Script rewrites

[loebtmc]

(sorry, I guess too many people were downloading and not buying, it's been a while since I did this but back then, I got an editable copy in the free trial...)

and - well, break a pencil!

[Scott (formerly Digga)]

The "trial" version that I was able to download only let you save a shorter document (something like 7 pages worth). If I could get FD for a more reasonable price I would consider purchasing it myself. (I think it retails for something like 250 dollars, which is more than I am willing to spend myself.) I've had this come up at multiple theatres this year- maybe if it comes up at the same theatre multiple times, we could work something out.

My current playwright is also using Final Draft but my director isn't a fan of it.  He had someone transcribe it into Word for the moment.  But we did look into purchasing it.  Amazon lists it as $129 for the Educational Version (I don't know if there are limitations to it) or $179 for the full.  Still expensive but not nearly as bad as the $250 on Final Draft's website.  I don't work on enough new plays for me to really consider this just yet but I do like Matthew's idea of splitting cost with the theatre and getting to keep the program.

[Maribeth]

Thanks for the info Scott- I might look into that if I have another playwright using FD in the near future (which may well happen as I seem to be doing a lot of new plays these days...)

Thanks Pat!

[MatthewShiner]

BTW . . . Final Draft is a bit of a tricky (and powerful) program.

It's best to play around with a fake script for awhile and learn the tricks.

AND ALWAYS SAVE DAILY VERSIONS.

[Scott (formerly Digga)]

It's been a full week and 3 phone calls on my part but I still haven't gotten a response from my AEA rep yet. 

[MatthewShiner]

About the updating the script.

I have always counted in my work week (but not necessarily in my rehearsal week).

On the LORT contract, we have the following . . .

(J) Production Script.
(1) It is agreed that it is the duty of the Stage Manager to assemble and maintain the production script for the actual technical and artistic operation of the production and that the production script remains the property of the Theatre.
(2) No Stage Manager or Assistant Stage Manager will be required to prepare any additional production script or book for publication or archival purposes or for use in any other production of the play or musical.
(3) In the event the Theatre does request a Stage Manager or Assistant Stage Manager to prepare an additional script or alter the script for any of the above purposes, the Stage Manager or Assistant Stage Manager may agree provided that he is paid no less than $350.00 for each such preparation.

So the argument is . . . is the actor's script the same as the production script.  I worked at a theatre where the script was laid out in a certain way, and the paperwork involved in tracking changes was like desktop publishing, and was pushing me into overtime - we reassigned it to the Artistic Department.  On my current show, since it's pretty basic line changes - it's all with in our work week (and I have a fantastic staff member who is handeling it).

You have to make the decision about what type of SM you are going to be and how much you want to bill for a not (that's a general SM thing).  I don't mind doing it - as long as it doesn't take me away from other things - OR - if it is the MOST important thing in the room.

[Scott (formerly Digga)]

I'm thinking along the same lines as Matthew at this point.  Doing it in the rehearsal right now is the most important thing and there's nothing else we're working right now, other than the script.  If they start asking me to type in the specifics of the blocking for future publications, that'll be a different area altogether though.  We'll see what happens. 

My AEA Rep finally called me on Saturday but I didn't recognize the number so I didn't get a chance to speak with them about it yet and I was out of town all day yesterday.  They did mention the maintaining the production script which I'm fine with.

[NomieRae]

I'm starting work on a  workshop/lab of a new show next week, sizable cast, standard schedule, with two presentations at the end of the two weeks of rehearsals.

It's been understood that the book will undergo major changes this round, however the book writer has to be absent for several days of the process. The general management office inquired asked me (as the ASM) if I would learn Final Draft and do all the script updates throughout the process.

When I heard that I balked... Of course we will track changes and distribute the master list as needed, but to format/paginate/update the book including stage directions seems to me on par with asking me to learn Finale and update orchestrations. I did end up referencing what Matt had listed earlier in this thread:

(J) Production Script.
(1) It is agreed that it is the duty of the Stage Manager to assemble and maintain the production script for the actual technical and artistic operation of the production and that the production script remains the property of the Theatre.
(2) No Stage Manager or Assistant Stage Manager will be required to prepare any additional production script or book for publication or archival purposes or for use in any other production of the play or musical.
(3) In the event the Theatre does request a Stage Manager or Assistant Stage Manager to prepare an additional script or alter the script for any of the above purposes, the Stage Manager or Assistant Stage Manager may agree provided that he is paid no less than $350.00 for each such preparation.

Luckily in this instance they decided to hire a script supervisor who is already versed in Final Draft.

[Michelle R. Wood]

FYI: there's a free online service called WriterDuet (https://writerduet.com/) that allows multiple users to see and make changes to a script. It's meant for screenwriters: you can import a FinalDraft files.

[VSM]

That sounds terrific!
Have you used it yet?

[KMC]

I had a bunch of questions, and the video answered all of them.  This looks like a great piece of software!  Thanks for sharing.