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