Co-Scriptwriting Advice Needed Please:)

Welcome to the forum.

Some screenwriting software packages such as Movie Magic and Final Draft have a collaboration feature, where writers can share data online (check out the links in the screenwriting tips thread if you're unfamiliar with these and other packages).

Even if you don't have this option, there's nothing stopping you from sending files to each other via email. Changing the filename to indicate a version number e.g. drama06.rtf so everyone can keep track of updates, is advisable.

If you don't have the same software then you can save as a common format like rtf (rich text format) which any word processor can open and work with.

I'm a Movie Magic user and I've collaborated with a Final Draft user on another continent, simply by saving the scripts in a format he could import into Final Draft.

If you're sending files just for someone to read, or to submit to a prodco or agent who is willing to accept electronic submissions, then best save as PDF unless told otherwise.

-Derek

I have done it a few times. It's much more difficult than writing it by yourself simply because you have to constantly comprimise.

Make sure each party is putting in an equal share into the script.

Make sure you work well together and have your story meshed out and agreed upon before either of you write a word.

Make sure you are willing to compromise.

Don't expect miracles.

Distance doesn't matter as long as you have a good line of communication.

If you have issues voice them in the nicest possible manner but you won't be doing anyone any favors (esp not yourself) if you just hold it in. Not to mention you won't have given your writing partner any chance to correct anything he/she might be doing to annoy the heck out of you.

Make sure your writing levels are about the same. You don't want to feel or make the other person feel like they are carrying the whole project.

It's best if you can bring different strengths to the table. Like if you are really good at dialog, plot and character, but weak on structure, and they are a wiz at structure, then you can both add a lot to the project without stepping on each other's toes.

Be flexible. Not everything is going to go exactly how you want it to be and sometimes their ideas will be better than yours, you have to be willing to go with it.

Leave your ego at home. It has no place in a collaboration environment, and make sure they can do the same.

That's about all I can give you.

Distance isn't the problem

Between phones, e-mail, and Word's Markup function, the technical details of a collaboration aren't that hard.

What's most important is that the person you're working with is someone you know and can trust.

When I made a mistake in choosing a partner, it took a lawyer to pry his fingers off my copyright.