While I wait for Final Draft

[globalsearch]

A simple question - I suppose Final Draft saves the scripts in its own format and you can export it. (I am waiting for my order to be filled/delivered)

Does this mean that when certain studios accept scripts in Final Draft format - they expect it to be sent to them in that format - so they could have their own writers (in the future) could make changes - or are the submissions primarily in printed form - or if electronic - simple text (.txt) format?

[araujofh]

Well, I guess you can send them in final draft's own format, pdf, or rtf, I think

I am not very sure about it, but I presume so, because PDF is pretty much acceptable everywhere.

All the best

Fidel.

[TylerGred]

I'm sure studios accept both final draft and movie magic formats. I know you can save as a final draft file in movie magic, but I don't know if it's vise versa. Although I assume it is. To me PDF files get annoying after a while. I don't know why, but it does. I'd rather read a script in Movie Magic or Final Draft, but whatever floats your boat.

[J.R. Hudson]

Most studios require you to HARD COPY (Mail) the finished script dont they? I suppose if you know someone and have the email.

[Josh_Boelter]

I'm not sure about studios, but I think a lot of literary agents are more open to accepting electronic submissions these days. Best to check it out beforehand and ask how they'd like to receive the document.

They likely won't accept a stack of handwritten cocktail napkins. At least I know that much.

[TylerGred]

Well everyone is correct, but it depends on who you are. If you are submitting a spec script then you need to write a query letter to an agent (make sure they accept new writers). Make sure you send it in a SASE so they can write you back for the submission. If they like your query letter then you send them a printed copy. *I have a friend who is a writer and he sends the files to the studio. Most of the studios he deals with want Movie magic formats, but don't worry cause I'm sure final draft can save as a movie magic file.

[J.R. Hudson]

[quote author=Josh_Boelter link=board=writing;num=1088579486;start=0#4 date=07/05/04 at 16:32:23]
They likely won't accept a stack of handwritten cocktail napkins. At least I know that much.[/quote]

[Chenopup]

printed or .pdf is how I send them. Depends on an agent. If you're uncertain or have never submitted to an agency, you'll want to check with them before hand. Unsolicited scripts either way will not be looked at.

mike

[NoahK]

If you can afford to print- print. The chances of your script actually being read go up exponentially when it's printed out as opposed to sent electronically(from my experiences and chatting with literary agents and script readers).

Noah

[globalsearch]

Hello - back from hiatus (Florida) and lo and behold - no Final Draft 7.0 software waiting for me. I will have to check my credit card to see what the deal is. Came back with a stack of 5x7 cards filled on both sides with notes. Ah well, nice to know nothing at home has changed.

Will report back once I get this issue resolved.