From script to shots

How can you use AI to turn a short script into shots that are feasible to film, coherent and verifiable?

1250 € per session, excl. VAT

In short

This half-day session of 3 hours enables participants to turn a short script into a shot breakdown table that can be used during filming. Participants use AI to propose shots, then make decisions on framing, continuity, durations and constraints. They leave with a checked document, accompanied by the points to be approved before filming.

Why this training?

A script describes an action, but does not always specify how to film it. Without a shot breakdown, missing detail shots, changes of axis and unrealistic durations can undermine the edit and increase the number of decisions needed on set. AI can suggest visual coverage, but its proposals must be checked against the location, resources and narrative intention. The challenge is to retain control of directorial decisions while documenting each shot in sufficient detail for the crew. Running case study: The fictitious organisation « Avelune Cycles » is preparing a 60-second video showing the handover of a repaired bicycle. The script includes a welcome, a demonstration of the brakes and a departure. The shoot has one location, two adult performers and one camera available, with no exterior filming. Application at work: Reuse the table and checklist for a forthcoming anonymised script. Have the person responsible for filming review the shot breakdown, then record the shots changed because of technical infeasibility, insufficient coverage or excessive duration.

Objectives of this training

  • Extract the essential actions and information from a script
  • Formulate an AI prompt incorporating intention, duration and filming constraints
  • Describe each shot with framing, action, sound and estimated duration
  • Check continuity and the coverage required for editing
  • Revise the shot breakdown using a feasibility checklist

Who is it for and what are the prerequisites?

Roles and tasks concerned

  • Communications officers producing short videos
  • Videographers and assistant directors preparing small-scale shoots

Prior skills

  • Have previously used a generative AI assistant for a simple task.
  • Distinguish between the main shot sizes and know the stages of a short shoot.

What you will work on

  1. Read the script in terms of visual intentions

    Objective: Identify what the viewer needs to see and understand. Dramatic actions, essential information, directorial intention; distinction between a technical shot breakdown, a storyboard and the shooting order.

  2. Obtain an initial structured proposal

    Objective: Build visual coverage without delegating directorial choices. Prompt specifying the script, location, resources, target duration and expected columns; identification of assumptions invented by AI.

  3. Resolve continuity, sound and timing

    Objective: Make each shot usable for filming and editing. Shot sizes, the 180-degree axis, eyelines, continuity of gestures, frame entrances and exits; location sound, ambient sound and transitions.

  4. Check and prepare for approval

    Objective: Assess the completeness of the shot breakdown and identify reservations. Peer review; rights to the script, music and reference material; consent to the use of image and voice; required notices depending on distribution; risks of deepfakes.

What you take away

  • Intention and filming constraints sheet
  • Reusable AI prompt for proposing visual coverage
  • Numbered, revised shot breakdown table with timings
  • Checklist with reservations and required approvals

Method and assessment

  • Short teaching inputs followed by immediate practice on the running case study.
  • Individual work followed by work in pairs, with peer review of the outputs.
  • Guided group discussion: what works, what needs correcting and what remains a human decision.
  • Preparation: Arrange access to a tool authorised by your organisation and an editable table format. You may bring an anonymised script; the supplied fictitious case study remains the shared basis for the exercises.

Observable criteria: Each essential action in the script is covered by at least one identified shot. ; Each row specifies framing, angle, any movement, action, sound and duration. ; The total duration matches the planned 60 seconds, including transitions. ; Eyeline, movement and axis continuity are made explicit or corrected. ; Technical constraints and rights issues requiring approval are flagged..

Frequently asked questions

Do images need to be generated during the training?

No. The table is sufficient; simple sketches can clarify ambiguous framing.

Does AI decide on camera movements?

AI makes suggestions; the participant checks their narrative value and practical feasibility.

Can you use a confidential script?

The exercises use only fictitious or anonymised cases, in a tool authorised by your organisation.

Does the shot breakdown replace the shooting schedule?

No. It describes the narrative order of the shots; grouping them for logistical purposes is part of the shooting schedule.

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