When manuscripts are sent to actors

[DeadlyAccurate]

Hi, guys. I'm not a screenwriter, but I had a question I was hoping you guys might help me with. In my novel, one of the secondary characters is a television actor who is looking at scripts for upcoming movies. When the scripts are sent to the actors, are they copied onto any kind of non-reproduceable paper? Is it a specific color? Do named television actors still go to auditions (is that what they're called?), or are they sent the scripts to look over themselves?

[Joe Calabrese]

Most of the time, when an actor gets a script from his agent or manager, it would be on regular paper. No secrets here.

There is an non-written understanding of being discreet about any project, otherwise the actor wouldn't get future offers if he/she is known as a "blabbermouth." Sometimes there might be a nondisclosure agreement the agent and/or actor signs before reading a script. But most of the time, producers or studios are not so secretive about a project.

In the case of a Star Wars or an other similar top secret film, they do print it on brown of red paper to keep photocopies from being made. They also wouldn't send the entire script to an actor until the deal is signed, just portions on an as needed basis or maybe even a fake ending or scenes.

As for auditions. It depends on the actor, producer and director. Even the biggest stars have to audition, even if it's only lunch at Spago's with the exec producer to talk about the project. Most of the time, when a big star is considered for a project, they would send the script and if the actor has time to do it and wants to, then they would talk. Unless the studio wants audition tapes to compare other prospects, a big star wouldn't need to be taped.

That's about it.

[IWrite]

DA -

I noticed on your title you referred to "manuscripts". Scripts are not called manuscripts every. Scripts, screenplays, teleplays. For your purposes - script would be the best word to use.

[DeadlyAccurate]

Ah, thanks for the correction, IWrite. I've made a note on my paper so the mistake doesn't get copied to the computer version. And thanks, joecalabre, for your quick response to my questions.