These days, scripts are sent electronically to us to read. I either get them as Adobe PDF or Final Draft files. I have a new script that I need to read following an interview to co-direct the project. It's a PDF file. The thing is, I can't stand to read a script on the computer screen. Although I know it's cool to have a paperless office and save trees and all, it doesn't feel right unless I read a printed copy. Is it just a matter of me not wanting to change, or is there something to feeling and touching that script? Just sharing.
Filmmaking / Directing : Reading New Scripts: On the Screen or Print Them Out? by Valerie Michele Oliver
Director of Development, Producer, Screenwriter, Creative Executive, Executive
12 years ago
Reading New Scripts: On the Screen or Print Them Out?
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We each have our own way, don't we?
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Personally I've read them both ways. If I'm speeding reading a project sometimes I can do it on my kindle or ipad. However, I agree that I still prefer to have the script printed in case I need make corrections and make notes. Was trying to print double sided to save paper for awhile but everyone at work hated that hahaha
Yeah, D, we do what works best for us. @Tiffy - I'm at my sister's house and can't print out this 118 page script, so I'm going to have to read it on the screen. I need to make director's notes, but its a PDF file. If it was a Final Draft file, I could use the notes feature. There's something sensual about the touch, smell and sound of the paper that I miss. Uh-Oh! Tying up the printer and using up the ink at work!
Psychological. Get over it.
You can make notes on a pdf. That's how I get my notes. Why bother wasting ink and paper to print off a paper copy? Just because it feels right? That is psychological and something one needs to get over. This is the 21st Century.
@Dustin - Thanks for checking in with your opinion. There's some discussion going on at LinkedIn in the "Script-To-Screen" group where I posted this question as well. Some people do both. I agree with one person who said something like "whatever floats your boat." It's like @Tiffy said here. @Yasmine - I like your points. Especially the health-related one about the potential negative impact on the eyes. The medical filed and pharmaceutical industry is going to have an even bigger field day than now with deteriorating eyesight and carpal tunnel syndrome from all the typing.
Yep. If you prefer to do something when the rest of the human race is evolving and doing something else then that is an issue. It's far more responsible, and just plain easier to do everything digitally. Also, psychology doesn't need to be my field for me to have an opinion on what is psychological or not. I cook food every day, but I don't class myself as a chef. So far the excuses I have heard fro reading on paper are pretty silly. What is it about paper that does it for you? Is it the smell? The feel of it in your fingers? Personally I'm fine doing either. Doesn't hurt my eyes reading on a screen and I can write for 12 hours straight. I also don't care for the feel of the paper, nor the smell. I miss the smell of old books from time to time, but not enough to want to start reading paper versions again. I have also stopped using VHS video, and soon DVD's will be phased out. Cling on as much as you want to, of course.
There is no scientific evidence that says looking at a computer screen will damage your eyes.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_vision_syndrome. For your information Dustin. And please don't call people silly when you desagree because, actually, this is being silly
I wish there was a way of simply getting over it. I too prefer printed copy. It must be what i was brought up with and not easy to just flip to the the other way of working. I always print doublesided and A5 format. For say 100 pages i would use 25 sheets + I use recycled paper.
Simon, I see comprehension is an issue for you. I didn't call anybody silly. I said their excuses were silly. Here's some reading for you on the myth surrounding computer screens being blamed for eye strains: http://theconversation.com/mondays-medical-myth-reading-from-a-screen-ha... It's a well-known myth. Just because something gets a name it doesn't mean that the attributing cause is actually the attributing cause. Doctor will, or should inform you, that the eye strain is likely caused by other things. The most basic thing being, you simply need a rest. Honestly, there really isn't such a thing as square eyes.
Dear Dustin, I wasn't saying that it could make you blind to read on a computer screen. "headaches, blurred vision, neck pain, redness in the eyes, fatigue, eye strain, dry eyes, irritated eyes, double vision, vertigo/dizziness, polyopia, and difficulty refocusing the eyes". Actually, comprehension seem to be an issue for you too. Or maybe it is the fact of reading on our screen it that made you miss the point of my post. I wasn't speaking of disease but of comfort. It is way more comfortable to read on paper than on a screen (e-books are fine).
