Practical help for your next film
Just to state that the 2 books written by Spencer D Shackleton are not free, they are on this resource page to buy, the resources that can be used in conjunction with the books are free.
They are entitled “Screenwriting for Beginners”, and “Shooting the Script”.
These books are packed with information that isn’t taught in any depth in universities and colleges, these books help plug the gaps in learning, and guide you, the free resources on this page can be used as stand alone documents, or used in conjunction with the teaching and learning module exercises contained in the books.
Explore practical filmmaking books, free working forms and useful software links from Optika Film Studios CIC. These resources help you develop a screenplay, prepare a shoot, record what happens on set and organise your film for its next stage.
Written by Spencer D Shackleton, the guides explain the practical work behind filmmaking. Read at your own pace, try the exercises and adapt the original blank forms to suit your production. No paid membership is needed to use this page.
Books by Spencer D Shackleton
Screenwriting for Beginners
A practical guide from your first idea to a finished screenplay, covering character, story structure, scenes and rewriting through explanations and worked examples.
Buy Screenwriting for Beginners on Amazon. The free resources below on this page can be used in conjunction with the book.
Shooting the Script
Take your screenplay into preparation, filming and the edit. Covers production documents, storyboards, camera choices, shot lists, schedules, budgeting, continuity, sound, media handover and press kits.
Buy Shooting the Script on Amazon. The free resources below on this page can be used in conjunction with the book.
FREE Downloadable forms and worksheets
Free Documents and apps for you to use. We’ve put together the documents and aids to help you with your pre and post production, we’ve researched free resources for you to use such as script writing app’s, and 3rd party sites for other documents you may need.
We are not affiliated with any of these 3rd party websites and we do not earn any commission from any purchases you make from any of the pricing plans for their paid content, we’ve just done the hard miles of finding you some free to use stuff, because we care and want to point you in the right direction of credible sources for you to utilise.
Editable Film Press Kit (DOCX) Below and Printable Film Press Kit (PDF): film details, logline, synopsis, creative statement, biographies, credits and publicity assets.
Coin Scene Storyboard (PDF): a worked nine-shot teaching example set in contemporary Blackpool.
Coin Scene Shooting Script (PDF) Below: a short teaching adaptation for scene breakdown, shot planning and continuity practice.
Editable Production Workbook (XLSX) Below: shot lists, schedules, take logs, camera setups, continuity, media handover, revisions and a read-me guide.
Printable Production Forms (PDF) Below: storyboard panels, shot list, shooting schedule, take log, continuity record, media handover, revision log, camera setup, location recce, mood board notes and call sheet planning.
- Download note: These forms and worksheets are available exclusively from Optika Film Studios while the Text books are available to buy exclusively direct from Amazon, Links provided above.
Free scriptwriting websites and apps
Trelby
A free, open-source screenplay editor with automatic formatting, reports and PDF export.
Story Architect (STARC)
The Free plan includes unlimited projects and documents, screenplay writing, loglines, synopses and import/export.
Explore Story Architect’s free plan
WriterDuet
An online screenplay editor with a free plan limited to three projects, with one document per project.
Visit WriterDuet · Check free-plan limits
StudioBinder
An online writing and production platform. Its free plan includes one screenplay document. Check current limits before relying on other tools.
Explore StudioBinder screenwriting · Check the free plan
More free production templates
StudioBinder’s production documents include budgets, script breakdowns, shot lists and call sheets. Some downloads may ask for an email address. Use third-party templates under the provider’s own terms.
Put the resources to work
Start with a short scene you can realistically film. Prepare the script, choose the essential shots and build a schedule. Use the logs to record what you actually capture, then hand the footage and notes to your editor together.
Keep an untouched copy of every template. Name working files clearly and record dates and versions. Teaching examples do not replace production-specific permissions, agreements or safety planning.
The original blank companion forms may be copied and adapted for your own productions. The books and worked examples remain copyright Spencer D Shackleton. A free download does not transfer ownership.
Share your next step
If you upload your projects to social media, please let us know by tagging Optika Film Studios in your posts, we would love to see your work, and follow your progression. Also, if you are stuck, just drop us an email and we will get back to you as soon as possible with an answer or a point in the right direction. Email us at info@optikafilmstudios.org
Explore our Film Disciplines, register your interest or contact Optika Film Studios CIC.
External tool information checked 2 October 2026.