Final draft

Definition

A final draft is the completed version of a screenplay or script that is polished and ready for submission or production. This version incorporates all revisions and edits, ensuring that the formatting adheres to industry standards, which is crucial for effective communication with producers, directors, and actors. It reflects the writer's vision and intent, presenting a coherent narrative that has been refined through multiple iterations.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The final draft typically follows strict formatting guidelines that include specific margins, font sizes, and page numbering to ensure readability and professionalism.
2. Before reaching the final draft stage, a screenplay usually goes through multiple revisions based on feedback from peers, producers, or directors to enhance its quality.
3. In addition to content changes, the final draft may also involve refining dialogue and ensuring character arcs are consistent throughout the script.
4. Writers often use software designed for scriptwriting to create their final drafts, which helps maintain proper formatting automatically.
5. Submitting a final draft signifies that the writer is confident in their work and is ready for it to be considered for production or competition.

Review Questions

• How does the process of revising a screenplay lead to the creation of a final draft?
  • The process of revising a screenplay involves multiple iterations where the writer incorporates feedback and makes necessary changes to improve the overall story. This includes adjusting plot points, refining dialogue, and enhancing character development. Each round of revisions brings the script closer to clarity and coherence, ultimately resulting in a final draft that reflects the writer's polished vision ready for submission.
• What are the key formatting elements that must be adhered to when preparing a final draft of a screenplay?
  • When preparing a final draft of a screenplay, key formatting elements include using the correct font (usually Courier 12-point), maintaining specific margins (typically 1 inch), and following standard page numbering practices. Proper indentation for dialogue and action lines is also essential. Adhering to these formatting conventions not only ensures professionalism but also facilitates easier reading by industry professionals who expect scripts to follow these standards.
• Evaluate how the use of screenwriting software impacts the creation of a final draft compared to traditional writing methods.
  • The use of screenwriting software significantly streamlines the creation of a final draft by automating formatting processes and providing tools for collaboration. Unlike traditional writing methods where writers must manually format their scripts, software can enforce industry standards effortlessly, allowing writers to focus more on story development rather than technical details. Additionally, many programs offer features like tracking revisions and providing templates that enhance efficiency and organization during the writing process.

Related terms

screenplay: A screenplay is a written work that serves as the blueprint for a film, outlining the dialogue, actions, and visual elements of the story.

drafting process: The drafting process refers to the various stages a writer goes through while developing a script, including brainstorming, writing, revising, and finalizing the text.

spec script:

A spec script is a screenplay written on speculation, meaning it is created without being commissioned by a producer or studio, often to showcase a writer's talent.