For anyone, new to the world of screenwriting, reading screenplays is a crucial part of learning the craft. But not all scripts are created equal. Some are written before a project gets greenlit, while others are full of technical details used during production. Understanding script revisions and the difference between spec scripts and shooting scripts is essential for aspiring screenwriters, script analysts, and filmmakers.
Let’s break down how to identify different types of scripts and what all those labels and colors mean.
What Is a Spec Script?
A spec script, or speculative script, is written on the assumption that it will be sold or produced in the future. A studio does not commission it and typically focuses on storytelling, character, and dialogue, without the distractions of production formatting like camera angles or transitions.
These scripts are written to showcase a writer’s voice and are often used as calling cards to land representation or work.
You might see the following labels on the title page of a spec script:
- Final Draft
- Early Draft
- First Draft
- Revised Final Draft (with a date)
These indicate the script’s development stage, but until a studio purchases or options it, it remains a speculative work. For instance, Jesse Eisenberg’s A Real Pain script, labeled “FINAL DRAFT,” would be considered a spec script if it were not yet greenlit.
Spec scripts are pure storytelling, not including production notes like camera movements or scene numbering. They are primarily for reading, not shooting.
When a Spec Becomes a Shooting Script
Once a spec script is sold or enters development, it becomes a shooting script. This version is what directors, cinematographers, and crew use to bring the story to life. It contains detailed formatting that includes:
- Scene numbers
- Camera directions
- Editing transitions
- Actor cues
You’ll often see these labeled with:
- Shooting Script [Year]
- Production Draft [Date]
- 5th Draft
- Final Version
For example, a shooting script dated “4/6/19” with a label like “Production Draft” is a working version used during pre-production or production. These scripts go through numerous changes, hence the need for frequent script revisions.
The Role of Script Revisions in Film Production
Script revisions are a vital part of the filmmaking process. Once a film moves into production, changes are inevitable. These can range from minor dialogue tweaks to major structural overhauls based on casting, budget, or directorial vision.
To keep the entire crew aligned, studios follow a color-coded system based on Writers Guild of America (WGA) standards. This system assigns a color to each new version of the script, making it easy to distinguish the latest changes.
Common Script Revision Colors:
- White – Original production draft
- Blue – First revision
- Pink – Second revision
- Yellow, Green, Goldenrod, Buff, Salmon, Cherry – Further revisions
A typical shooting schedule might look something like this:
- White Production Draft – February 20, 2020
- Blue Draft – March 10, 2020
- Pink Draft – May 26, 2020
- Yellow Revisions – July 28, 2020
- Green Revisions – September 13, 2020
These updates help departments such as wardrobe, props, and camera keep up with changes without confusion.
Film Examples of Script Revisions in Action
One great example of how script revisions play a role in film production is Back to the Future (1985), written by Robert Zemeckis and Bob Gale. The original script featured a time machine housed in a refrigerator, but during revisions, it was changed to the now-iconic DeLorean. This change wasn’t just practical, it became a defining image of the film.
Another notable case is Good Will Hunting (1997), written by Matt Damon and Ben Affleck. Originally intended as a thriller about government espionage, the story underwent major revisions with help from director Gus Van Sant. These changes shaped it into the emotional drama that earned the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay.
Expert Insight on Script Revisions
“Script revisions are where the real writing happens,” says screenwriting coach Pilar Alessandra. “What you start with is just the beginning. It’s in the rewrites that you find the heart of your story.”
Echoing this, producer Lindsay Doran once noted, “The best scripts I’ve worked on always went through multiple drafts—dozens sometimes. That’s when the magic starts to happen.”
Understanding script revisions is more than just a formatting lesson, it’s a peek behind the curtain of how movies are made. Whether you’re writing your first spec script or analyzing shooting drafts of your favorite films, knowing what stage a script is in helps you learn the craft more deeply.
For screenwriters, script revisions aren’t a chore—they’re a roadmap to the best version of your story. Embrace them, color codes and all.
