Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1535542
J U N E 2 0 2 5 I 3 7 DGA members in search of better preparation techniques to assist them during the pre-production process received valuable information when the Director Development Initiative (DDI) hosted the virtual lab, Starting with Story: Breaking Down Scripts and Preparing for Shooting. Held online on April 24, the lab featured Directors Nicholas E. Copus (Bel-Air, Cruel Intentions) and Bethany Rooney (Tracker, Chicago Med) sharing their approaches to prep, offered suggestions on best practices to familiarize yourself with the story and break down a script, and revealed some of the strategies and tools they use to help organize and communicate their ideas to their collaborators. During the session Copus and Rooney utilized visual aids, including diagrams, images, and video clips, to demonstrate their unique approaches to prep and analyzing a script. Rooney remarked that Directors have an agreement with the audience to tell them a story they are going to understand by how it is shown to them. She revealed that she uses a written method to guide her prep process and to map out how she prepares for shooting. In contrast, Copus shared that he primarily uses visual techniques, relying upon visual memory and drawing inspiration from numerous personal and fi lm references. Describing his process, Copus said that when he reads words from the script, everything plays out in pictures. Together, they also discussed the importance of Directors fi nding the approach that works best for them, and highlighted how to maintain confi dence, clear communication, and collaboration throughout the process. Image: Directors Bethany Rooney and Nicholas E. Copus. Starting with Story: Breaking Down Scripts and Preparing for Shooting A Director Development Initiative Virtual Lab See more detailed descriptions, additional photos and video, where available, online at www.dga.org. DGA Events Roundup