Once a script moves into production, changes are often necessary due to feedback, scheduling issues, or budget constraints. Instead of reprinting the entire script for every small change, only the affected pages are revised and reprinted. To avoid confusion, these revised pages are printed on colored paper and distributed to the cast and crew, with each color representing a specific stage in the revision process.
The Standard Revision Colors (in order)
The specific order of colors is standardized in the industry, though minor variations exist. Here is the typical order:
- White – The original shooting script or first distributed draft.
- Blue – First revision.
- Pink – Second revision.
- Yellow – Third revision.
- Green – Fourth revision.
- Goldenrod – Fifth revision.
- Buff – Sixth revision.
- Salmon – Seventh revision.
- Cherry – Eighth revision.
- Tan – Ninth revision.
After the ninth revision, the cycle may restart with Double Blue, Double Pink, and so on.
Why Are Colored Revisions Important?
- Version Control: Each color indicates a specific round of changes, making it easy for the cast and crew to know if they’re working with the latest updates.
- Efficiency: Instead of reprinting an entire script, only revised pages are printed, reducing waste and saving time.
- Clarity: Crew members can quickly identify which pages have changed by the color of the paper.
- Organization: Each color is logged in the revision record (usually printed on the back of the title page), which tracks the date and description of changes.
How Are Colored Revisions Noted?
- Headers or Footers: Revised pages typically include the revision color, date of revision, and sometimes a version number in the header or footer.
- Asterisks: Changes made to the text are marked with asterisks in the margins of the revised pages to highlight exactly what has been altered.
- Title Page Log: The title page of the script will list all the revisions, their corresponding colors, and the dates they were issued.
Examples of Situations That Require Colored Revisions
- Dialogue Changes: Adjustments to lines based on feedback from the director or actors.
- Scene Adjustments: Changes to a scene due to time, location, or weather constraints.
- Budget-Driven Edits: Cuts or simplifications to meet financial limitations.
- Technical Adjustments: Changes to match set designs, props, or camera blocking.
- Continuity Fixes: Ensuring plot consistency across scenes.
Practical Use of Colored Pages on Set
- Actor Scripts: Actors receive updated pages so they can rehearse or deliver revised lines.
- Director’s Copy: The director’s script includes all revisions, ensuring they can plan blocking and shots accordingly.
- Continuity Supervisor: They use the colored pages to keep track of script continuity during shooting.
- Production Team: Crew members use updated pages to ensure their work (set design, costumes, etc.) aligns with the latest script changes.
Interesting Facts About Colored Revisions
- White Scripts: The first distributed version (white pages) is often referred to as the “white script” and serves as the baseline.
- Digital Tools: Although digital PDFs and tools like Final Draft allow for color coding on screen, physical colored pages remain the standard in many productions.
- Collector’s Items: For fans and collectors, colored revision pages can offer insight into the production process and reveal changes made during filming.
- Chaos of Multiple Revisions: On some productions with frequent changes, crew members may end up juggling scripts with multiple colors—hence the importance of logging changes carefully.
Final Thoughts on Colored Revisions
The use of colored revisions is a vital organizational tool in screenwriting and filmmaking. It ensures everyone on set is working from the same version of the script while maintaining a clear record of the production process. Understanding this system is essential for anyone involved in screenwriting or film production, as it’s a hallmark of professionalism in the industry.
