Does this sound familiar?

You booked a job, looked over the script and budget and everything seemed straightforward. But as your Dept Heads joined the party, you learned from each of them about hidden challenges such as...

  • A major permitting, compliance, or safety issue.

  • A significant misalignment between the creative and the budget that was caught too late.

  • A single line in the script turns out to be logistically complex and a major time suck on set. A/K/A The Chariot Race. If you don't know that term, you will find out all about it!

  • Agency or Client turned a simple scene into a complicated ordeal.

  • The Director has a much grander idea for an aspect of the script that you didn't anticipate..

Making Shit is Hard!

But imagine gaining control of your productions by spotting and addressing potential issues with your team before they become costly mistakes.

We are Lawrence Lewis and Sister Christian, seasoned producers with 20+ years of experience, as we're here to unravel the complexities of production and help you Produce like a PRO without the painful learning curve. 🚀

Okay, yes, that's a FAKE plane set, but we have REAL skills to share that could help you avoid the pitfalls of production disorder.

In this course, you'll learn to uncover hidden landmines in a script, navigate them with ease, and address major issues with your Department Heads, Director, Executive Producer, Advertising Agency, and/or Client.

As younger producers, we had no mentors and were forced to learn only by trial & error (a/k/a fall-on-our-face-failures). Our mission today is to share information, knowledge, and insights so the next generation of producers aren’t constantly reinventing the wheel. Let's do this! 🎬
Lawrence & Sister Christian on a fake plane set.

Word on the Street

What people are saying about Sister Christian & Lawrence Lewis

Fire. And the Good Kind of Fire!

"I loved "The Art of Script Breakdowns" course and listening to the thoughts and perspectives of Lawrence and Sister Christian. Can't wait for the next one."

Heck, Yeah!

"It’s always fascinating to hear how others approach the countless scenarios we find ourselves in from job to job as it’s all so very subjective. Can’t wait to hear the rest of the season!"

Informative & Helpful

"Lawrence and Christian do a great job bringing timely and useful information to Film Production Industry Professionals. They provide a humorous and engaging show that offers actionable information for producers and other freelance positions."
  • Access to Instructors

    Connect directly with Lawrence Lewis and Sister Christian! Have burning questions or seeking personalized advice on script breakdowns? We're here for you.

  • PDF Downloads

    Enhance your learning experience with downloadable resources that reinforce your understanding of script breakdowns and production processes.

  • Lifetime Access

    Enjoy unlimited access to the course materials, including any future updates or additions, so you can continue to improve your script breakdown skills at your own pace, for life.

Get Instant and Unlimited Access to Career-Long Learning

Enroll now so you can take your productions from Chaos to Control.

Course Details

Get a peak inside:

    1. Welcome!

      FREE PREVIEW
    2. Onboarding Questionnaire

    3. Commercial Script

    4. Director's Treatment

    5. Course Overview

    1. What You Should Be Looking for (The Chariot Race!)

    2. Bid Specs

    3. Bid Letter

    4. QUIZ: Identifying Potential Issues Early

    5. Understanding the Convergence of the 3 Pillars of Producing

    6. Understanding Your Director's Priorities

    7. Understanding Your Agency/Client's Priorities

    8. FREE AUDIO BONUS: 7 Startup Questions You Need to Ask Your Agency/Client NOW!

    9. Aligning Creative with Bid Specs & Bid Letter

    1. Introduction

    2. QUIZ: Identifying Special Requirements or Considerations

    3. Producers' Happy Hour Breakdown Form

    4. Talent Count (OCPs, Stand-Ins, Stunts, Doubles & Extras)

    5. Equipment Needs

    6. Evaluating Locations & Permitting

    7. Untangling Art Department & Wardrobe Styling

    8. Specialty Categories: Celebrities, Minors, Product/Pack Shots, SFX, Cars, Drone, Food, Animals, and Voice Over

    1. Introduction

    2. Sunset/Sunrise Chart

    3. QUIZ: What Time/Scheduling Red Flags Do You See?

    4. Understanding Script Story Time & How It Impacts Your Schedule

    5. Estimating Hours Per Scene

    6. Examining Company Moves

    7. The Realities of Overtime

    8. The Compounding Effects of Scene Elements

    1. Introduction

    2. Budget

    3. Production Calendar

    4. QUIZ: Where Does the Money Need to Go?

    5. Time is Money

    6. Filming Days in Budget vs. # of Scenes

    7. Identifying Unbudgeted 6th & 7th Days

    8. Budgeted Overtime vs. Project Realities

    1. Onboarding Your 1st AD

    2. Collaborating with Department Heads Using Your Breakdown

    3. Negotiating Pitfalls With Your Director

    4. Discussing Budget Shortfalls with Your Exec Producer

    5. Setting Expectations & Boundaries with Agency/Client

    6. Thank You!

    7. Exit Interview

More About This Course:

  • $97.00
  • 45 lessons
  • 2 hours of video content
  • Enroll Now for Instant Access
  • Includes PDF Downloads, Access to Instructors, and Lifetime Access

Sister & Lawrence's Recent Companies & Brands

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FAQ

Got more Questions? We got Answers!

