Download link: AVScripter-R_4.1.zip
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+ +
+ AVScripter (R) +
+ Version 4.1 +
+ The Two-Column Script Formatter +
+ +
+ Mini-manual +
+ For non-registered users +
+ +
+ (c) Copyright 1992 Tom Schroeppel +
+ 4705 Bay View Avenue +
+ Tampa, Florida 33611 +
+ +
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
WINNER OF
THE 1992 INTERNATIONAL TELEVISION ASSOCIATION (ITVA)
TECHNICAL SUPPORT AWARD
FOR SIGNIFICANTLY IMPROVING PRODUCTION QUALITY
AND CONTRIBUTING TO OVERALL PRODUCTION VALUE
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+ Before using AVScripter, make a working copy of the +
+ master disk and read ALL the instructions, please. +
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
A QUICK INTRODUCTION--HOW AVSCRIPTER WORKS:
1. USING YOUR OWN WORD PROCESSOR, WRITE YOUR SCRIPT LIKE THIS
(See pages 8-13 for more details)
______________________________________________________________________
| |
| .v# This is text you want to appear in the video column. The # sign |
| means that you want a scene number at the beginning of this block of |
| video and audio lines. |
| .a This is text you want to appear in the audio column. To start a |
| new audio-video block, you would skip a line after this sentence. |
|______________________________________________________________________|
2. SAVE YOUR SCRIPT AS A STANDARD ASCII OR DOS TEXT FILE. (See pages
4-6 for more details) THEN EXIT YOUR WORD PROCESSOR.
3. LOAD AVSCRIPTER, PROCESS YOUR ASCII TEXT FILE, AND GET THIS:*
(See pages 14-20 for more details)
______________________________________________________________________
| |
| -VIDEO- -AUDIO- |
| |
| 1 This is text you want to This is text you want to |
| appear in the video column. appear in the audio column. To|
| The # sign means that you want start a new audio-video block,|
| a scene number at the you would skip a line after |
| beginning of this block of this sentence. |
| video and audio lines. |
|______________________________________________________________________|
* Registered users can write their own column headers in place of
-VIDEO- and -AUDIO-.
AVScripter 4.1 Mini-manual 1
+++++++++++++++++++++++
+ TABLE OF CONTENTS +
+++++++++++++++++++++++
SHAREWARE / PERMISSION TO COPY / DISCLAIMER............................2
AVSCRIPTER OVERVIEW....................................................3
AVSCRIPTER FILES.......................................................4
AVSCRIPTER REQUIREMENTS:
ASCII TEXT FILE (WordPerfect, MicroSoft Word).....................4
DON'T USE GENERIC WORD PROCESSING FORMAT!....................5
RE-EDITING AN ASCII FILE: FUNNY LINES / TIPS.................6
RAM SPACE.........................................................6
DISKSPACE / WORK SPACE TIPS FOR DUAL-FLOPPY SYSTEMS...............7
INSTALLING AVSCRIPTER ON YOUR COMPUTER.................................7
PREPARING A TEXT FILE FOR AVSCRIPTER:
CREATING AUDIO AND VIDEO COLUMNS..................................8
CREATING AUDIO-VIDEO BLOCKS.......................................9
NUMBERING SCENES / UNDERLINING...................................10
CREATING STAND-ALONE LINES AND BLANK LINES WITHIN A COLUMN.......11
INDENTING / LONG WORDS...........................................12
CREATING HEADERS AND TITLE LINES.................................13
PROCESSING A TEXT FILE WITH AVSCRIPTER:
BEFORE YOU START / BEGINNING.....................................14
THE FILE SELECTION SCREEN........................................15
TWO-COLUMN OUTPUT................................................16
PRINTING TO DISK.................................................17
PRINTING EXISTING FILES / AVSCRIPTER PROGRESS BOX................18
IF AVSCRIPTER OUTPUT DOESN'T LOOK RIGHT...............................19
IF THE PROGRAM CRASHES................................................20
MULTI-USER SITE LICENSE INFORMATION...................................21
REGISTRATION FORM.....................................................22
AVScripter 4.1 Mini-manual 2
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+ AVSCRIPTER IS SHAREWARE +
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Shareware, or shared software, may be copied and distributed
freely, with the understanding that, if a person likes and uses a
program, he or she will pay the program's author the suggested user's
fee.
Distributing a program as shareware reduces the program
developer's advertising costs, allows potential users to try programs
before they buy, and makes it possible to sell quality software at
greatly reduced prices.
