Analyse a script

Break down a script by analysing the dramaturgy, form, themes and structure of a script. Conduct relevant research if necessary.

review script
look over script
evaluate script
study script
analyse scripts
analysing script

skill/competence

sector-specific

Analyse a script is an essential skill of the following occupations:

Performing arts theatre instructor: Performing arts theatre instructors educate students in specific theory and, primarily, practice-based theatre courses at a specialised theatre, or acting, school or conservatory at a higher education level. They provide theoretical instruction in service of the practical skills and techniques the students must subsequently master in theatre. Performing arts theatre instructors monitor the students’ progress, assist individually when necessary, and evaluate their knowledge and performance of theatre practice through assignments, tests and examinations.
Lighting designer: Lighting designers develop a lighting design concept for a performance and supervise the execution of it. Their work is based on research and artistic vision. Their design is influenced by and influences other designs and must be conform with these designs and the overall artistic vision. Therefore, the designers work closely with artistic directors, operators and the artistic team. During rehearsals and performance they coach the operators to obtain optimal timing and manipulation. Lighting designers develop lighting plots, cue lists and other documentation to support the operators and production crew. Lighting designers sometimes also work as autonomous artists, creating light art outside a performance context.
Puppet designer: Puppet designers design and create puppets and manipulable objects for performers. Their work is based on research and artistic vision. Their design is influenced by and influences other designs and must be conform with these designs and the overall artistic vision. Therefore, the designers work closely with artistic directors, operators and the artistic team. Puppet designers make puppets and manipulable objects out of a variety of materials, and may build robotic elements into them. Puppet designers sometimes also work as autonomous artists, creating outside a performance context.
 
Video and motion picture director: Video and motion picture directors are responsible for the overall production of a movie or television program. They edit and translate the script into audiovisual images. Video and motion picture directors supervise and manage the film crew. They convey their creative vision on the actors, audio and video equipment operators, lighting technicians, etc and direct them. Video and motion picture directors also supervise the editing of the footage.
Stage manager: Stage managers coordinate and supervise the preparation and execution of the show to ensure the scenic image and the actions on stage comply with the artistic vision of the director and the artistic team.
Identify needs, monitor the technical and artistic processes during rehearsals and performances of live shows and events, according to the artistic project, the characteristics of the stage and technical, economic, human and security terms.

 
Stand-in: Stand-ins replace actors before the filming starts. They perform the actions of the actors during the lighting and audiovisual setup, so everything is in the right place during the actual shooting with the actors.
Lighting director: Lighting directors determine what lights are needed during production, according to the video and motion picture director’s creative vision. They use the script to design the lighting requirements for each shot. Lighting directors oversee the lighting setup and operation.
Costume attendant: Costume attendant help dress actors and extras. They make sure everything is as the costume designer envisioned and ensure the continuity of appearance of the performers. Costume attendants maintain and repair these costumes. They store them correctly and safely after shooting.
Sound editor: Sound editors create the soundtrack and sound effects for motion pictures, television series or other multimedia productions. They are responsible for all the music and sound featured in the movie, series or videogames. Sound editors use equipment to edit and mix image and sound recordings and make sure that the music, sound and dialogue is synchronised with and fits in the scene. They work closely together with the video and motion picture editor.
Stop-motion animator: Stop-motion animators create animations by using puppets or clay models.
Animator: Animators use software to create animations, these are rapidly sequenced together images to create an illusion of movement.
Make-up artist: Make-up artists assist and support artists before, during and after the performance and filming of movies or television programs to ensure the make-up is in line with the artistic vision of the director and the artistic team. They create images and characters through make-up and prosthetics. They maintain, check and repair prosthetics and assist with quick changes.
 

Boom operator: Boom operators set up and operate the boom microphone, either by hand, on an arm or on a moving platform. They make sure that every microphone is correctly stationed on set and in the best position to capture the dialogues. Boom operators are also responsible for the microphones on the actors clothing.
Production designer: Production designers are responsible for the complete look (style, colouring and locations) of television programmes, series, motion pictures and commercials. They create the visual concept for the entire production such as set design, lighting, costumes and camera angles. Production designers work together with the director, designers and oversee the art department. They also create sketches, drawings, do colouring and location research and advise props and stage settings to the director.
Producer: Producers are responsible for managing the production of music, motion pictures or series. They plan and coordinate all aspects of the production such as the direction, publication and financing. Producers oversee the production and manage all technical and logistic aspects of recording and editing.
Make-up and hair designer: Make-up and hair designers develop a design concept for make-up and hair of performers and supervise the execution of it. Their work is based on research and artistic vision. Their design is influenced by and influences other designs and must be conform with these designs and the overall artistic vision. Therefore, the designers work closely with artistic directors, operators and the artistic team. Make-up and hair designers develop sketches, design drawings or other documentation to support the workshop and performance crew. Make-up designers sometimes also work as autonomous artists, creating make-up art outside a performance context.
 
