THE SCRIPT

The writer will have the greatest impact in his or her use of paper. He or she should buy recycled paper, and buying in bulk saves money. Instead of note pads, buy a clipboard and reuse paper printed on one side for notes, outlines, and intermediate drafts. Once the paper is used on both sides, sort it for recycling and complete the cycle of use.

CUT SCRIPT COPYING COST IN HALF: Two 8.5" x 11" pages can fit side by side on a single horizontal page when reduced at 64%. Or print full size on both sides of the page. You will save money on script reproduction. Include a word of explanation. It will draw attention to your project and show that you are part of a new wave of conscientious filmmakers. We first saw this idea used by Matthew Harrison on the script to his independent movie Spare Me.

• If you are shopping the script to a major studio/they may not read a script in an unconventional format.

BINDING THE SCRIPT: Scripts are traditionally bound by three "round head fasteners" with a heavy paper cover. Initial drafts can be held together wit h 1" binder clips which can be reused over and over. Avoid plastic or vinyl covers, and elaborate binding systems that can't be recycled or reused.

ABOUT RECYCLED PAPER

PRE-CONSUMER: Much paper labeled "recycled" is made from scraps and trimmings left over from the paper manufacturing process. As long as paper has been made, paper plants have used these scraps, or some percentage of them, when making new paper. Only with environmental movement have companies labeled this paper “recycled”. Even a high pre-consumer paper content is not actually helping the recycling industry.

POST-CONSUMER is the real thing. It is paper made from collected from offices, homes and businesses. Most recycled computer and copy-strong paper has a mixture of pre- and post-consumer fibers. Look for the highest percentage of post-consumer content. This supports the burgeoning recycling industry.

NOTE: There are still no national standards on recycled paper labeling. Ask questions when buying paper. Show there is interest in recycled products.