If you like AVScripter, you can register your use by sending
$40.00* per user/terminal to
Tom Schroeppel
4705 Bay View Avenue
Tampa, Florida 33611
(Florida residents, please add $2.40 state sales tax.)
When you register, I'll send you the latest version on disk, com-
plete documentation explaining all advanced features, a handy command
card, and free updates for six months.
++++++++++++++++++++++++
+ PERMISSION TO COPY +
++++++++++++++++++++++++
Anyone can copy and distribute this program, under the following
conditions:
1. AVScripter may not be sold or distributed in any way for
monetary or other consideration; however, a reasonable fee may be
charged for materials and handling.
2. The AVScripter program files, documentation files, and sample
files, listed on page 4, may not be modified in any way and must be
distributed together.
3. Distributors must inform recipients that AVScripter is
shareware and encourage them to send $40 to the author if they use the
program.
++++++++++++++++
+ DISCLAIMER +
++++++++++++++++
In no event will the author be liable to any user of this program
for any damages, including any lost profits, lost savings, or other
incidental or consequential damages arising out of the use of or
inability to use this program, or for any claim by any other party.
AVScripter 4.1 Mini-manual 3
+++++++++++++++++++++++++
+ AVSCRIPTER OVERVIEW +
+++++++++++++++++++++++++
Working with full-screen ASCII text files created with your word
processor, AVScripter performs the following functions:
* It sends two-column output to your printer, your screen,
or a disk file, automatically syncing audio and video lines.
* It automatically numbers and renumbers your scenes and pages.
* It looks for the best place to start each new page, then adds
the appropriate "CONTINUED"s where necessary.
* It automatically centers your title lines.
* It prints a header line at the top of each page.
* It allows underlining anywhere, even in headers and title lines.
* It prints selected pages and multiple copies.
* It generates prompter/narrator scripts from the audio column.
* It sorts the scenes according to the first video line.
ADVANCED FEATURES AVAILABLE TO REGISTERED USERS:
* Start AVScripter from the main menu, bypassing the monochrome
test screen and the shareware screen.
* Print both columns double-spaced, or print the video column
single-spaced and the audio column double-spaced.
* Print variable-width columns: narrow video/wide audio, wide
video/narrow audio, or any setting in between.
* Automatically include the current date in your headers.
* In place of -VIDEO- and -AUDIO-, write your own column headers,
or choose no headers at all.
* Switch to margin-to-margin wide lines in the middle of a script.
* Change page length,lines per page, starting page number, and
starting scene number.
* Insert non-printing comment lines--notes to yourself--inside your
script.
* Set new page breaks wherever you like.
* Send commands to your printer each time you output a script.
* Expanded explanations of all features, including user tips.
* Free updates for six months.
AVScripter 4.1 Mini-manual 4
++++++++++++++++++++++
+ AVSCRIPTER FILES +
++++++++++++++++++++++
AVSREAD.ME Instructions for printing this mini-manual.
AVSCRIPT.DOC This mini-manual.
AVSCRIPT.EXE The program itself.
AVSDEMO.ASC A sample source file you can print out with AVScripter.
RAMFREE.COM A public domain program--shows RAM available.
WS2ASCII.EXE A public domain program that converts WordStar 3.3
Document files to ASCII text files.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+ AVSCRIPTER REQUIREMENTS +
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+++++++++++++++++++++
+ ASCII TEXT FILE +
+++++++++++++++++++++
AVScripter will work with any standard ASCII text file--that is, a
file in which each line ends with a hard carriage return or line break.
When printing to disk, AVScripter outputs the same kind of file.
Many word processors produce ASCII files as their normal output.
Most others can create--or export--ASCII files upon request. Check your
word processing documentation for details.
Once created, an ASCII file should be retrieved--imported--back into
your word processor for re-editing as an ASCII file, not as a normal
word processing file.
If you have a choice between saving a file as "text" or "plain,"
choose "plain," as that will probably be a standard ASCII file.
If you can't save a file directly as an ASCII file, some programs
will "print" to a disk file as though they were printing to a printer.
These files are usually standard ASCII files, as required by AVS.*
WordPerfect calls ASCII files "DOS Text Files" and creates them
with the CONTROL-F5, 1 DOS Text, 1 Save command. Save your file this
way; then when you exit and WordPerfect asks "Save Document? (Y/N)"
answer No. (If you answer Yes, your file will be saved a second time
in WordPerfect format, overwriting your ASCII file.) Once saved, an
ASCII file can be retrieved for re-editing with CONTROL-F5,
1 DOS Text, 2 Retrieve (CR/LF becomes [HRt]).
In early Microsoft Word, select Plain printer/Print file from the
Print Options menu.* Or use the Transfer/Save option; when it asks
'Format?" answer No. In Word 5.0, select "Format:Text only with line
breaks."
