Question:

Could you explain the process Celtx uses to manage multiple drafts and track changes in scripts?

Answer:

Celtx has introduced a Drafts feature, which is included with all paid plans. This feature allows users to create multiple drafts from their Film & TV scripts. Each draft is treated as a separate entity with its own script history, enabling writers to save important versions of their scripts, experiment with different plot arcs, or simply keep a record of the script’s evolution.

How to Save a Draft

To save a draft in Celtx, users can go to the file menu in the Film & TV script editor and select the ‘Save Draft’ option. After naming the draft, it is saved and stored in a dedicated drafts folder within the project. If no drafts exist, this folder remains hidden. Users can easily switch between the main script and any of the drafts, and each draft displays a grey banner in the name field to indicate its status.

Script Revisions and Colors

When it comes to script revisions, Celtx follows the industry-standard practice of using color coding to differentiate between various versions of the script. The initial version is typically white, followed by a sequence of colors for each subsequent revision, such as blue, pink, yellow, green, and goldenrod. This color-coding helps the production team to quickly identify which version of the script they are working with.

Tracking Changes

The Celtx Studio’s script editor features a built-in revision mode function that simplifies the creation and tracking of customized script revisions. This function allows for easy identification of changes, which can then be instantly shared with the production team, cast, and crew. The Celtx Blog provides additional resources, including videos, to help users understand and utilize this feature effectively.

Collaboration and Security

Celtx also emphasizes collaboration and security. Multiple users can work on the same script, and all changes are tracked and saved. This ensures that every member of the team is always working with the most up-to-date version of the script, and that previous versions are preserved for reference or rollback if necessary.

In summary, Celtx’s system for managing drafts and script revisions is designed to be intuitive and in line with professional screenwriting practices. It provides writers and production teams with the tools they need to maintain control over their scripts as they develop and change, all the way from the initial draft to the final production copy..