Learn how to create .fdx and .fdxt templates that contain everything you need for the writers' room
When a writer starts breaking a television episode, they'll need a blank, clean Final Draft file to start working in. A script coordinator must have one ready for them that, even though it looks blank, includes characters, locations, and other commonly used elements in SmartType. A solid template is a powerful tool to eliminate confusion and ambiguity before the Production Draft and saves time for everyone.
Start With a Written Episode
If this is a season 1 show, the creator/showrunner should be able to provide the .fdx file of the pilot to the script coordinator. On a season 2+ show, the best possible episode to get is the finale of the previous season — this file will contain cleared character and location names as well as any guest characters in the finale who might be recurring in the new season premiere (especially if the prior season ended on a cliffhanger.)
Next, turn off any production protections that might have been utilized the last time this file was looked at. Production > Revision Mode should be unchecked. If the script has a history of locked pages, then Production > Unlock All Pages will be available to select. Click "Yes" on the warning that proceeds. In the body of the file (that is, everywhere the script is written), select all the text with Cmd + A, then hit delete. This should leave an immaculate, 1-page document on the page. Rest assured, however, that this is not the same as a completely new Final Draft file, because —
SmartType is Always Watching
“Even though the script now looks as if it's empty, the SmartType database keeps a running record of everything that's been entered in that file, even if it's been deleted on the page.”
Every time a writer adds a character name, a location, or other names into a dedicated element field, SmartType records it so it can prompt that same element later. This feature gives writers easy access to the established/cleared names that appear in a show so that they're always spelled and referred to identically.
Even though the script now looks as if it's empty, the SmartType database keeps a running record of everything that's been entered in that file, even if it's been deleted on the page. However, this is a double-edged sword because SmartType records typos, misspellings, and out-of-date names. If Mary was ever mistakenly typed as Mayr, SmartType might recommend both when prompting a writer with a character name. If INT. Restaurant was updated to INT. Mary's Steakhouse, both will be stored in the database.
This means a writer who's writing on the show for the first time might not know what to call it and introduces ambiguity into the script: If Episode 301 calls for Mary's Steakhouse, but 302 calls for a generic restaurant, it's not clear to production whether it's the same location. That means the SmartType database needs updating.
How to Edit the SmartType Database
The SmartType Database can be accessed with Cmd + L or under Document > SmartType. This brings up a list of all the names stored under each element type. You can compare the saved names against a produced script (or, if you're a power user, against a Report for each element) to see which ones made it to the final draft of the episode. Keep these names (and any names for other recurring/established characters, locations, etc.) and delete the rest using the - button. If an entry is accidentally deleted, re-add it with the + button.
Populate the Page With Sample Text
A new writer who joins the show may have read a couple scripts but likely wasn't paying attention to the script's formatting. They may not even recollect whether the show includes act breaks. Therefore, there's value in adding some material to give the writers some guidance. If every episode begins with a teaser, cold open, or Act I, then that can be included at the top of the page (with the corresponding ending element at the bottom).
Also, include a few sample paragraphs that introduce the main characters and locations so that writers have an immediate reference for the elements as they've been historically established. The formatting of the elements (for example, whether act breaks and slug lines are bolded) is also maintained behind the scenes and utilized in your dummy text.
When completed, the 1-page template should look roughly like what the first page of the script would look like. Be sure to include the word TEMPLATE in the file name so that writers can quickly identify it. You may also wish to add a version number, like v1.
Distro the .fdx Template
Email the file to the entire writers' room, including the writers' assistant and other support staff. If a writer can't find the file in their inbox, they'll likely ask any support staff they can find for help, and including them on it now can save you from receiving a panicked email later on.
Create a .fdxt
“If a writer ignored your template and wrote their episode in a new Final Draft file, then a .fdxt will save you oodles of time fixing their file, so it's best to create one now to have on standby.”
Final Draft has a separate, unique file type called a template (previously called stationery) that a script coordinator should be aware of. This file type exists as a way to take the formatting data (like element bolding, line spacing, margins, etc.) from one script and apply it quickly to another. If a writer ignored your template and wrote their episode in a new Final Draft file, then a .fdxt will save you oodles of time fixing their file, so it's best to create one now to have on standby.
To do this, go to File > Save As Template... If you only use one computer, you can choose to add this to the templates that Final Draft has stored in its interface. If you use multiple computers, then you may instead want to save it as a file and keep that emailed to yourself or in a Dropbox.
Don't distro this, as it might confuse the team about which template they should do their work in.
Update Intermittently
How often you update the writers with a template is up to you. If you do it too often (or don't include a version number), you may leave writers wondering which is the most recent template when it's time for them to write their episode. If you never update it, you risk creating more work for yourself if old or uncleared character names persist in new episodes.
Final Thoughts
When it's time for an episode to come off the board, eager writers often launch into their episodes without a thought for templates. A gentle reminder when an outline gets approved, "Hey, want me to resend the template for you to get started in?" can be an excellent way to nip future formatting problems in the bud. More experienced writers, however, may take the initiative and ask you to resend it, so be sure to have it readily available where you are. Having it attached to an empty draft of an email may allow you to send it while you're on the go and away from your computer without keeping your writers waiting.
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