I suggest you give your ASCII files the extension .ASC as in
MYFILE.ASC.
* FIRST SET YOUR PAGE DEFAULTS AS SHOWN ON PAGE 17.
AVScripter 4.1 Mini-manual 5
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+ DON'T USE GENERIC WORD PROCESSING FORMAT! +
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Some word processors will tell you they're saving a file as a
standard ASCII file, when in fact they're saving it as a slightly
different kind of ASCII file, known as "generic word processing format,"
"generic text file," and other things.
These files place a hard return at the end of each paragraph, in-
stead of at the end of each line as required by AVScripter. As a con-
sequence, if a paragraph in your original script file is longer than
255 characters and spaces--the longest "line" of text AVScripter can
handle--the rest of your paragraph will not be included in your two-
column script. In a standard 30-character-wide video or audio column,
this would mean your text would be cut off after the ninth column line.
If generic word processing format is the only kind of ASCII file
your word processor will produce--and you can't "print" to a disk file
as discussed above--you can sometimes work around the problem:
Whenever you have more than three full-width 80-column
lines in a paragraph in your original script file, add a hard
return--press <ENTER>--every third line. This will end the
"line" before the maximum 255 characters and start a new line.
If this also creates a blank line where you don't want it,
delete the blank line; the hard return will still be there.
Or, you can print to the screen, see where you are
losing lines, then go back into your original script file and
add hard returns where needed, as explained in the preceding
paragraph.
Also, don't use any formatting commands--embedded word
processing codes: tabs, underlining, etc.--as these will
cause AVScripter to misalign your audio and video columns.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+ TURN ALL FORMATTING COMMANDS OFF. +
+ +
+ This includes justification, hyphenation, and other features. +
+ Don't use any word processing embedded commands for underlining, +
+ bold face, tabs, etc. Don't use any dot commands (lines beginning +
+ with a period) other than AVScripter's dot commands. If you disre- +
+ gard this advice, I can't guarantee that AVScripter will properly +
+ format your script. +
+ +
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
AVScripter 4.1 Mini-manual 6
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+ TIPS FOR RE-EDITING YOUR ASCII SCRIPT FILE +
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
RETRIEVING A FILE: your ASCII file should be retrieved--imported--
back into your word processor for re-editing as an ASCII file, not as
a normal word processing file. Check your word processing manual for
the exact procedure.
CHANGES: Normally, when someone suggests a change in a script,
he'll say something like, "In Scene 23, change 'bauble' to 'bangle'."
Since your original AVScripter file doesn't have scene numbers,
but rather # signs, you can't go directly to a particular scene number.
What I do is use my word processor to search for a phrase in the scene;
in the example above, I'd look for "bauble."
If the scene number is a low one, like 7, I simply search for "#"
and hit the search key 7 times.
IF YOU DECIDE TO DELETE A SCENE, but want to keep the subsequent
scene numbers the same as in the earlier version of the script, put
.v# (Deleted)
in place of the deleted scene.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+ FUNNY LINES WHEN RE-EDITING AN ASCII FILE +
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
When you reload an ASCII full-width file into your word processor
and start making changes, word-wrap will create some
funny-looking
short lines like the ones above. Don't worry about them. AVScripter
will gather all lines, regardless of length, and format them correctly
into two columns.
If the short lines irritate you, save your full-width file twice:
once as an ASCII file for AVScripter processing; once as a regular
word-processing file for re-editing. Be sure to give the two files
different names, such as MYFILE.ASC and MYFILE.DOC.
+++++++++++++
+ RAM SPACE +
+++++++++++++
AVScripter requires approximately 195K of RAM to operate. Since
most computers have a minimum of 640K, this should be no problem. To
see how much RAM you have available at any time, I've included the
public domain program, RAMFREE.COM. Make sure it's on your disk and in
the current directory and/or path, then type RAMFREE <ENTER>.
AVScripter 4.1 Mini-manual 7
++++++++++++++
+ DISK SPACE +
++++++++++++++
For two-column output, AVScripter requires working space on your
logged drive-the drive from which you loaded the program--roughly equal
to three times the size of your ASCII source file. Depending on how
your system allocates disk space, you may need 2 to 4 K more.
In other words, if the file to be processed is 20K, you should have
at least 64K free space on your logged disk drive for AVScripter's
working files. These working files are deleted at the end of the
program. Your source text file can be on any drive.
