Script

A script describes what is to be shot. In erotic production, however, it is rarely a classic book with fully written dialogue, but usually a rundown: a list of scenes with place, people involved, a rough action frame and the intended acts.

From dialogue book to scene plan

Depending on the type of production that comes out at different levels of detail. A photo production often works only with a motif list. A more elaborate video production with a frame story can actually contain dialogue, usually kept short and still changeable for the shoot day. The default sits in between: one to three pages that go through scene by scene.

What almost always stands in it: order of the scenes, which people appear in which scene, clothing and setting, the intended acts and their approximate duration. What almost never stands in it: exact shot sizes and camera positions — that is decided by direction on site.

Note that the numbering in the plan means the story order, not the shooting order. Shooting follows location and light build, so often from back to front. What on the sheet stands as scene one can arise in the afternoon.

When you get to see it

You should know the rundown before you sign the contract, or at least the description of what is asked of you. Without that information you can neither assess your fee nor judge whether the content fits your limits.

In practice that often runs in two steps: a content description with the enquiry, the concrete plan a few days before the shoot together with the Call Sheet. If nothing comes, ask in writing. An offer that leaves the content open until the shoot day is not a serious basis for an acceptance.

Some productions only release the plan against a confidentiality declaration. That is usual practice as long as it relates to the content of the production. It must not forbid you to speak about working conditions or to turn to third parties if there is a problem.

Deviations on set

Rundowns change. A scene drops because the light is not standing. Another is added because there is still time. That is normal and no reason to worry — as long as the change stays within what was agreed.

What decides is the limit of that flexibility: a changed rundown does not expand your consent. What does not stand on your Yes-No-Maybe list is not shot even if it suddenly appears in the plan. The list is part of the contract; the rundown is a working document. If they conflict, the list prevails.

If more is spontaneously demanded than was agreed, that is a new agreement — with its own consent and its own payment. Both are settled before the take, not after.

How you work with it

Print the plan or mark it digitally. Strike what you have already refused, and bring the sheet. On the shoot day you then have a document in your hand instead of a memory of a phone call.

If the plan stays vague despite enquiry, that is a reason to cancel. Which rules apply with us for process and arrangements is under safety.