2-Part Class: Final Draft to Movie Magic Workflow: Breakdown, Stripboards & Scheduling

Taught by Michael Bishop

$199.00

Taught by

Michael Bishop

Assistant Director

Class Schedule

Session 1: Wednesday, May 27, 2026 at 3pm PT
Session 2: Wednesday, June 03, 2026 at 3pm PT

Summary

Learn from an AD with 100+ credits on some of Hollywood's biggest sets - TRON: Legacy, Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, and more!

Limited spots available - don’t miss out!

Payment plans available at checkout or email edu@stage32.com for more info!

Understanding how to move from screenplay to shooting schedule is one of the most essential and most overlooked skills in professional filmmaking. A script may be creatively ready, but without proper preparation for scheduling, production quickly becomes inefficient, disorganized, and expensive.

In this exclusive Stage 32 hands-on 2-part class, working Assistant Director Michael Bishop walks you through the real-world industry workflow used to transform a screenplay into a professional shooting schedule. Using Final Draft and Movie Magic Scheduling, you'll learn how ADs and production teams clean scripts, perform breakdowns, build stripboards, and create efficient schedules that account for real production logistics. The theories and methodology apply across other scheduling platforms as well.

This lab is taught from a practical AD perspective. Not just software tutorials, but the production logic behind every scheduling decision.

Michael is a seasoned industry professional with over two decades of experience across film and television. With more than 100 credits including TRON: Legacy, Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, and Smallville, he brings a field-tested perspective to every step of the process. He has managed complex shoots, coordinated large crews, and kept projects on track at every level of production.

Across two sessions, you'll move step-by-step through the entire workflow, from preparing your script in Final Draft to building a functional shooting schedule in Movie Magic. You'll learn to clean and export scripts, perform professional breakdowns, build and interpret stripboards, and organize scenes for efficiency. By the end, you won't just understand the tools. You'll understand the strategy behind them, and walk away confident in your ability to turn any script into a schedule that actually works on set!

This interactive Stage 32 class is held on Zoom and goes substantially more in depth than a Stage 32 webinar. Best of all? As soon as you sign up you will be linked on email with your Stage 32 Educator and given a questionnaire to fill out and send back to them. You will have access to your Educator for the duration of your class by email to ask them any questions you have about your craft or career - it’s like having a mentor on demand! And, if you can't make a live session, don't worry! All class recordings will be available 48 hours after each session and you will be able to view them in your Library on your Stage 32 profile. Finally, you can expand your network with like-minded creatives - you'll have a dedicated lounge for interactive support and discussions with your fellow classmates!

Praise for Michael's Education:

"Michael is the real deal. He was so generous with his knowledge and time. I can't wait to take his next webinar!" - Edith R.

"I learned a lot from this webinar, he was incredibly prepared and very practical in his approach. Thank you Michael!" - Sam T.

What You'll Learn

Session 1: Final Draft To Movie Magic Workflow

Preparing Your Script for Scheduling

Understanding the production workflow from script to schedule
What makes a script “schedule-ready”
Locked scripts vs. production drafts
Scene numbering and revision standards

Cleaning & Exporting from Final Draft

Fixing formatting inconsistencies
Ensuring scene heading and character name accuracy
Export best practices for Movie Magic
Why .FDX is the industry standard

Importing Into Movie Magic Scheduling

Step-by-step import walkthrough
Project setup and file versioning
Troubleshooting common import issues
Correcting broken scenes and formatting errors

Intro to the Stripboard

Understanding auto-generated strips
Reading stripboard data
Why stripboards are only the starting point

Q and A with Michael Bishop

Assignment: Import a short script into Movie Magic and identify/correct formatting issues.

Session 2: Breakdowns, Stripboards & Scheduling

Script Breakdown Fundamentals

Tagging production elements in Movie Magic
Tracking cast, props, wardrobe, FX, and locations
Understanding logistical impact during breakdowns

Building the Stripboard

Organizing scenes by location, cast, and day/night
Grouping scenes for efficiency
Understanding company moves

Scheduling Strategy

Building realistic shooting days
Using page count and the 1/8 page system
Accounting for talent, location, and production constraints
Intro to Day-Out-of-Days (DOODs)

Common Scheduling Mistakes to Avoid

Overloading shoot days
Poor scene grouping
Ignoring logistical realities
Underestimating complexity

Final Exercise: Build a 3-day shooting schedule and justify your decisions.

Q and A with Michael Bishop

Who Should Attend

Screenwriters who want to understand how their scripts translate into real-world production
Directors and producers looking to improve efficiency and avoid costly scheduling mistakes
Aspiring and early-career Assistant Directors who want hands-on training in industry-standard workflow
Independent filmmakers preparing to take their projects from script to shoot
Line producers and production managers who want a stronger grasp of breakdowns and scheduling strategy
Film students and emerging creatives seeking practical, real-world production knowledge
Anyone working with Final Draft or Movie Magic Scheduling who wants to use these tools more effectively

Executive

Michael Bishop

Assistant Director at

Michael Bishop is a seasoned professional in the film industry, with a career that spans over two decades. His journey began in 2001 when he graduated from Vancouver Film School, equipped with the skills and passion necessary to thrive in the world of filmmaking. Shortly after completing his education, Michael found himself working alongside Triton Films, where he gained valuable experience as an assistant director for music videos.

With a taste of the industry under his belt, Michael set his sights on becoming a first assistant director in the Directors Guild of Canada. This decision marked the beginning of a new chapter in his career, one that would see him working on a wide range of productions across various genres and formats. From independent films to big-budget blockbusters, Michael's expertise and dedication have left a lasting impact on every project he has been a part of.

One of the defining aspects of Michael's career is his versatility. His IMDb profile is a testament to his ability to adapt to different roles and requirements, showcasing a diverse body of work that highlights his talent and professionalism. Whether it's coordinating complex scenes, managing large crews, or ensuring the smooth running of a production, Michael's skills as a first assistant director have been instrumental in bringing countless projects to life.

Throughout his career, Michael has built a reputation for being a reliable and resourceful professional, capable of tackling any challenge that comes his way. His commitment to his craft and his collaborative spirit have made him a sought-after collaborator among directors, producers, and fellow crew members alike. Michael's dedication to his work is matched only by his passion for storytelling, making him a valuable asset to any production lucky enough to have him on board.

Michael has over 100 film and TV credits including TRON: Legacy, Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, Smallville and many more.

Testimonials