IMPORTANT INFORMATION
REGARDING INSTALLING THE PRODUCT!!
PLEASE READ THE SECTION "VALIDATING THE PROGRAM" before continuing!!!
Validating the Program
Since it is necessary to register the program in order to run it, the program will launch automatically after you close the Readme.txt file.
When Screenwriter first launches, it will display the following text.
"Please register (validate) via the Internet to run Movie Magic Screenwriter. If you have the downloadable version, registration is required. Please make sure that you are online, then click the “Register via Internet” button below. Once you have registered, you will not need to connect to the Internet to run the program again. "
If you do not have Internet access or do not wish to register at this time, please insert the Movie Magic Screenwriter CD-ROM and click “Retry”.
Ignore the fact that it is asking for a CD-ROM and simply click the "Register Via the Internet" button (make sure you are connected to the Internet). This will bring up the Internet registration screen. Fill out all of the fields--the ones in Blue are required--then click the Validate button. After a few seconds the program will launch.
Once the program is validated, you will not get this message when starting the program, nor will you need to be connected to the Internet to use the program.
ABOUT THIS DOCUMENT
The purpose of this document is to provide additional information that may not be included in the manual or is important enough to warrant being placed in this document. If this document does not provide the information you are searching for please refer to the resources below.
The downloadable installer contains several new formats:
These files are in template format (.def) and include instructions on how to use them.
Program freezes when trying to validate
Non-Critical Fixes
Cosmetic Fixes
Enhancements
Version 4.60.05 info
ISSUES FIXED
Over 40 bugs have been fixed in this maintenance release.
KNOWN ISSUES
Version 4.5 info
This replaces the Display Options Sub Menu in the File Menu
There is now a Full Page mode that allows you to view the pages individually on the Screen.
Gives the program Word Style icons and scroll bars.
Go to Edit Script Formats, Locked Pages, then click the ALTERNATE SCENE NUMBERING METHOD BUTTON This allows users to use “European Decimal Style” or virtually any other style.
The Screenwriter program now has a Avid Export feature, which exports the file as a Formatted Text file with Scene and Page numbers.
We’re Moved and Changed Our Company Name
On August 24th of 2002 we moved our offices from downtown Burbank to downtown Glendale, California. We miss our home of twenty years in Burbank, but we wanted offices that were better organized for our increasing focus on the writing and creativity markets.
Simultaneously, Screenplay Systems changed its corporate name to Write Brothers, Inc. Our new name will help marketing in our non-screenwriting markets, where our current software (Dramatica Pro, Writer’s DreamKit, StoryView, Movie Magic Screenwriter and Word Menu) and future products apply to all kinds of writing.
Screenplay Systems hasn’t been bought. We haven’t merged with any other company. The two owners, Chris & Stephen, are still the two owners – and as active as ever in developing new and exciting products.
Our main phone numbers and e-mail addresses will remain the same, as will our main web sites (see below). However, during the next year you will see a transition from the old Screenplay Systems name to the new Write Brothers name in advertisements and product boxes.
We wanted to make sure you weren’t concerned that we were “disappearing.” The only real change you will notice is our name and office locations changing.
We look forward to serving your writing software needs for the next twenty years – and beyond!
Sincerely,
Chris Huntley & Stephen Greenfield
Write Brothers, Inc. (formerly Screenplay Systems, Inc.)
WEB SITES:
PHONE NUMBERS:
NOTE: the Dramatica support number, (818) 843-0888, will be transitioned to the main support number (above).
WRITE BROTHERS CONTACT INFO
8:30 AM to 12:00pm and 1:30PM 5:00 PM Pacific Time
TECHNICAL SUPPORT:
Web: http://www.screenplay.com/support
E-mail Support: http://www.screenplay.com/support/contact/emailsupport.html
POSTAL MAIL:
Write Brothers, Inc.
138 N. Brand Blvd #201
Glendale, Ca. 91203
LIST OF TUTORIAL AND REFERENCE RESOURCES
One of Screenwriter biggest features is its ease of use. You can literally write a script without knowing any special keys or accessing any of the menus with exception of printing and saving your script. However, the program is also very rich in advanced features and it’s ability for the user to customize both the program and the formatting of the script. To help the user get the most out of the program we have created the following resources and documents.
Screenwriter Tutorial Pamphlet - A tutorial to help you quickly start writing a script. It also includes a tutorial on tagging items to be exported into scheduling.
Very Informative Pamphlet - A Printed copy of this Document
Screenwriter Manual - The manual provides clear and concise documentation of every feature in the program. Including complete documentation on all of Screenwriter new features.
Online Help Menu - We have an extensive online help including:
· A complete and extensive online document including context-sensitive help for most all program dialogue windows.
· A “What’s This?“ command that allows you to click anywhere in the program and get a description of that items function.
