Wiki and Frequently Asked Questions

What is a script?
The script of any film is the "story" to be told, in its entirety. In the case of documentary film-making, script-writing usually follows two scripts. The first script is known as the Preshoot Script. The Preshoot Script outlines the locations to shoot, the story to follow, people to interview, etc. It acts as a sort of like map when you set out on the journey of a documentary. The second script is known as the Post-shoot Script. The Post-shoot script is the final version of the script. It is often modified or re-written between the shooting and editing processes of the documentary. The writing of the Post-shoot script can either happen organically after reviewing the footage already gathered, or can follow a rigid storyline despite the outcomes of the footage. Post-shoot scripts will, at times, require that the crew goes back out into the field to shoot more footage to fill in the blanks.
What is a shot list?
A shot list is purely a production tool. Shot lists contain sequential shot numbers, descriptions of what is to be shot, how its to be shot and transitions from one shot to the next. i.e. the production details fo each shot in a sequence or scene. Thorntree FIlms often works with animatics and quick edits to get the flow of the story and a running version of the shotlist.
Do you have an example of your process?
Though the process varies from project to project, we do have an example of timecoded storyboard and animatic, here.
I have an idea for a story. Would you be interested?
We're always looking for new material. If you feel you know of a story that needs to be told, you can fill out our simple online form to get things started.
Do you guys do commercial work?
Thorntree Films have, over the years, done a number of commercial videos for a variety of clients. Let us know what you're looking for and we'd be happy to see how we can help.
How much do you charge?
We often get asked this question... And its a little difficult to not sound oblique when answering. As each project is different and has different requirements and outcomes, it is difficult to give a fixed price. We bear the following in mind when quoting:
  • Final edited length of the project
  • Script-writing and storyboarding fees (a consultative process, calculated at an hourly rate)
  • Locations and travel (calculated per kilometre)
  • Crew and equipment hire (calculated per day)
  • Model, Actor or Interviewer Hire (where applicable)
  • Post-production treatments, effects and animations
  • Final delivery format
A good measure of thumb is around R6000 per edited minute.

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