We've probably had this discussion before, but I wonder what peoples opinions are on which is the best for submitting scripts? Personally, I have printing out a script and submitting by post, unless I know the person I'm submitting it to... Anybody got any thoughts?
Sometimes they say, but maybe you could phone them up and find out who to send it to and how they prefer it.
Some hate emails as they prefer to read it on paper and would then have to print it out whilst some hate paper as they can't forward it to other people as quick as email. Maybe do both?
I prefer to send hard copy. Sometimes I wonder, even in competitions if the recipient can be bothered to read it on screen or print it out if by email.
The BBC Last Laugh competition for instance, preferred email but there were 5000 entries at ten pages a time, that's 50,000 sheets of paper plus the time taken as they're all printed out. I doubt they all got read
As ContainsNuts says, always ask first. The biggest error is not finding out your prospective customers' submission guidelines and preferences.
Plus when you email asking about preferences, it gives them the chance to ignore your email, thus setting the standard for the rest of the relationship. >_<
BBC Writers Room now says they won't take emails.
It varies from place to place.
Tend to prefer to send hard copies because I personally find it easier to read and appreciate a script when reading it on paper.
If you are sending it by email do check that they have the software to open it. (I use Final Draft, which practically all prod. companies seem to have.)
I tend to send a hard copy together with a CD-ROM with the relevant script and outline files. (Nice feature about Final Draft is it allows you to create a 'secure' copy of your script file, so that it can't be edited. A must for those massively paranoid about plagiarism and authorship issues.)
Quote: Tim Walker @ December 8, 2007, 11:36 AMNice feature about Final Draft is it allows you to create a 'secure' copy of your script file, so that it can't be edited. A must for those massively paranoid about plagiarism and authorship issues.
I also do this, plus I break into their offices in the night, break all their photocopiers, snap all pencils and pens, and shred all pads of paper.
If they allowed it, I used to always email scripts, but there's a few good points regarding sending hard copies that have made think that maybe I should print my scripts out and post them now.