· New in Screenwriter is a Web Resources menu that allows you to quickly access our Website and other links for assistance.
· You can also customize the Web resource menu to add your own links of sites you may want to access during screenwriting.
Extras! Folder on the CD-ROM - This folder contains some excellent reference material for scriptwriting. All of it is in PDF format for easy viewing.
IMPORTANT NOTES ABOUT NEW FEATURES
This section contains important information regarding some of the new features of the program. However, it is not meant to cover all of the aspects of these features Please refer to the manual for a detailed explanation of Screenwriter newest features.
WebGrab
WebGrab is a utility that will check through your existing Internet connection for upgrades and allow you to download the most recent update that is available.
The WebGrab utility on the Macintosh can be found in the Screenwriter Folder. In the Windows version it is in the Movie Magic Screenwriter program group in your Start Menu or also located in your Movie Magic Screenwriter folder.
To Run WebGrab for Windows
Make sure you have exited completely out of Movie Magic Screenwriter.
Make sure you are connected to the Internet.
Launch the WebGrabber application
The program will bring up a window informing you if any updates are available and asking if you wish to download them.
If you click ‘No’ you will exit the application.
If you click ‘Yes’ it will open a dialogue with the list of available files. Any available updates will be automatically checked marked. You can also manually mark any other files you wish to download.
Click ‘Update’ and the files will be downloaded and automatically updated in the Screenwriter directory.
iPartner™
The iPartner™ feature allows for collaboration of your script over the Internet with another person who also has Screenwriter . Since the program relies on an Internet connection there are some important things to consider.
Voice Chat
In order to use the “Voice Chat” feature it is strongly recommended that you are using a High-Speed connection such as ISDN, DSL or cable modem. If you are using a dialup modem your connection speed will not be fast enough for the “Voice Chat” to work effectively.
Voice chat is not cross platform and will only work when connecting between two Windows or Mac based machines. It will not work if a Mac is connected to a Windows machine or vice versa.
Connecting
In order to connect, one partner will need to know the other’s IP. If you are connected through a network, DSL, or cable modem, you should have a fixed IP address. In this case once you give someone your IP address they will be able to use that address every time they want to connect with you. If you are connecting via a Dial-up modem, your IP address will change each time you connect. If you are providing your IP address to your partner, you will need to give them this new IP address before collaborating. You can do this one of the following ways.
· Calling the person on the telephone.
· Sending the IP address through a free internet message service such as: AOL instant Messenger or ICQ (www.icq.com).
· E-mailing the IP address, however this can take as long as a day depending on your e-mail provider.
Simultaneous editing
When you give your partner permission to type in the script through the partner view mode it creates a condition where either person can type, edit and scroll through the script at will. It is important to practice common courtesy and communicate with your partner through the voice or chat feature before you start typing. When used this way it is a powerful feature, however if both people try to type at once it can cause confusion and unwanted changes to the script.
Text to Speech (windows)
On most Windows systems this feature works quite well. However, we have seen rare instances where the speech sounds choppy, and repeats portions of the text. These problems are due to incompatibility with Microsoft’s Text to Speech engine with some computers, or lack of system resources. If you experience this problem we suggest restarting your computer, then closing all other programs including any devices in the taskbar that use audio before launching Screenwriter. In some cases, the text to speech feature will not work smoothly with older machines. We are aware of these problems and currently searching for alternatives to provide clients.
MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
How do I put in scene numbers?
Scene numbers are handled automatically by Movie Magic Screenwriter as you add Scene Headings. All you need to do is turn them on.
Steps:
You should now have scene numbers on every scene heading!
How do I cheat an element?
Cheating an element is used when you want to change the behavior/style of one element without affect the other elements of the same type.
How do I import a file?
How do I open a file that I created in the Screenwriter demo?
Open the script in the Movie Magic Screenwriter program that you recently purchased. If it requires an access code you will need to contact Technical Support <http://www.screenplay.com/Support/contact/contact.html> You can call Technical Support and give them your validation code. However, you must be registered to receive the access code. To register, you can fax or mail your registration card to us. If you are not sure if you are registered please contact Client Services.
I upgraded my 2.32 version to the latest version. However, when I go to the File Open menu none of my old scripts are there, where did they go?
The new 32 bit version installs into a new directory called Movie Magic Screenwriter. Look in the C:\SCWRITER directory, they should be there. You should save them to the new Movie Magic Screenwriter folder to avoid having to move between them. If you are not sure how to navigate within the Window's system or how to save files please consult the Window's Help.
How do I import a file into Screenwriter?
It will interpret the file and open it. The file may require a little cleanup, so be sure to double check the formatting.
Scriptor:
You need to import the original word processor file instead of the formatted output file that Scriptor has made.
