A SECRET TIP for Screenplays in Final Draft

Are you a screenwriter? If so, there's a big chance you use Final Draft to write your screenplays. It's the Microsoft Word of screenwriting software.
In this video, I want to introduce you to a technique that most people don't know about. Truly, I've gotten scripts from some top, working writers... some, even studio writers, and they don't know about this trick.
In the software, there's something called Smart Type, and it contains the databases of your characters, your locations, your scene heads, transitions, and your times. This database needs to be updated and "rebuilt" to keep accurate track of the changes in your screenplay. Check it out.
Want to write screenplays that sell?
Writing scripts is a mix of creativity and skills. Focus on creating strong characters and a captivating story. If you want a detailed guide, check out our Screenwriting Course.
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[@judichristopher4604]

I am back... and find this video (again) AMAZING... Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge. Two years ago... I tried to start my screenplay... Life got in the way... Here I am now... READY and truthfully more knowledgeable than what I was two years ago. So maybe it was a good thing I hadn't written my screenplay... They say Timing is EVERYTHING. I have two questions: 1) I need a new computer... my 17" MBP is not able to be upgraded anymore (I love my MacBook Pro)... My question is this... What is the best computer/laptop/iPad I should buy? I am thinking seriously buying a MacBook Pro again... and have an iPad Mini too. Of course I love Final Draft... but #9 is too old... Should I buy the 13 or the 12? I am assuming since I'm having to start from scratch... Final Draft 13. Please let me know what you think. Thank you again, You are a GOOD Guru.

[@filmmakingstuff]

Hey great to see you are back! if you are comfortable with MacBook Pro, then I would stick with that! Sometimes timing is everything, Have you seen our course on screenwriting? Its on sale right now, maybe it could help you out. Heres the link if you want to check it out. Keep pushing, you got this! www.filmmakingstuff.com/yt-write-screenplay

[@maevethunderchild8333]

I can't even tell you how many years I've been using Final Draft & I certainly didn't know that. TYVM, Tom!

[@filmmakingstuff]

Happy to help!!

[@judichristopher4604]

I'm impressed!!! Thanks for sharing this video.

[@filmmakingstuff]

You're welcome! Here to help.

[@ODeniranFilms]

Thank you, can't believe I wasn't already subscribed here as I am already on your mailing list.

[@filmmakingstuff]

Welcome back!

[@retroelectrical]

thanks for the tip but I'm wondering why this has to be be force-pushed to rebuild and not automatic..

[@jasonreddan6474]

Nice one Tom, very handy and a great insight :)

[@filmmakingstuff]

Thank you Jason!

[@WorldWideLoveNow]

Some younger black students tried to buy Final Draft, academic version. Final Draft is stalling, and some of the students are late with their ventures. Thanks for your video.

[@filmmakingstuff]

Sorry to hear this, You're welcome!

[@judichristopher4604]

Please NOTE: My old 2011 17" MacBook Pro will not allow me to subscribe, or I would in a heartbeat. BUT... when I buy my new MBP... I will sub.

[@filmmakingstuff]

bummer, are yo able to follow us on facebook? Have you seen our website? www.filmmakingstuff.com

[@judichristopher4604]

@@filmmakingstuff Thank you... I will check it out.

[@SlingShotKid007]

Awesome tip. Thanks!

[@filmmakingstuff]

Glad it was helpful!

[@LeeBailes]

Great tip, thanks Tom

[@filmmakingstuff]

Any time!

[@abbysspiceituptv.9825]

Thanks for this tips Tom, really helpful.

[@filmmakingstuff]

You're welcome!

[@thebeehiveclustermovie8195]

Great tips Tom. I find them very helpful.

[@filmmakingstuff]

Thank you!!

[@lyricarol]

Helpful and useful! Thanks.

[@filmmakingstuff]

You're welcome!

[@alijackoofficial]

Hi Jason, I hope you are keeping well. I am new to the final draft software and I would like to know how to have narration on a script. I have subscribed to your channel and there is not a video like that. Maybe you could do a video on that or how to achieve it. I love your videos it has given me so much insight into the final draft tips.

[@Cowgirl77Hikes]

I've seen it done as a voice over, eg V.O. as the character and dialogue as the narration. My go to is a formatting book called The Hollywood Standard. I get no $$ for saying this and am not sponsored. It's Hope that helps. Lmk.