Director of photography: Directors of photography are responsible for the visual interpretation of the script and all photography components of the film, including framing, colouring, lightning, style and locations. They create the visual look of the film or television programme and select the filming equipment, including the lens and filters. Directors of photography manage the visual equipment operators and lighting technicians. They work together with the video and motion picture director to achieve the desired effect.
Camera operator: Camera operators setup and operate digital film cameras to shoot domestic motion pictures or television programs. They work together with the video and motion picture director, the director of photography, or the private client. Camera operators give advice on how to shoot scenes to actors, the video and motion picture director and other camera operators.
Sound designer: Sound designers develop a sound design concept for a performance and supervise the execution of it. Their work is based on research and artistic vision. Their design is influenced by and influences other designs and must be conform with these designs and the overall artistic vision. Therefore, the designers work closely with artistic directors, operators and the artistic team. Sound designers prepare audio fragments to be used in a performance, which can involve recording, composing, manipulating and editing. During rehearsals and performance they coach the operators to obtain optimal timing and manipulation. Sound  designers develop plans, cue lists and other documentation to support the operators and production crew. Sound designers sometimes also work as autonomous artists, creating sound art outside a performance context.
Hair stylist: Hair stylists wash, dry, cut and style the hair of singers and presenters and various types of actors, including stage, movie, tv and music video actors. They work together with the art director to design the look of every person. Hair stylists also dress wigs and hairpieces. They standby during these artistic activities to touch up the actors’ hair or wigs.
Set designer: Set designers develop a set concept for a performance and supervise the execution of it. Their work is based on research and artistic vision. Their design is influenced by and influences other designs and must be conform with these designs and the overall artistic vision. Therefore, the designers work closely with artistic directors, operators and the artistic team. During rehearsals and performance they coach the operators to obtain optimal timing and manipulation. Set designers develop sketches, design drawings, models, plans or other documentation to support the workshop and performance crew. They may also design exhibition stands for fairs and other events. 
Location manager: Location managers are responsible for procuring locations for filming outside of the studio and all the logistics this includes. They negotiate site use, and manage and maintain the site during shooting. Location managers manage the safety and security of the film crew on site.
Stage director: Stage directors oversee and orchestrate the mounting of a performance production by unifying various endeavours and aspects of a theatrical production. They ensure the quality and completeness of the theatrical production and lead the members of the creative team into realising their artistic vision for it. 
Animation layout artist: Animation layout artists work with the cameramen and director to coordinate and create optimal 3D animation shots. They translate 2D storyboards into 3D animated shots and are responsible for camera angles, frames and lighting of animation scenes. Animation layout artists decide which action takes place in which animation scene.
Script supervisor: Script supervisors are responsible for the continuity of the movie or television program. They watch every shot to make sure that it’s according to the script. Script supervisors ensure that during editing the story makes visual and verbal sense and does not contain any continuity errors.
Set buyer: Set buyers analyse the script in order to identify the set dressing and the props needed for all individual scenes. They also consult with the production designer and the prop and set making team. Set buyers buy, rent or commission the making of the props. Set buyers make sure sets are authentic and believable.
Pyrotechnic designer: Pyrotechnic designers develop a pyrotechnical design concept for a performance and supervise the execution of it. Their work is based on research and artistic vision. Their design is influenced by and influences other designs and must be conform with these designs and the overall artistic vision. Therefore, the pyrotechnic designers work closely with artistic directors, operators and the artistic team. During rehearsals and performance they coach the operators to obtain optimal timing and manipulation. Pyrotechnic designers develop plans, cue lists and other documentation to support the operators and production crew. Pyrotechnic designers sometimes also work as autonomous artists, creating pyrotechnical art outside a performance context.
Video and motion picture editor: Video and motion picture editors are responsible for the assembly and cutting of raw footage into a logically and aesthetically either for movies, television series, or domestic purposes. They reorganize scenes that have been shot and decide which special effects are needed. Video and motion picture editors work closely together with sound editors and music directors.
Storyboard artist: Storyboard artists draw out the scenes of a motion picture or television series according to the script in order to see what will be possible during production. They work together with the producer and video and motion picture director.
Special effects artist: Special effects artists create illusions for movies, videos and computer games. They use computer software.
Video designer: Video designers develop a projected image design concept for a performance and supervise the execution of it. Their work is based on research and artistic vision. Their design is influenced by and influences other designs and must be conform with these designs and the overall artistic vision. Therefore, the designers work closely with artistic directors, operators and the artistic team. Video designers prepare media fragments to be used in a performance, which can involve recording, composing, manipulating and editing. During rehearsals and performance they coach the operators to obtain optimal timing and manipulation. Video  designers develop plans, mapping, cue lists and other documentation to support the operators and production crew. Video designers sometimes also work as autonomous artists, creating video art outside a performance context.
Art director: Art directors shape the visual layout of a concept. They create innovative designs, develop artistic projects  and manage the cooperation between all aspects involved. Art directors may perform creative work in theatre, marketing, advertising, video and motion picture, fashion or online companies. They ensure that the work performed is visually appealing to audiences.
Drama teacher: Drama teachers instruct students in a recreational context in the various theatrical genres and dramatic expression forms, such as comedy, tragedy, prose, poetry, improvisation, monologues, dialogues etc. They provide students with a notion of theatre history and repertoire, but mainly focus on a practice-based approach in their courses, in which they assist students in experimenting with and mastering different dramatic expression styles and techniques and encourage them to develop their own style. They cast, direct and produce plays and other performances, and coordinate the technical production and the set, props and costume usage on stage.
Costume designer: Costume designers develop a costume design concept for a performance, a movie or a television program. They supervise the execution of it. Their work is based on research and artistic vision. Their design is influenced by and influences other designs and must be conform with these designs and the overall artistic vision. Therefore, the designers work closely with artistic directors, operators and the artistic team. Costume designers develop sketches, design drawings, patterns or other documentation to support the workshop and performance crew.
 
