presentation question - A4 size paper OK for US?

Stylo · Jun 19, 2007

Hi, I've had a request from a US prod co to read my screenplay - I'm a Brit and over here we use A4 paper and 2 brads - will this be okay, or should I use 3 brads and a smaller (I think) paper size? They know I'm a British writer btw.

Thanks!

krano · Jun 19, 2007

call them and ask. i don't think guessing is a good idea.

krano · Jun 19, 2007

and congratulations on your request.

zeprosnepsid · Jun 19, 2007

2 brads is fine. I'm not sure what A4 paper though. Scripts are usually on regular 8 1/2 x 11 paper.

DanielD · Jun 19, 2007

In the UK and Australia it's (Quarto sized: A4) however in the States it's (US Letter).
I have read that if you submit a screenplay to the states on A4 pages,the interested persons(company) will swap it over onto US letter,if this is required.
I imagine,that a large number of Screenplays are sent to the states on A4 pages.
Though,as Krano has stated,just ask them firstly what their requirements are,to be on the safe side.
Daniel.

dpaterso · Jun 19, 2007

A4 is acceptable to US prodcos, if they have problems they'll use a copier to make a Letter size version. What might make this easier for them is if you select Letter (8.5" x 11") as your paper size even though you print on A4, at least the formatting will look right for the US. Note the different page count! Use 2 brads on both sides of the Atlantic.

UK company Sapex provides a script printing service (you can email them your script and cover letter, they will print and mail to the destination of your choice). http://www.sapex.demon.co.uk/

I did a Google search on "screenplay printing service" and right at the top of the results was a link to Hollywood Script Express which provides the same kind of print and post service, you might want to check this out.

-Derek

Stylo · Jun 20, 2007

Wow thanks for the advice everyone - Derek, you should really write a screenwriting tips book, you fountain of knowledge you... I'd buy it!

dpaterso · Jun 20, 2007

<sprays tea over laptop>

-Derek

zagoraz · Jun 20, 2007

There is nothing wrong with A4 paper, but I wouldn't submit it to the U.S. It feels weird from the get-go, and no reader is going to take the time to copy it to 8 1/2 x 11. Plus keep in mind whoever reads your work will likely be an intern or assistant who may not even know about A4 paper and may think you don't know what you are doing.

Your script may be brilliant, but you can't give them any reason to say no.
Perhaps ask them if they will take a PDF file of your script. I know of very few prodcos or agencies that request scripts on paper anymore if they can help it.

Just my two cents.

xhouseboy · Jun 20, 2007

Stylo said:
Hi, I've had a request from a US prod co to read my screenplay - I'm a Brit and over here we use A4 paper and 2 brads - will this be okay, or should I use 3 brads and a smaller (I think) paper size? They know I'm a British writer btw.

Thanks!

Like Zagoraz says, US prodcos are normally receptive to electronic copies in pdf from the UK, more so if they've requested the script.

You might want to enquire of them if this is acceptable.

zeprosnepsid · Jun 20, 2007

Just my two cents, but I don't think you should call and ask about their requirements. I think that looks unprofessional. I think it's more ok to call and say do you accept electronic submissions, but if they wanted an electronic submission they probably would have said so when they asked for the script. I think calling and asking about what paper size to send it on is going to get you laughed at (they're not going to know you're asking because in the UK the paper size is different). From the prod cos I've worked at and from hanging out with my friends who work at prod cos, we do sit around and make fun of people who ask stupid questions. This does not make us nice people, but it's just the truth.

I'd just send it on 8 1/2 x 11 with two brads.

dpaterso · Jun 20, 2007

OK, no argument with any of the above, valid opinions, good info.

Then again, I've read exec interviews and guru advice that has leaned toward Duh, we know perfectly well that you use different size paper in the UK. We'll read it anyway.

If the prodco likes your script, they'll ask for an electronic version and/or they'll copy to the correct paper size.

-Derek

zagoraz · Jun 20, 2007

Another thing worth mentioning, sending it snail mail from the UK is going to be very expensive if you want to send it fast. The longer amount of time there is between when they requested it and when they receive it does play a big part in the consideration they will give it. Chances are they've already forgotten they've even requested it. Get it to them as fast as possible before they've forgotten all about it.

That's why PDF is your magical friend.

ALLWritety · Jun 21, 2007

I am a Brit in Taiwan.

When I started screenwriting I ordered several packs of "Letter Size" & the correct brads. I have submitted scripts to the US and to Singapore. Only once did they ask for a hard copy. I had the "Letter size paper and used that. I had a lot of fun printing itas the machine spat it out a few times. Taiwan uses A4 like UK.

However for my other submissions to the US & S'pore I asked what they would prefer hard copy or PDF. They said PDF. As already mentioned format it to Letter size then print it in PDF. Away it goes.
Kev.

presentation question - A4 size paper OK for US?

Stylo

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krano

krano

zeprosnepsid

DanielD

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Stylo

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