No it isn't way more comfortable. Did you read the article or are you so sure that your wiki link is providing you with up-to-date information? I also didn't say anything about it making one blind. What are you reading? Medically, reading from a screen isn't any different to reading paper. Indeed, reading from a screen is easier as it provides its own light and we don't have to rely on reflected light.
And you don't need to tell me what I don't need to do
Valerie, if you learned how to make notes on a pdf, or if you already know, simply gave it a good go. Reject all of your preconceived notions and give it an honest go. I'm sure that you would get used to it if paper ceased to exist tomorrow. I'm also sure film-making is your real passion. How you get those stories shouldn't really matter. The cool thing about editing or making notes on a PC is that you can easily discard notes and make new ones. Constantly. No need to print off another page. Just delete and start again. Also the writers will appreciate you more too. It's far easier to refer to a pdf with the notes the editor has made on the script. Emails are good too, but they can't beat having the script in front of you and those little yellow speech bubbles containing handy notes. I love technology.
"And you don't need to tell me what I don't need to do." Where have I told you what you don't need to do?
I received and email saying that you answered me and the end of your answer was "and you don't need to write Dear, it's not a letter, it's a response on the internet"... But fine, this conversation is a non-sense
It may be a nonsense to you but it is a debate that has raged ever since the television came out. People have imagined all sorts of things coming to ail them due to looking for too long at a screen. As a child I was constantly warned by my parents that staring at the screen for too long will give me square eyes. People obviously didn't believe that, but they did believe it causes damage to the eyes. Of course, simply an old wives tale without any scientific backing whatsoever. So we grow up and instead of embracing change, we look to our old devices. What we know and trust. What we're used to. Does anyone really like change? I was guilty of the same thing recently. Using my old office program and screenwriting template to write even though screenwriting software, specifically tailored for screenwriters, has been out for a while. I stubbornly refused to change. All sorts of excuses. Excuses that I soon found were unwarranted the moment I shared them on line.
I"m the same way when I write. I write long hand, then type them up when I'm done. Then when I edit, I print them out. It's easier to see mistakes and make notes for things like moves, delete, or changes.
No I am aware of the debate. And it is not a non-sense. The way our discussion took is one. Maybe A screen does not harm your eyes but it does not require the same effort to read on paper and than to read on a computer screen
"Maybe A screen does not harm your eyes but it does not require the same effort to read on paper and than to read on a computer screen." Yeah, glad we agree on something... it's actually easier to read from a computer screen due to not having to cope with bad lighting. Cheers.
D Marcus, please point to what leads you to believe I took your question the wrong way. I did not believe you were putting down my opinion... until now, where you have clearly given away your true intent. A psychology deficit? Do you mean a peer-reviewed psychological issue? Is that what matters? Is that what amounts to psychological to you? Also 'get over it' is a suggestion. Not a demand. As is quite obvious from later posts and indeed the post you're referring to as well. I see that you're another person that likes to put words into people's mouths rather than deal with the real subject at hand. I also haven't called anybody names as I have already refuted once. Please point to where I have called somebody a 'name'. You are the epitome of condescending... although not smart enough to be any good at it.
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I have a stigmatism in my eye and I find it very hard to focus on a screen to read and it gives me a migraine! My optician has also told me to avoid using computers where possible (Great! I'll just get in my time machine and go back to 1864!) However, I was given an eReader and it is brilliant - no migraines! And you can import .pdfs to it. However, I am yet to do a show where I wasn't expected to have a paper copy of the script (unless we were off book prior to rehearsal). Sadly, ipads, ereaders and PDAs are still very much frowned upon in th rehearsal room, cause I would be all over that otherwise! The best bit about using an ereader for casting is voiceover work, cause e-readers don't rustle!