Voice-over artist: Voice-over artists perform the dialogues of animated television or movie characters. They empathise with their characters and make them come alive with their voice.
Drama teacher secondary school: Drama teachers at secondary schools provide education to students, commonly children and young adults, in a secondary school setting. They are usually subject teachers, specialised and instructing in their own field of study, drama. They prepare lesson plans and materials, monitor the students’ progress, assist individually when necessary, and evaluate the students’ knowledge and performance on the subject of drama through assignments, tests and examinations.

Analyse a script is optional for these occupations. This means knowing this skill may be an asset for career advancement if you are in one of these occupations.

Dance répétiteur: Dance répétiteurs assist conductors and choreographers in directing rehearsals and guiding the artists in the rehearsal process. Regardless of their nature and scope, a répétiteur’s actions are, from an ethical and practical standpoint, based on a commitment to respect the integrity of the work.
Animation director: Animation directors supervise and recruit multimedia artists. They are responsible for the quality of the animation, that the production is delivered on time and within budget.
Secondary school teacher: Secondary school teachers provide education to students, commonly children and young adults, in a secondary school setting. They are usually specialist subject teachers, who instruct in their own field of study. They prepare lesson plans and materials, monitor the students’ progress, assist individually when necessary and evaluate their knowledge and performance through assignments, tests and examinations.
Miniature set designer: Miniature set designers design and build miniature props and sets of motion pictures. They build models used for visual effects that meet the look and requirements of the production Miniature set designers cut material using hand tools to construct three-dimensional props and sets.
Prompter: Prompters prompt or cue performers when they forget their lines or neglect to move to the right position on the stage.
Flying director: Flying directors design people flying effects for a performance and supervise or perform the execution of it. Their work is based on research and artistic vision. Their design is influenced by and influences other designs and must be conform with these designs and the overall artistic vision. They train the actors for the flying choreography and manipulate them during the performance. Therefore, the flying directors work closely with artistic directors, operators, performers and the artistic team. Flying directors prepare and supervise the setup, perform security checks and operate the person fly systems. They are trained to react appropriately to emergencies that may occur in connection to performance flying. Their work is based on plans, instructions and calculations. The manipulation of persons on height, close to or above performers and audience makes this a high risk occupation.
Répétiteur: Répétiteurs accompany performers, usually singers, following the instructions of musical conductors in directing rehearsals and guiding the artists in the rehearsal process.
Extra: Extras perform actions in the background or in crowds during filming. They do not contribute to the plot directly but they are important to create a certain atmosphere.

References

1. Analyse a script – ESCO