  • When does the course start?

    The course is now live and you get instant access to all the lessons and course materials once you complete the purchase. The course is self-guided, so you can learn at your own pace.

  • Who is this course for?

    This course is for anyone who wants to become a skilled and organized producer in the film industry with a focus on commercials, short-form, and branded content. It's perfect for Producers, Bidders, Assistant Directors, Production Managers, Coordinators, and Production Assistants who want to learn a detailed, nuanced approach to script breakdowns, as well as experienced Producers who believe in life-long learning, want to enhance their skills, and take their production game to the next level.

  • Who is this course not for?

    This course is not for those who are not willing to put in the time and effort to learn and apply the skills taught in the course. Additionally, if you are not open to learning a new perspective on script breakdowns and production management, this course may not be for you.

  • Why do I need this course?

    By properly breaking down a script, you can uncover all the tasks and issues at hand, and develop a comprehensive plan to guide the project through completion in an organized manner. Without this skill, the chaotic nature of film production can quickly take over, resulting in costly mistakes, delays, and frustration.

  • I have years of experience. How could this course possibly help me?

    As a producer with years of experience, you already have a wealth of knowledge and skills. However, the film industry is constantly evolving, and new approaches to producing are emerging all the time. Taking this course will expose you to new perspectives and techniques on script breakdowns and production management that you may not have considered before. Additionally, by taking the course, you will have the opportunity to connect and network with other producers who are also taking the course, which can be invaluable in this industry where we often work in isolation. Remember, even as experienced producers, we should always be open to learning and growing in our craft.

  • What specific skills will I learn in this course?

    You'll learn how to identify and mitigate any misalignment between the budget, the timeline, and the creative. You'll also learn how to negotiate production realities between your Director, Executive Producer, Advertising Agency, and Client. These are essential skills for any producer, whether you're just starting out or have years of experience in the industry.

  • How will this course help me manage production chaos?

    Production is inherently unpredictable, and curveballs are bound to happen. However, with the skills you will learn in this course, you will be able to spot potential problems early on, which will allow you to address concerns and be able to avoid costly mistakes, and save valuable time and resources. By understanding how each element in the script impacts the overall project, you will be better equipped to manage production chaos and stay ahead of the curve.

  • What are some examples of the landmines and issues that can be uncovered through script breakdowns?

    Some examples of landmines and issues that can be uncovered through script breakdowns include hidden story elements, complicated sets or effects, compliance & safety issues, difficult locations, and scheduling conflicts. Our course will teach you how to identify and mitigate these issues before they become major problems.

  • What makes your approach to script breakdowns unique?

    Our unique approach to script breakdowns is grounded in over 20+ years of experience in the industry on a variety of project types. We've developed a comprehensive system that focuses on efficiency, accuracy, and clarity, ensuring that you'll be able to handle any script challenges that may come your way.

Join Our Community

Get instant access to support and advice from fellow film industry professionals.

Who the F*&k Do We Think We Are?

Executive Producer Sister Christian Kendrick

Sister Christian is a freelance short form producer based in NYC and LA with over 20 years of experience. She has produced commercials, music videos, promos, and branded content for hundreds of clients and has created content for all the major streaming services. Sister Christian is known for her ability to bring creative visions to life and her meticulous attention to detail. Her work has garnered critical acclaim and has helped to shape the landscape of modern media.

Commercial & Experiential Producer Lawrence Lewis

With over two decades of film production experience, I bring a unique blend of creativity, problem-solving skills, and a passion for storytelling to the table. I have produced numerous projects for top companies and have honed my craft in National Broadcast Commercials, Immersive Theater, and Branded Experiential Events. My true calling lies in engaging audiences with captivating stories that leave a lasting impact. That's why I've also built a successful career as a Voice Over artist, lending my voice to Commercials, Corporate Videos, and eLearning modules. In addition to my love for the industry, I am dedicated to the open exchange of ideas and information. I strive to create a supportive community for film professionals through my Producers' Happy Hour Podcast.

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