Read your scripts backwards to catch typos. I start at "FADE OUT." then read each paragraph or dialogue until I get to "FADE IN:" Reading backwards helps catch typos and story errors.
Screenwriting : Proofreading Tip by Maurice Vaughan
Proofreading Tip
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Thanks for the tip, Maurice! I'll definitely try that.
You're welcome, Matthew Parvin. I saw the tip somewhere years ago.
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I’ve never that but will definitely try it
I think it'll help you, Amanda Lee. I find typos when I read my scripts backwards, but I also find a lot of story errors.
You're welcome, Tyjanea Graham.
Does anyone have proofreading tips they wanna share?
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Interesting. Never thought about this technique.
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Vikki, when I heard the advice to read your scripts backwards, it said something about reading backwards forces the brain to slow down and see errors.
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As a matter of fact I have tried a couple of times the famous Jack Kitchen’s backward outlining and structuring. It was tough but it was, like Maurice Vaughan said “to force your brain slow down” and applying the cause-effect method. It’s worth trying. It forced me to concentrate on story beats.
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Sorry. Jeff, not Jack Kitchen
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Nice idea Maurice. I'll have to try it.
I haven't heard of Jeff Kitchen's backward outlining and structuring, Gentian. Thanks.
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Here are the links on youtube:
https://youtu.be/i7NcNy_7Th4
https://youtu.be/_1eqNOnVwik
https://youtu.be/MLj3kDJI5YQ
https://youtu.be/64oyw4dCix8
https://youtu.be/iTJIw7nFC-w
https://youtu.be/LavC8o5V8pk
https://youtu.be/2EsdJ1hCob0
It is a seven part of short explanation of the method.
Enjoy!
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Reading out loud also helps, backwards or forwards. Turns receiving skills (reading) into a production skill (speaking) and the brain switches gears.
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My grandma was a professional proof reader on the local paper. She would literally read backwards to catch errors. I.e.: srorre hctac ot sdrawkcab ....
Typo's not really an issue within scripts...not like an actor saying it gonna make same verbal mistake... it's just another polite "your script sucks"...try reading Shane Black's script and concentrate on finding typos...
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Thanks, Gentian! I'm going to check out the series.
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I also read scripts out loud, Shelly. I use the Final Draft voice feature sometimes.
That's neat, Christiane! Reading backwards is more common than I thought.
Typos slow down a script read, Kiril. They can also pull a reader out of the story.