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The business of film
The business of film

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2.1 Breaking down a scene

The following activity will allow you to break down a scene for yourself.

Described image
Figure _unit5.2.1 Figure 3 A still from Spooks: The Greater Good

Activity _unit5.2.1 Activity 2 Breaking down a scene

Timing: Allow about 10 minutes

Now, imagine you are the line producer. It is your job to take this scene from the movie, Spooks: The Greater Good, and think about it in terms of the various elements it contains.

Download the script here and have a read. For some context, the scene takes place in Moscow. It’s night. Our hero is being chased down by Russian mobsters.

When you've read the script, think about everything that you'd need in order to film the scene. Each element needs to be provided by the corresponding department, for example the props by the props department. Various departments are listed below – use the provided boxes to note which scene elements you'd need their help with.

Table _unit5.2.1
Department Element
Stunt department
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Art department
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Extras agency
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Locations department
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Props department
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Wardrobe department
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Special effects
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Grip department
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Words: 0
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Discussion

Discover how the scene turned out in the video below.

Download this video clip.Video player: Video 5 Scene from
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Video _unit5.2.3 Video 5 Scene from Spooks: the Greater Good
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Here are some suggested elements from the script. This is not an exhaustive list so don’t be surprised if some of the elements you identified do not appear.

Table _unit5.2.2
Department Element
Stunt department Will jumping through the window
Art department Special breakaway glass
Extras agency Diners in the restaurant
Locations department Road closure for car screeching off
Props department Drinks in the bar
Wardrobe department Will’s suit
Special effects Wet down/rain effect on the pavement (or more likely it was just raining)
Grip department Camera mounted on the bonnet of the car