Standard Operating Procedure for Creating a Film Promo
Objective
This SOP outlines the steps to create a compelling film promo, ensuring clarity in the creative process and effective communication among team members.
Key Steps
1. Understanding the Treatment Define the vision for the story based on its genre and characters. Create a treatment deck that visualizes the world and characters. Use color schemes to reflect character emotions and relationships.
2. Pre-visualization of Key Scenes Pre-visualize important scenes to establish mood and tone. Use visuals to communicate the story's essence to the team.
3. Inside Out vs. Outside In Approach Decide whether to start with an establishing shot (Outside In) or dive directly into a specific moment (Inside Out). Use the chosen approach to create emotional impact and audience engagement.
4. Framing and Blocking Consider the three-dimensional space when positioning characters and camera. Use camera angles to convey emotions and relationships between characters.
Identify beats, conflicts, props, characters, and motivations in each scene. Look for subtext and unsaid elements to enhance storytelling.
Match the visual rhythm with the scene's mood (fast-paced for action, slow for introspection). Pre-visualize the edit to ensure the rhythm aligns with the emotional tone.
Choose color suffixes that complement the story's emotional tone. Ensure uniformity in visuals to maintain a cohesive look throughout the promo. Cautionary Notes
Ensure all team members are aligned on the treatment and visual direction before production begins. Avoid using styles that do not complement the story; every choice should enhance the narrative. Tips for Efficiency
Create a library of visual references and suffixes for quick access during production. Regularly review and revise the treatment deck based on team feedback to ensure clarity and alignment. Link to Loom