As a screenwriter, you have many other documents to deal with besides just a screenplay. With large projects and multiple collaborators, organization is key to reaching deadlines, keeping track of progress, and filing legal documents. The use of professional scanning services can help you stay organized, especially if you juggle multiple projects at the same time.
Learn about the advantages of professional scanning services catered directly to the screenwriting industry.
1. Search Capabilities
When planning out a screenplay, you should have a dedicated file folder. A scanning service will not only provide the scanned documents, but you can easily search through documents to find what you’re looking for. Additionally, metadata labels will instantly give you access to information.
For example, if you are looking for a holiday screenplay written in 2019, then you can search the year and plot details. The metadata also gives you details about specific document types. If you have sketched storyboards, hand-written pages, or outlines, the search tags will help you retrieve the items.
You do not need to go through all the paper copies when you can quickly retrieve the files through an easy search. As you build upon your screenplay library, the search function will save a lot of time to find specific images and documents.
2. Co-Writing Features
If you are collaborating on a screenplay, you can use digital scanning services to quickly share information through a cloud. The scanning documents also come with extra security features to ensure your files remain protected and confidential.
If you are scanning notes or full pages, you can add a digital watermark with your name and copyright info to help protect the text.
You can also encrypt the contents with a key code. You can share the code with your co-writers, but keep others from prying into the work. You do not want a screenplay to leak to the public and encryption provides the extra layer of security.
3. File Access
As a screenwriter, you may find yourself in production meetings, table reads, and on-set activities. At any point, you may need access to different drafts, storyboards, or other materials. With digital scanning, you can access the files form multiple devices. You can keep files stored on a secured USB drive or through a digital cloud.
You do not need to lug printed pages around. Carrying multiple screenplays at once can be a hassle. Instant file access on phones or tablets will make the process a lot easier. And just like the co-writing features, you can easily share the files.
The files may also help with any documentaries associated with the production. For example, a Blu-ray may include a feature on how a movie was made and a detailed look on the writing process.
4. Legal Files
If you are able to sell or option a screenplay, you will have a lot of legal files to deal with. The files include contracts, agent agreements, management agreements, and invoices. When you sign the contracts on physical paper, you should file them away and have digital copies. A professional scanning service can provide you with easy organization of your legal files. When you have a question about a contract or invoice, you can easily look up information and have the details.
You may also keep blank templates of specific documents. For example, you may have a standard release document that allows you to send your screenplay to producers and agents.
If you send in copies of physical contracts, you can also rely on scanning services for secure document shredding. Your copies will be shredded and disposed of so none of your information is released.
Reach out to us at Indigital, Inc., to find out more about our professional scanning services. We can provide you with high-quality scans for every new project you work on.