Miscellaneous Questions

[ScriptNurse]

1. Whenever you turn in your script, is there an implicit understanding that it is final and cannot be changed?  Or is it the contrary, i.e. there's an implicit understanding that it can be changed?  Does the director (or whoever else) usually end up deviating from it?  If so, do they need your permission before making any changes?  These are the questions that came to mind on this topic but please feel free to elaborate some more as needed.

Why, silly boy, art DEMANDS that it be changed. You know ... improved, polished and made what you really intended it to be ... usually by a producer with "creative" ideas. If you're lucky, it may actually resemble the original story you wrote.

2. I am leaning towards Sophocles for my formatting software.  I've read somewhere that some producers ask for an electronic copy in the Final Draft file format (.fdr I think).  Is that still true?  (Although, if it is true and the person has paid me for optioning the script, I'd probably just go buy myself FD if/when that request comes to me).  Or do they now usually ask for .txt, .rtf, or .pdf if they want an electronic copy?  Or do they even ask for electronic copies?

Yes, they all of the above. Most people want to hold a script in their hands.

3. Where do you get your 3-hole punched paper?  The Writers Store carries them - $7.99 for 500 sheets.  But I also found some 10-ream cases on Amazon that sell for only $50+ (not sure about the shipping yet though).  My question is, is there a specific type of paper that I MUST use?  Is there a specific brightness level?  Is recycled fine?  Must I invest in a good puncher instead?  I have one that can only punch three sheets at a time.  So, there's no way I can use that.  But I was wondering if there's a puncher that you guys use and recommend.

Since they charge almost double for the pre-drilled holes, buy a good paper punch once and use it for 20 years on cheaper paper.

[mteverest]

Thank you for answering my questions.

#1 makes sense.  In fact, I guess that's what I wanted to hear.  I want the people reading my script to know that it may be changed so they won't just reject it upfront if they don't like it the way it is.

I'm bummed about FD being the preferred format.  I went ahead and installed the demo version.  If I like it, good.  If not, well, I don't know.  I did read about Movie Magic Screenwriter (or something) being the other major player and that format incompatibility issues between the two exist now anyway.  So, I probably shouldn't be too concerned about it.

I will be on the lookout for punchers. Thank you for reminding me about the cover.  I'd forgotten the script needed a cover.  Well, here I am.  I haven't written a single word of my script (it's still all in my head) and I'm worrying about issues like this.

Thanks again,
Ever

[rnbrewer]

I'm not sure if I can answer ALL your questions, but I will try to using the best of my knowledge on the subjects thus far.

1. The understanding is this: Film making is a collaborative process. Sometimes things works better on paper than they do on film. The fact of the matter is, every body, from the director, producer, and even sometimes the actors has their own vision of how the story should play out. Often times, the script YOU write won't necessarily be the script that gets made into a motion picture. When it comes to Hollywood, unless your the guy calling all the shots (i.e. director, producer) than chances are SOMETHING will get changed.
    It's important to realize that the rewriting process doesn't end just because you sold the script. It depends on a great many factors. One of which is whether or not they decide to keep you on as the writer. If this happens, chances are not much will be changed, but again, some things work better on paper than they do on film. So be prepared to make changes when necessary. The nice thing about being hired as the writer on the film is that the changes still, more or less, get to be your own. I'm not sure how often this happens, but I'm sure it does occasionally.

2.   If an electronic copy is requested/allowed most will prefer Final Draft. I've yet to see anyone request PDF--with the exception of a few contests I've entered--I do know there is another widely excepted program. Unfortunately I cannot think of what that program is at this time. I think it my be Screenwriter 2000 or something like that. If all else fails, ask. They probably won't be as willing to go out and buy a program just so they can read your script. Last I heard, electronic submission is still in the process of catching on. Most still prefer the old fashioned snail mail method of submission, usually preceded by a query letter.

3.   I don't actually buy pre-punched paper. I suppose this one is entirely up to you. I use a standard three-hole punch that does in excess of ten pages per punch. I'm sure there's better ones out there and if you find one let me know. I live in South Dakota and business supplies are hard to come by in these small towns. The pre-punched paper is convenient but I would make sure about the size. I think the industry standard is 8x11 and some change. Same goes for the cover, but instead of paper your using card stock (white or cream colored preferably.) Personally I enjoy the thrill of punching my own paper. It's a nice reminder to myself that I've finished the script. It's a strange sort of celebration, I know. But that's what it all boils down to; what works for you?

[mteverest]

Hi, guys.  I didn't want to create a topic for each question but if you'd rather I do that, I'd be happy to.

1. Whenever you turn in your script, is there an implicit understanding that it is final and cannot be changed?  Or is it the contrary, i.e. there's an implicit understanding that it can be changed?  Does the director (or whoever else) usually end up deviating from it?  If so, do they need your permission before making any changes?  These are the questions that came to mind on this topic but please feel free to elaborate some more as needed.

2. I am leaning towards Sophocles for my formatting software.  I've read somewhere that some producers ask for an electronic copy in the Final Draft file format (.fdr I think).  Is that still true?  (Although, if it is true and the person has paid me for optioning the script, I'd probably just go buy myself FD if/when that request comes to me).  Or do they now usually ask for .txt, .rtf, or .pdf if they want an electronic copy?  Or do they even ask for electronic copies?

3. Where do you get your 3-hole punched paper?  The Writers Store carries them - $7.99 for 500 sheets.  But I also found some 10-ream cases on Amazon that sell for only $50+ (not sure about the shipping yet though).  My question is, is there a specific type of paper that I MUST use?  Is there a specific brightness level?  Is recycled fine?  Must I invest in a good puncher instead?  I have one that can only punch three sheets at a time.  So, there's no way I can use that.  But I was wondering if there's a puncher that you guys use and recommend.

Thanks.  I know, each question is actually a group of questions.  Sorry about that.
Ever