If your Scriptor file imported with too many errors you can attempt to save your original document in Rich Text Format (RTF), which might allow you to import with fewer errors. Open the original word processor you used to write your script. Usually, all you need to do is go to the File menu and click Save as. At the bottom of the dialog box it will say File Format and you can select Rich Text Format. If you are having trouble doing this please consult the word processor's Help menu or the vendor. Once you have saved the file in RTF follow the steps above once more.
Dramatica:
Simply place the Dramatica export file (.dsf) into the Screenwriter folder and follow the steps above.
Your Dramatica file information will now be imported into a Movie Magic Screenwriter script.
Scriptware:
For Screenwriter to import a Scriptware you will first need to save it as Scriptware tagged (.tag) file. If you are having trouble doing this please consult Scriptware Help menu or the vendor. Once the file is saved as a tagged file it should import into Screenwriter easily.
Final Draft, Word Processor files (Word, WordPerfect, etc.):
Screenwriter is often able to open these kinds of files directly.
If any of the above steps did not work or if your file imported with too many errors you can try the following.
Attempt to save your original document in Rich Text Format (RTF), which might allow you to import with fewer errors. Open the program you wrote the script in and save your script as a Rich Text Format (RTF) or a formatted ASCII file. If you are not sure how to do this please consult the Final Draft manual or contact Final Draft. Once you have saved the file as an RTF or formatted ASCII file, please follow the steps above once more.
When the program brings up the How should I interpret this text? dialogue try toggling the different options and see if that improves importing. In most cases you should be able to import your script effortlessly with only minor corrections being required. However, depending on how the original script was formatted you may only be able to get marginal results. In this
How do you tag a script, so the tagged items will appear in the proper category in Movie Magic Scheduling?
Tagging and Exporting in Movie Magic Screenwriter
When you export a file to Movie Magic Scheduling, INT/EXT , the Time of Day, Set, and Cast will be automatically included. However, Screenwriter allows you to tag any additional item in your script to put it into any of Scheduling's categories, such as Prop, Special Effect, or Notes. The following instructions will show you how to tag items for a more comprehensive Scheduling export.
For more detailed instructions, please refer to the Screenwriter tutorial pamphlet that came with the program.
How do you export a Screenwriter script and import it into Movie Magic Scheduling?
Movie Magic Screenwriter allows you to export information about your script into Movie Magic Scheduling. Screenwriter will automatically export the Scene Headings and Character Names, however if you would like to learn how to export more information to learn how to tag a script read the tutorial pamphlet included with the program.
Follow the steps below to export a Screenwriter script:
1. Go to your Production menu and click Breakdowns.
2. In the cascading menu, click Movie Magic Scheduling Export. Note: If there are any errors in the script the program may attempt to correct them now.
3. The Production Breakdown: Scenes dialog box will appear. Make sure All Scenes is selected and click OK.
4. It will bring up a dialog box where you can save the exported file with the given name or a new name. The file will have a scheduling export extension (.sex). At the top of the dialog box select your Desktop. Click Save.
The Screenwriter script has just been exported.
To import the file into Movie Magic Scheduling do the following:
1. Open Movie Magic Scheduling.
2. Go to the File menu and click New.
3. In the cascading menu, choose From Default Form or Pick A Form, depending on which you would like to use. A breakdown sheet will now appear and you will be in an untitled document.
4. Go to your File menu and click Import.
5. In the dialog box, select your Desktop, click on your exported script, and click Open. If you are having trouble navigating please see Window's Help.
6. The script you created will now be fully imported into your schedule.
7. Go to your File menu and click Save.
8. Name your schedule whatever you like and click Save.
Can I export scenes additional or modified scenes from a script and import them into an already existing schedule?
Yes!
Exporting:
Go to your Production menu and click Breakdowns.
In the cascading menu, click Movie Magic Scheduling Export. Note: If there are any errors in the script the program may attempt to correct them now.
The Production Breakdown: Scenes dialog box will appear. Make sure to select only those scenes which you have added or modified and click OK.
It will bring up a dialog box where you can save the exported file with the given name or a new name. The file will have a scheduling export extension (.sex). At the top of the dialog box select your Desktop. Click Save.
Importing:
Note: if you are importing scenes that have been modified, but already exist in your schedule, you will have to delete the old breakdown sheet/strip so that you do not have duplicates.
I understand that the Screenplay layout is in an industry standard format. However, I need to use specific margins, fonts, page breaking, etc., for the script I am writing. How can I do this?
All the styles for a script (fonts, margins, bold, etc.) can be set up in Format > Edit Script Formats. You can change formatting for the following categories:
· Character Names
· Dialogue
· Parentheticals
· Scene Headings
· Shots
· Action
· Transitions
· Act Information
· Scene Information
· Script Notes
· Centered Title
· Page Breaks
· Locked Scripts
How do I Save a file? How do I do a Save As?
As you work you are going to want to save your work FREQUENTLY; probably every few paragraphs. This can save you time in the event something goes wrong with the computer. Also, make sure to BACK UP YOUR WORK!