[@russelhutchings2885]

Great tips thanks you for sharing

[@IndustryPets]

Great tip! Thank you for this.

[@filmmakingstuff]

You are so welcome!

[@armandogaona1341]

👍

[@Cowgirl77Hikes]

Super helpful, thx. I'm looking for a way and a video on how to copy one script in FDX 12 to create alternate endings. I was able to do that inCeltx. Do you know if this is possible? Thanks everyone.

[@filmmakingstuff]

Glad it helped! Not sure about that.

[@Brolee123]

I knew about the smart type not the rebuild part thanks.

[@TatianaBalashova]

Good to know.. just started learning Final Draft. Q: Is there a way to (bulk) change the name of the character in his/her every appearance if for whatever reason it is needed?

[@filmmakingstuff]

Yes. Go to the top menu, and select "Edit," then go to Replace Character.

[@FilmSchool-om3ew]

What good are tips, if the final draft software keeps crashing and you lose all your work, days of creative writing. This issue needs to be addressed.

[@filmmakingstuff]

Yea it gets frustrating, reach out to customer support!

[@FilmSchool-om3ew]

@@filmmakingstuff I did reach out to support, and they did respond (email) but gave me helpful advice. Final Draft automatically saves all your work, like every 15 minutes, to a folder on your computer, that way if final draft shuts down, or Microsoft Edge, etc, your files will be saved on your computer... 1. Good to 'tools', then hit options, and you'll see all 'your' updated saved work, in the saved folders file.

[@videowatcher4006]

Great tutorial

[@filmmakingstuff]

Thank you for your feedback!

[@warriorclassmedia]

🔥

[@scottyneasbitt7628]

Arc Studio Pro does this automatically

[@filmmakingstuff]

Arc Studio Pro is a helpful tool for screenwriters, offering features like real-time collaboration and automatic formatting. It keeps you organized...

[@ClubNoonies]

Hey Tom How Did You Get Budgets For Films?

[@filmmakingstuff]

Hire a line producer for an "initial board and breakdown." This will help you get your "real number." (I'm the Social Media Manager, not Tom)

[@graceking9723]

I tried this on my PC and didn't see the option to rebuild in SmartType. Is there another way to do this on a PC?

[@filmmakingstuff]

While we try to offer various tips and tactics, we are not the publishers of Final Draft. If you are having any hiccups with the software, I recommend reaching out to the software company for support.

[@filmmakingstuff]

Not sure about PC. I use Mac. If you are having any hiccups with the software, I recommend reaching out to the software company for support.

[@bryanalcantarfilms]

Whaattt? Wow!

[@williampope3503]

"Neslon" 🙃

[@ricklord7144]

Have a question... What about characters that have no lines? Every time I add a character that has no lines and hit rebuild, they disappear. If I don't hit rebuild, they stay. Trying to create a workable report for a completed script. Love the tutorial!

[@filmmakingstuff]

Ah, yes, this is interesting. Meaning they're in the Action Lines, but not in the dialogue lines. You can go to the top menu, then click on Insert, and then select Non-Speaking Character. That should solve your problem!

[@ricklord7144]

@@filmmakingstuff That worked perfectly! Another question, if you don't mind... How to get Extras into the character report or Scene report? For budget, this kind of important!!! Thanks much!

[@filmmakingstuff]

@@ricklord7144 That's a little tougher. Not really done in Final Draft. You'd have to have an idea of how many you need and work that into the film budget. So that would be reflected in the budget and call sheet, not the script.

[@ricklord7144]

@@filmmakingstuff Not a problem... I can do that. Funny... Writing scripts is the easy part! Ha ha! If you're okay with chatting with me, I'd love to talk with you. 66 and not getting any younger! 35 plus years in the Biz and still haven't the notion to give up!

[@ricklord7144]

Extras are referred to as Background Actors. Found in TAGS! They can highlighted and added to the report from there! Actually pretty cool. FYI

[@jamespoule8813]

OK... I know I'm showing my ignorance, but I'm going to ask... Why is this information important and what would a producer use it for? Flame away.... I'm ready.

[@filmmakingstuff]

Once the screenplay is fully finished, the next step is to break it down into a schedule and a budget. These tools can make that process a little easier.

[@pitouhong4665]

You look like Matt Damon’s older brother haha

[@filmmakingstuff]

Ha!