because it allows the writers to see what works and what doesn't work on the script.

-For the director, it is also very important as they can start to see the chemistry between actors come to life. This helps for preparation to film, it will let the director know what they need to direct in terms of the characters actions and how they come together in their role.

-For big productions, a table read is a chance to 'sell' the movie. Producers would invite along investors to listen to the table read in a bid to generate more capital for the production of the movie.

I found that there can be different type of read throughs, in terms of on the day you can read through the script multiple times, but looking at it from a different and new perspective

-The First Read Through: Undisturbed, read through in a quiet place and read through to get the brain switched on.
-Technical Read Through: Make little notes throughout of actions and dialogue, for the director they can note certain camera shots that they are visualising whilst the actor is speaking.
-Action Read Through: Noting actions and additions that you want to the script.


I set up the script read through for Monday 4th February, it is a week before filming which is perfect because as the writer I can make any adjustments based on what did and didn't work on the read through, and get the final copy of the script out to the cast ready before filming. For us, this script read through is really important because it will allow the cast to meet and get to know each other before we start filming. We auditioned via self tapes so it's also a chance for us to meet the actors and break the ice before filming.

In preparation for the script read through, I have created a filming pack for all of the filming days, as follows this includes the filming dates and requirements etc, I want to make them feel as involved in the project as possible and I think this helps:

Research Links:
https://reeldealfilmschool.wordpress.com/2015/03/26/the-script-readthrough/
https://actingcoachscotland.co.uk/blog/tips-script-reading/