You have just started a script and you want to save it:
Click File > Save.
If you haven’t saved the file up to this point it will bring up a window asking where you want to save the file and what name to save it under. Make sure you look at the top of the window to see what folder it is being saved into. If you don’t understand how folders work on the hard drive, please refer to your Macintosh or Windows Help file or manual.
Type a file name and hit the Save button.
You already have a script started, but you want to save it under a different name.
1. Click the File > Save As.
If you haven’t saved the file up to this point it will bring up a window asking where you want to save the file and what name to save it under. Make sure you look at the top of the window to see what folder it is being saved into. If you don’t understand how folders work on the hard drive, please refer to your Macintosh or Windows Help file or manual.
2. Type a file name and hit the Save button.
You now have two files, one under the original name, and one under the new name.
Even though the Courier 12 font is the industry standard, how do I change the font in my script?
How do I remove a forced page break?
Place your cursor directly before the page break and hit the Delete key (on the Macintosh the key is a small arrow pointing to the right with an X in it), or
Place your cursor directly after the page break and hit the Backspace key (on the Macintosh it is also labeled Delete, but it is located above the Return key).
Does Screenwriter make backups of my files? How do I retrieve these backups?
Screenwriter makes a timed backup file every 15 minutes (which can be changed in increments of 5 minutes under File > Program Options. It is not advisable to turn this off!). Also, Screenwriter will make an additional .BK (backup) after making changes and saving the script again.
I want my Characters' dialogue to appear side-by-side. How can I make dual columns?
To make your Characters' dialogue in dual columns simply select the Character's name and dialogue. Go to your Format menu and click Change Element Type. Choose either Left Column or Right Column. Select the next character and do the same. However, this time choose the opposite column (If you chose Left last time choose Right Column).
The blocks of dialogue will appear to zigzag across your display, however it will print the dialogue in dual columns.
How do you remove/add the Continueds that appear at the Top and bottom of the page?
The Continueds that appear at the top and bottom of the page are associated with scene headings. To turn those off (or on), go to your Format menu and click Edit Script Formats. On the right, click Scene Headings.
Under "Scene Continued Text", check/uncheck Top of Pg and Btm of Pg. Click OK.
How do I open a file that I created in the Screenwriter demo?
Open the script in the Movie Magic Screenwriter program that you recently purchased. If it requires an access code you will need to contact Technical Support <http://www.screenplay.com/Support/contact/contact.html>. You can call Technical Support and give them your validation code. However, you must be registered to receive the access code. To register, you can fax or mail your registration card to us <http://www.screenplay.com/Company/contact_info/contact_us.html>. If you are not sure if you are registered please contact Client Services <http://www.screenplay.com/Company/contact_info/contact_us.html>.
Technical Support - (818) 843-7819 [support@screenplay.com]
Client Services - (800) 84-STORY or (818) 843-6557 [service@screenplay.com]
Operating Hours: 8:30am to 5:00pm M-F (PST)
How do I move scenes around in Index Card View?
Screenwriter allows you to move Index Cards around and change their order by Dragging and Dropping them. This is done in Shuffle Mode, entered by clicking on the Shuffle button on the bottom right of the window.
The scenes in the script are not renumbered until you exit Index Card View by pressing the Exit button.
To go back to your script without moving any Index Cards or scenes in your script, click the Cancel button.
Is there a way for someone to read or print my script even though they do not have Movie Magic Screenwriter?
Screenwriter now will print to a PDF file that can be read by Adobe Acrobat Reader. Adobe Acrobat reader is available for PC and Macintosh for free at <http://www.adobe.com/>.
To print to a PDF on PC:
To print to a PDF on Mac:
Is there a way for someone on another computer to read my script even though they do not have Movie Magic Screenwriter or Adobe Acrobat Reader?
If you would like someone on the to view your script you must save the file as a PrintScript file and have them download the PrintScript program for either Macintosh or Windows.
To save your file in PrintScript format do the following:
Courier is printing out too light. How can I darken the font?
If it prints okay, there may be a problem with your file. Try copying and pasting the whole file into a new document.
If it prints correctly, your Courier font may be damaged or missing. Try reinstalling the font.
If you get similar results or an error message, consult your computer or printer manufacturer. Usually, printers do not come with the latest driver out of the box. Try going to the printer manufacturer’s web site and download and install the latest driver for your printer.
How do I hide names in the Character Name Pop-Up List?
How do I hide names in the Location Pop-Up List?
How do I create a Title Page for my script?
The left three button allow for Bold Underline and Italics respectively.
The next button lets you select the text’s Font.
The next three buttons allow you to select Left Justified, Centered, or Right Justified text.
Click OK.
Repeat the above steps to create more text fields. For more detailed instructions, please refer to the manual or Help