Script Marked for Editing

Once you have produced a script that is ready for filming, you should also produce a marked copy that is ready for editing. By marking on your script the different shot types and techniques you wish to use, then it makes both the filming process and editing process much easier. The crew will know which camera angle to take on each point of filming and the editor will know how to cut the shots together to match the marked script. Here is an example of some marked scripts used for the purpose of editing and filming.

As you can see from the annotated script above, various abbreviations are used to stand for shot types. CU stands for close up, MCU stands for medium close up, LS stands for long shot and OTS stands for over the shoulder shot. The wiggly lines separate the different dialogue, the abbreviations noted to the left and right of the page correspond to the piece of dialogue and character within the wiggly line. Here is another example of a marked script.

In this script marked for editing, you can see how they have noted the amount of shots within the scene. It also has noted more detail on how it should be filmed. The script is marked with directions to zoom into the CU (close up shot) of the front door, it also mentions a note to the editor telling him to crossfade into the next shot. This is a very useful aspect of marked scripts as it can give the editor pointers and directions on how to cut and transition the different shots together.