WriterDuet App helps you collaborate on scripts

ScreenPlayPen LCC, the same folks behind ReadThrough.com (the screenwriting app that lets you hear what your script would sound like read aloud by actors), has just launched a new tool for screenwriters: WriterDuet.com. WriterDuet brings to life what many writing teams and rooms have probably already yearned for: a screenwriting answer to cloud-based Google Drive - one that allows for multiple authors access to a script, industry standard formatting, and seamless tracking of who changed what (and when). It's also free.

Unlike some other third party screenwriting apps, WriterDuet plays nice with screenwriting software you're already using. The app can both import and export Final Draft 8, Celtx, and Fountain files with zero formatting discrepancies, and spit out PDFs for your (or some intern's) reading pleasure. Other bells and whistles include scene-by-scene navigation, a simple set of keyboard shortcuts, and built in video chat for face time with remote collaborators. There's even a Grooveshark plug-in for those who prefer to write to their own soundtrack.

The only glitches: there appears to be no way to generate a title page or add numbers to the pages.

Interview with Exec-turned-writer/EP Dan McDermott

Screenwriting links: Friday, May 10

Inside Amazon's Super-Weird, American Idol-Style TV Series Development Process [LA Weekly]

Network TV Is Broken. So How Does Shonda Rhimes Keep Making Hits?
[NY Times]

“Bring the Funny”: First of its kind panel explores how female Asian American comedy writers have found a place in the industry [WGA West]

There's a new app that prevents you from having TV shows spoiled on Twitter, so that's all on you now [The AV Club]

Do script readers use the "fan" test?

Erica asked via Twitter:

@amandapendo Read your commentary on Black List. Does the "fan test" still happen? Do scripts still get tossed at first sign of mistake?

— Erica Maier (@celluloidcinema) April 25, 2013

@amandapendo that when someone "fans" thru it & can easily find problems w/ formatting etc (book is about formatting), it would be dismissed

— Erica Maier (@celluloidcinema) April 25, 2013

The physical act of "fanning" is falling by the wayside, since many of us now read scripts on screens instead of on paper. (My ability to perfectly "spine" a script - write the title on the side with a sharpie - is also obsolete.) But do script readers make immediate first impressions when we open a script? Sure.

Professional readers can't "toss" a script that gives a bad first impression; we're required to read the entire thing and write a synopsis and comments. However, a script with an unorthodox title page, a super long page count and/or obvious formatting mistakes does make me think that I'm probably in for an arduous day. Try to make your script appear as professional as possible; please don't give us a bad impression before we even start reading! Another thing to think about: why should we take a script seriously if it's clear the writer doesn't? So much information about screenwriting is available on the internet - Google is your friend!

One mistake is certainly not a reason to pass on a script - but in my experience, scripts with multiple superficial mistakes often have bigger deficiencies, too.

The book Erica's talking about is The Hollywood Standard, which I own and have found to be a helpful guide, especially for unusual situations (intercut flashback montages, anyone?). The best way to learn script format, though, is to read as many professional scripts as you can (see "download scripts" on the right side of this page).

Screenwriting links: Friday, May 3

Daily Rituals: Entry 10: Kafka was a great procrastinator [Slate]

Exclusive: The Making of Brad Pitt’s World War Z, from Stunning Budget Overages and a Reshot Ending to Lots of On-Set Drama [Vanity Fair]

Pete Holmes: The 3 Agonizing Stages Between Talk-Show Pilot and Talk Show [Vulture]

'Dexter' screenwriter Scott Reynolds encourages EMU graduates to follow their dreams [AnnArbor.com]

The Business of Screenwriting: Everything you wanted to know about specs [Part 12] [Go Into the Story]

Splitsider Presents debuts with experimental screenwriting film - go to the premiere for $5!

We live in a bold and frightening future, one fraught with tweets, pokes and #yolos. But with that bold future, we're also starting to see new and exciting ways to find, distribute, and watch films. Splitsider Presents, the newest initiative from comedy site Splitsider.com, aims to debut comedy features, docs, and stand-up into the ever-growing field of independent digital distribution. If you're an aspiring writer, widening avenues of developing, producing, and distributing scripted content outside of the studio hierarchy are good news, especially in cases such as Splitsider Presents.

Their website explains: "because we're selling directly with no other partners, we're able to give a majority of every sale price right back to the comedians and artists behind these projects." 

Splitsider Presents' debut feature shines the spotlight on screenwriting. A hybrid narrative/doc about a fractured troupe of NYC comedians who come together to write one last experimental film, The Exquisite Corpse Project (directed by Ben Popik) is a continually engaging, funny, and touching screenwriting meta exercise. In the film, each comedian writes 15 pages of the same film, with only the preceding five pages from the last writer to inform his segment. The result - a schizophrenic, yet oddly cohesive funhouse of a movie - examines screenwriting principles, collaboration, and friendship in disarmingly incisive ways.

Check out the trailer:

The Huffington Post raves: "The concept is wildly original and consistently entertaining."

Even better news: The Exquisite Corpse Project is premiering in LA this Weds night, with a special deal for Aspiring TV Writer and Screenwriting Blog readers. Simply visit http://ecpmovietourla.brownpapertickets.com/ and use the promo code amandablog to get $5 tickets! You'll also be treated to a Q & A with filmmakers.

Date: Weds 5/1
Time: 7 pm
Location: The Silent Movie Theatre: 611 North Fairfax, near Melrose
(Note: The movie is NOT silent.)

Screenwriting links: Monday, April 28

'Star Wars: Episode VII' screenwriter Michael Arndt is having trouble writing [Vulture/Funny or Die]

Buffalo-born screenwriter is not in Narnia any more [The Buffalo News]

Getting through Writer's Block [BBC Writers Room]

NYTVF: Home for Comedy Voices [ThePit NYC]

The 27 Stages of Getting Addicted to a TV Show [Buzzfeed]

Salman Rushdie Turns Screenwriter for Midnight’s Children [Vulture]

Interview With Screenwriter, Derek Haas; The Formative Years [HuffPo]

Screenwriting links: Friday, April 19

What It's REALLY Like To Be A Hollywood Assistant [Buzzfeed]

Is waking up early the secret to artistic success? [Slate]

Marcel Proust, Franz Kafka, and other artists who did great work in the wee hours [Slate]

Should You Go to Film School? [Film Crit Hulk/Badass Digest]