Here's a comprehensive guide to script revision colors:
The Standard Color System:
The traditional color system uses a progressive set of colors for each revision, typically in this order:
* White/Uncolored: The original draft (often referred to as the "white draft"). There are typically no revision marks in the first version.
* Blue: The first revision after the white draft.
* Pink: The second revision.
* Yellow: The third revision.
* Green: The fourth revision.
* Goldenrod/Buff: The fifth revision.
* Tan: The sixth revision.
* Lavender: The seventh revision.
* Salmon: The eighth revision.
* Cream/Ivory: The ninth revision.
How it Works:
1. Original Draft (White): The first draft has no colored pages. This is the baseline for all subsequent revisions.
2. Subsequent Revisions:
* After the initial draft, whenever changes are made, the pages containing those changes are printed on paper of the next color in the sequence.
* Entire pages get colored even if only one word has been changed to easily find the revisions.
* Deleted text is often struck through on the original color and then that page replaced with the updated one on the correct revision color paper.
Important Considerations:
* Binding and Organization: The script is bound with the pages in chronological order, with the newest revision on top. This means the most recent changes are immediately visible.
* Color Consistency: It's crucial to maintain consistent color coding throughout the entire revision process. This requires clear communication and adherence to the chosen standard among the writer, production team, and anyone else involved in reading or handling the script.
* Color Availability: Finding paper in all of these specific colors can be challenging. Many productions now use colored digital highlighting within screenwriting software instead of printing on physical colored paper.
* Digital Alternatives: Modern screenwriting software (Final Draft, Fade In Pro, Highland, etc.) offers digital revision tracking features. These allow you to:
* Highlight changes with colors (the same as the paper system).
* Track who made what changes and when.
* Lock revisions to prevent accidental changes.
* Compare different versions of the script side-by-side.
* Generate reports summarizing all the changes made.
* Why this system, and not just digital? While digital tools are increasingly prevalent, the colored-paper system retains a few advantages:
* Physicality: Some people find it easier to read and annotate a physical script. It's also a physical record of the script's evolution.
* Simplicity: The colored page method is visually simple. There's no reliance on complex software.
* No Technology Required: All that is required is colored paper and printer ink. This can be important in a field setting where technology is limited.
* Habit and Tradition: The film industry is steeped in tradition. Many professionals are simply used to this system.
Benefits of Using Script Revision Colors:
* Easy Identification of Changes: The primary benefit is the ability to quickly identify where changes have been made. This is especially helpful for:
* Directors: To understand the latest version of a scene and how it differs from previous iterations.
* Actors: To learn their updated lines.
* Department Heads: To adjust their plans based on any changes in the script (e.g., set design, props, costumes).
* Producers: To track script development.
* Streamlined Communication: The color-coded system provides a clear and consistent visual language for discussing revisions. Everyone understands what a "blue page" or "green page" means.
* Reduced Errors: By easily seeing what has changed, there's a lower risk of working from outdated material.
* Tracking the Script's Evolution: The colored pages provide a visual record of the script's development process, which can be helpful for reference and analysis.
In Summary:
Script revision colors are an invaluable tool for managing and communicating changes in a screenplay during the filmmaking process. While digital alternatives exist, the traditional colored-paper system remains a widely recognized and effective method for many productions. Choose the method that best suits your project's needs and workflow, but prioritize clear and consistent revision tracking to ensure everyone is working from the most up-to-date script.