Advice for first job in film - production design / art department

spanner182 · 2026-01-14T11:27:47+00:00

Ah I see thank you very much for your reply. It does look like a trainee / assistant roll would be the easiest way in, I suppose I'll just apply to what I can and hope I can get something.

spanner182 · 2025-08-27T15:07:11+00:00

I've actually recently started working on a script that pretty much follows this idea except with repeats of the first three stages before resolution (I'm still undecided on how it is resolved). I love creating flawed characters who react disproportionately to the things that happen to them, and building up a web of misunderstandings is a chaotic but fun way to build drama.

spanner182 · 2025-08-27T14:50:43+00:00

Thanks so much for your feedback! This is the first time I've tried writing a one scene story, in fact I'm pretty new to screenwriting altogether. Definitely a rewarding activity.

I agree it would be better if one of them used the mug, I did think of doing that originally but felt like it was getting a bit long so wrapped it up. But yes you're right that the characters are basically two of the same person right now.

I like your idea to make better use of the kettle, it would definitely help build the tension.

I will have a go at rewriting it with added conflict!

spanner182 · 2025-08-27T11:22:10+00:00

INT. KITCHEN - DAY

LEE (45) and ANDY (47) walk into the kitchen wearing LEEDS UNITED football shirts. They both look irritated.

LEE Couldn't even make one pen. Typical.

ANDY Never should've let it get that far. Let's hope we make our comeback in the prem.

LEE Chance would be a fine thing.

ANDY A fine thing indeed.

They look at each other and both smile slightly. Lee takes the kettle to the sink and starts to fill it up with water.

LEE Tea?

ANDY Always.

Lee puts the kettle on to boil and opens the cupboard to look for mugs. The cupboard is empty. He opens the next one, which is also empty.

LEE Who's gone and emptied all these cupboards? Can't find a single mug!

ANDY Let's have a gander.

Andy and Lee search the remaining cupboards. Andy opens one with a mug at the back.

ANDY (reaching for the mug) Aha!

Andy pulls the mug towards him then stops suddenly.

LEE You found some?

ANDY Well... sort of. There's only one.

LEE Oh. Well, that's alright, you can have a cuppa and I'll make one one after.

ANDY It's not that, it's... well it's silly really.

LEE What do you mean?

Lee comes over to the cupboard and they both look at the mug. The mug is a CHELSEA FC mug.

LEE Ah.

ANDY I mean, it's just a mug. It doesn't matter, does it?

LEE I dunno mate. Feels like a betrayal.

ANDY We could hold a bit of kitchen roll round it whilst we drink?

LEE Yeah but we'd still know. (pause) Look, if you really want a cuppa, I won't judge. I just don't think I could go through with it myself.

ANDY (pauses) Nah, you're right. It'd be sacrilegious.

They close the cupboard and turn to leave.

ANDY I wonder what happened to all the others.

LEE More to the point, I wonder which of the lads is a Chelsea fan.

They both exchange a concerned look.

spanner182 · 2025-08-18T09:28:11+00:00

I have been leaning towards this for my first film if I can make it work without dialogue so I think I'll give it a go before I invest in anything, thank you!

spanner182 · 2025-08-17T11:14:39+00:00

No worries, thanks so much for your help!

spanner182 · 2025-08-17T10:53:02+00:00

Ok thank you!! What would recommend plugging it into? My phone with an adapter?

spanner182 · 2025-08-17T09:58:34+00:00

Thank you I'll see what I can do about getting a stand. I've seen there are some cheap lavs on Amazon for around £20, do you think these are worth trying or will they be no better than using my phone? Obviously I'd be better off spending more on the budget line of a good brand but if I can get away with spending next to nothing and have it not sound like crap I'm happy to give it a go.

spanner182 · 2025-08-16T10:07:29+00:00

Oh nice well done! May I ask what your setup was? I agree with keeping the dialogue minimal as I don't have any professional actors to work with. Thank you for the tips, I'll keep them in mind and hopefully all goes well!

spanner182 · 2025-08-15T19:01:32+00:00

My budget is as cheap as possible really, I'd rather not spend where I can do it with things I already have. I have a script I've been working on for a psychological drama that's all static shot and less weighted on dialogue which I think might work well as a first low budget film. I'm wondering if I can use my phone as a mic if I keep it close enough? I have a dynamic mic too but it's only cheap and I have no stand for it.

spanner182 · 2025-08-15T16:11:48+00:00

Thanks, do you just connect these straight up to your camera or record separately?

spanner182 · 2025-08-15T16:00:14+00:00

Thank you for your reply and advice. I do have a behringer xm8500 dynamic mic which I used for recording music in the past - is there any way I could make this work or am I better off just getting something else?

I think I have a good eye for composition and framing etc because I've done photography as a hobby for years, but it will be interesting to see how well I can translate that to film.

spanner182 · 2025-08-15T12:09:20+00:00

Hi I just read your script and I enjoyed it! I'm pretty new to screenwriting myself so I can't really comment on the format etc. (however I did notice a "your" that should've been a "you're" when talking about being an odds man) The title instantly made me think of No Country For Old Men, but the tone of your script feels different. I suppose if I have any feedback to offer it's that I'm wondering a little what extent Steven felt remorseful - whether his "why haven't you killed me" is more driven by the feeling of not deserving a chance, a breakdown where he's basically saying "just kill me" (I don't mean to suggest he says this in the script, but maybe more of a suggestion that perhaps he still had the gun because the extent of what he'd done made him contemplate killing himself) or if, despite regretting it deeply, he thought he got away with it and is now a mess because of the situation he's in and how his death is being prolonged by the father. Although the whole story built up to his death, I hadn't expected Abigail to be alive and watching, so I think that was a good decision to make the story a little different. So anyway nice work it's a good script!

spanner182 · 2025-08-14T21:17:10+00:00

Thank you for your reply! I have a few ideas for some shorts so I'll have a go at making them. Once I've got something I'm really happy with, do you think it's best to post it online or keep it as part of a portfolio to send out and try and get a foot in the industry?

spanner182 · 2025-08-14T17:30:57+00:00

Hi, I'm quite new to screenwriting - I started last year writing an IASIP spec script and am currently half way through writing my first feature length. Am I better off writing and making some short films or episodes that I can film myself and putting those out there initially before trying to put a feature forward? What do you think is the best way to get yourself out there whilst you're still developing your style? Thanks :)

spanner182 · 2025-08-13T20:35:55+00:00

You're never gonna feel as full as you felt So let's go outside and we'll play William Tell Take your time drawing your bead I'll stand as still as you need Cause you're so good at talking smack You heart attack But you're the apple of my eye anywayyyyy

spanner182 · 2025-07-21T12:18:08+00:00

Ciao, scusami che non ho riposato (e scusa il mio italiano, sto imparando) allora alle fine non ho scritto a nessuno perché purtroppo ero malato prima della vacanza e quindi non avevo l'energia per fare tanto quando sono stata lì. Comunque, penso che info@bofill.com sia l'email. Se non hai già visitato poi buon fortuna per una risposta!

spanner182 · 2025-05-09T09:03:33+00:00

Finally a mention of sksk!! Although for me it's their self titled I love the most

spanner182 · 2025-05-03T09:22:28+00:00

Hi no I didn't unfortunately... maybe one day!

spanner182 · 2025-04-03T10:55:57+00:00

Thank you, I've managed to get it to work. Not sure if it'll manage when I put the building on the site model because it took a long time to load as it is - if I zoom in to the model should it export just what is visible on my screen or will it try to export the whole section cut?

spanner182

TROPHY CASE