If you direct the two-column output to a disk file, that disk file
will occupy roughly twice the space of the original text file, plus
maybe 2K more. For example, if your text file is 20K, the two-column
file will take up approximately 40 to 42K of space.
For sorted scene output, AVScripter will need between five and seven
times as much work space as your original full-width ASCII file. So, to
sort a 40K ASCII script file, you'll need between 200K and 280K avail-
able on your logged disk drive. This space will be freed up again when
AVScripter finishes sorting.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+ Work space tips for dual-floppy systems +
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
To give AVScripter maximum work space, load the program from a disk
in Drive A; then replace that disk with a blank, formatted disk. This
way, the entire blank disk will be available for AVScripter's working
files. Place the disk containing your ASCII file in drive B.
If you're printing to a disk file, direct the output to Drive B.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+ INSTALLING AVSCRIPTER ON YOUR COMPUTER +
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
AVScripter is contained in one single file, AVSCRIPT.EXE. The
easiest way to use the program is to copy AVSCRIPT.EXE to the same
disk and directory where your word processing files are located. Then,
after you create your ASCII file, exit your word processor but stay in
the same directory. At the system prompt (A:>, C:>, etc.) type
AVSCRIPT and press the <ENTER> key.
Alternatively, copy AVSCRIPT.EXE to your root directory or any
other directory in your DOS path. Read your DOS manual for details.
The most important thing is to always call up AVScripter from the
directory where your ASCII files are located. AVScripter's File
Selection Screen looks first in the current directory for *.ASC files
to be processed. You can always type in another directory, but why
add an extra step to your work?
AVScripter 4.1 Mini-manual 8
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+ PREPARING A TEXT FILE FOR AVSCRIPTER +
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+ CREATING AUDIO AND VIDEO COLUMNS +
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Type .V (upper or lower case) when you want something in the video
column. Type .A (upper or lower case) for the audio column.
_____________________________________________________________________
| |
|.v THIS IS THE FIRST VIDEO LINE. NOTICE THAT BOTH AUDIO AND VIDEO |
|LINES AUTOMATICALLY WRAP AROUND INSIDE THEIR RESPECTIVE COLUMNS |
|WITHOUT YOU HAVING TO THINK ABOUT IT. |
|.a This is the audio that goes with the first video line and ends up |
|opposite it. AVScripter automatically shortens audio and video lines|
|to 30 characters and spaces so they'll fit in the columns. |
|_____________________________________________________________________|
will print out as
_____________________________________________________________________
| |
| THIS IS THE FIRST VIDEO LINE. This is the audio that goes |
| NOTICE THAT BOTH AUDIO AND with the first video line and|
| VIDEO LINES AUTOMATICALLY WRAP ends up opposite it. |
| AROUND INSIDE THEIR RESPECTIVE AVScripter automatically |
| COLUMNS WITHOUT YOU HAVING TO shortens audio and video |
| THINK ABOUT IT. lines to 30 characters and |
| spaces so they'll fit in the |
| columns. |
|_____________________________________________________________________|
[Each column is normally 30 characters wide. However, registered users
can vary columns to any width between 20 and 40 characters.]
_____________________________________________________________________
| |
| WORDSTAR USERS: |
| |
| When working in WordStar Document mode, to distinguish AVScripter's |
| dot commands from WordStar's, put a space in front .a or .v. |
| WordStar will then ignore AVScripter's dot commands and give you |
| word-wrap from .a or .v onward. |
|_____________________________________________________________________|
AVScripter 4.1 Mini-manual 9
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+ CREATING AUDIO-VIDEO BLOCKS +
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
AVScripter works with audio-video blocks. An audio-video block is
simply all the audio and video lines, in any order, that you want
synced up together. To start a new block, skip a line.
