Final Draft Course: The #1 Screenwriting Software in World

Go from a writer to a professional style writer by fully understanding how to use Final Draft

Created byFaith in Dreams Edutainment

Last updated 10/2015

English

What you'll learn

Learn to effectively use Final Draft
Understand the professional expectations of using Final Draft Software
Learn why Final Draft is the Industry Standard
Learn Screenwriting terminology

Course content

1 section • 24 lectures • 59m total length

Course Introduction0:17
Introduction to Final Draft3:36
Hear from Alejandro Seri about the elements of Final Draft. He will launch you into the software and discuss the core elements any screenwriter needs to get started.
Template versus New Document0:55
When starting a new document, you can either start with a template or an original new document. This lesson will demonstrate both options.
Opening Files1:17
This lesson will explain the type of files that can be opened in Final Draft and what adjustments (if any) need to be made.
Title Page2:17
The Title Page is very important for script presentation. However, you do not want the Title Page to offset the page count. This lesson will explain how to setup the Title Page.
Scene Heading2:50
Scene Headings are very important and are crucial for a producer who is breaking down and budgeting your script. This lesson will explain how to setup your Scene Headings correctly.
Enter and Tab Keys2:19
Enter and Tab Keys have different functions within Final Draft. These keys are helpful in moving and navigating through the levels and elements within the script. This lesson will explain the functions.
Elements4:20
Elements can be used to emphasis components within your script. This is often implemented for television scripts. Elements can highlight certain items that need to be brought to the attention of producers. This lesson will explain these features.
Creating and Saving a Template2:08
Templates can be used to save time when scripts have common layouts. This lesson will explain how to create a save a template.
File Naming2:39
When you have purchased a script, chances are that your buyer will have file naming conventions. In preparation for selling your script, it is advantageous to practice file naming conventions for all scripts. This lesson will guide you on file naming conventions.
Copying into Final Draft from Other Programs & Working with Two Versions4:51
You may have already started a script in another software and may be wondering how to convert it into Final Draft. You are in luck. You do not have to manually re-type your entire script. There are ways to convert your document into Final Draft. This lesson will explain the steps for this process.
Activation1:17
You may be wondering how many computers you may use for activating Final Draft. In this lesson, activation rules are explained.
Registration2:15
Registration is an important part of using your Final Draft software. You should understand the difference between registration and activation. This lesson will explain the differences between the two functions.
Index Cards5:01
Final Draft actually has a virtual cork board that allows you to utilize index cards for storyboarding. This method of drafting a story was often used in the old days and is still put to practice today. This lesson will explain how to use this function in Final Draft.
Font - Changing the Font Globally1:20
Final Draft is designed to use Courier as the default font. If your font is changed, it could dramatically change the length of your script. However, if you need to change your font globally, this lesson will explain the best method for making this change.
Find and Replace and Smart Type2:30
There will be times when you want to replace character names or location names. When making adjustments to a script, you will need to use Find and Replace to adjust your script. In this lesson, you will learn how to use this function.
Customizing your Workspace2:35
If you want to adjust your workspace and scale the display of the text, there are certain ways that this should be done. There are key ways to make these adjustments. This lesson will explain the method for making such alterations in your workspace.
Bookmarks1:50
It is important to bookmark certain areas within your script. By bookmarking your script, it will make it easier for you to navigate through the lengthy document. This lesson will explain how to bookmark your script.
Printing0:25
Printing, such a simple concept. However, you need this short tip to ensure that you are printing correctly...listen closely.
Printer Drivers1:20
If two different computers are displaying and or printing your drivers differently, there may be issues with the printer drivers. This lesson will explain how to address this challenge.
Error Messages2:21
There are two types of error messages that you may come across in Final Draft. Error messages are either Final Draft error messages or operating system error messages. This lesson will explain how to address these error messages.
Damaged Files6:09
Files can get damaged over time. This is not a Final Draft issue, per se, but an issue that may come with files over an extended period of time. This lesson will help you in repairing damaged files.
Storage and Backup Files4:17
The importance of backing up files cannot be overstated. It is important to have backup copies of files - for all of your files. This lesson will explain how to do this effectively.
Course Conclusion0:20

Requirements

There are no prerequisites for this course.

Description

Final Draft is the premier software for drafting scripts and screenplays in the entertainment industry. This course will demonstrate and teach the elements of the software. Students will become familiar with tips and tools that will ease the script creation process.

Industry Expert

Alejandro Seri is an award-winning, bilingual screenwriter and director. While a nineteen year old UCLA college student and screenplay writer he approached studio executive David Garcia with the idea of starting an alternative film school. With the help of ten additional students, they formed Cyberpix Film School in downtown Los Angeles.

Alejandro later shot his first feature film starring the late Francesco Quinn (The Shield, 24, Platoon). The film was very well received winning awards at the NY Independent Film Festival, the Romanian-American Film Festival and the Lake Tahoe International Film Festival.

After apprenticing as a trailer/poster copywriter at the renowned Intralink Film, Alejandro went on to work as a television promo and film trailer copywriter at New Films International. He then served as a story analyst with Script P.I.M.P. (Pipeline Into Motion Pictures) development services before returning to writing and directing his own feature screenplays. Alejandro wrote the award-winning screenplay, GRAIN and is represented by Mike De Trana of Anvil Entertainment. Prospect Park, producers of WILFRED and CRAZY HEART, recently wrapped production on Alejandro's script, FiNAL GIRL.

Alejandro joined Final Draft, Inc., maker of the world's number one professional scriptwriting software, in 2007 as the Marketing & Communications Director for both Final Draft, Inc. and Script magazine. He has served as Final Draft, Inc.'s Director of Educational Relations & Marketing since 2011. Alejandro teaches screenwriting and Final Draft tech classes online, in universities and at conferences and festivals.

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Who this course is for:

Screenwriters
Film Screenwriters
Television Screenwriters
Producers