_____________________________________________________________________
| |
|.v THIS IS THE FIRST VIDEO LINE OF THE FIRST BLOCK. |
|.a This is the audio that goes with the first video line and ends up |
|opposite it. |
| |
|.A This is audio beginning the second audio-video block. |
|.V THIS VIDEO BEGINS THE SECOND AUDIO-VIDEO BLOCK. ALL THE AUDIO AND|
|VIDEO LINES AFTER A BLANK LINE ARE SYNCED UP TOGETHER. |
|_____________________________________________________________________|
will print out as
_____________________________________________________________________
| |
| THIS IS THE FIRST VIDEO LINE This is the audio that goes |
| OF THE FIRST BLOCK. with the first video line and|
| ends up oppposite it. |
| |
| THIS VIDEO BEGINS THE SECOND This is audio beginning the |
| AUDIO-VIDEO BLOCK. ALL THE second audio-video block. |
| AUDIO AND VIDEO LINES AFTER A |
| BLANK LINE ARE SYNCED UP |
| TOGETHER. |
|_____________________________________________________________________|
A block can consist of a single .v or .a entry. For example,
_____________________________________________________________________
| |
|.V DISSOLVE TO |
| |
|.v A SHORT VIDEO DESCRIPTION |
|.A This is the first point I want to make. |
| |
|.a And let me tell you something else. |
|_____________________________________________________________________|
will print out as
_____________________________________________________________________
| |
| DISSOLVE TO |
| |
| A SHORT VIDEO DESCRIPTION This is the first point I |
| want to make. |
| |
| And let me tell you something|
| else. |
|_____________________________________________________________________|
AVScripter 4.1 Mini-manual 10
++++++++++++++++++++++
+ NUMBERING SCENES +
++++++++++++++++++++++
To get a scene number, follow the first .a or .v in the block with
the # sign. When AVScripter formats the file, it will automatically
number the scenes in sequence. This makes it very easy to move,
delete, insert and rearrange scenes, since no matter what order the
scenes end up in, they'll always be numbered correctly.
_____________________________________________________________________
| |
|.v# THIS IS THE FIRST VIDEO LINE OF THE FIRST SCENE. |
|.a This is the audio that goes with the first video line and ends up |
|opposite it. |
| |
|.A# This is audio beginning the second audio-video scene. |
|.V THIS VIDEO BEGINS THE SECOND AUDIO-VIDEO SCENE. ALL THE AUDIO AND|
|VIDEO LINES AFTER A BLANK LINE ARE SYNCED UP TOGETHER. |
|_____________________________________________________________________|
will print out as
_____________________________________________________________________
| |
|1 THIS IS THE FIRST VIDEO LINE This is the audio that goes |
| OF THE FIRST SCENE. with the first video line and|
| ends up opposite it. |
| |
|2 THIS VIDEO BEGINS THE SECOND This is audio beginning the |
| AUDIO-VIDEO SCENE. ALL THE second audio-video scene. |
| AUDIO AND VIDEO LINES AFTER A |
| BLANK LINE ARE SYNCED UP |
| TOGETHER. |
|_____________________________________________________________________|
A # sign on any line other than the first one in the block will be
ignored. (TIP: To keep the same scene numbers after deleting one or
more scenes, put ".V# [DELETED]" in place of the missing scene(s).)
+++++++++++++++++
+ UNDERLINING +
+++++++++++++++++
You can underline anywhere, even in headers and titles. Start and
stop underlining with the "_" underline character. In the following
example, the phrase, "underlining is easy," would be underlined on the
hard copy of the two-column script. Underlining is ignored when
printing to the screen or to a disk file.
_____________________________________________________________________
| |
|.a With AVScripter, _underlining is easy_ to do. |
|_____________________________________________________________________|
Underlining works independently in each column. If you start
underlining in a .v entry, all video lines from then on--but no audio
lines--will be underlined, until you stop the underlining with a second
"_" underline character in a .v entry.
AVScripter 4.1 Mini-manual 11
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+ CREATING STAND-ALONE LINES AND BLANK LINES WITHIN A COLUMN +
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
AVScripter wraps text in the last designated column--audio or
video--until it comes across the next .a or .v line. For example,
_____________________________________________________________________
| |
|.a# NARRATOR: |
|Welcome to our program. Today we'll be talking about why you should |
|use AVScripter for all your audio-video scripts. |
|.v NARRATOR ON CAMERA |
|Super title: |
|JOE SPOKESPERSON |
|_____________________________________________________________________|
will print out as
_____________________________________________________________________
| |
|1 NARRATOR ON CAMERA Super NARRATOR: Welcome to our |
| title: JOE SPOKESPERSON program. Today we'll be |
| talking about why you should |
| use AVScripter for all your |
| audio-video scripts. |
|_____________________________________________________________________|
which is probably not what you want. To create a stand-alone line or a
blank line in a single column, start a new .a or .v line:
______________________________________________________________________
| |
|.a# NARRATOR: |
|.A Welcome to our program. |
|.a |
|.a Today we'll be talking about why you should use AVScripter for all |
|your audio-video scripts. |
|.V NARRATOR ON CAMERA |
|.v |
|.v Super title: |
|.v JOE SPOKESPERSON |
|______________________________________________________________________|
will print out as
______________________________________________________________________
| |
|1 NARRATOR ON CAMERA NARRATOR: |
| Welcome to our program. |
| Super title: |
| JOE SPOKESPERSON Today we'll be talking about |
| why you should use AVScripter |
| for all your audio-video |
| scripts. |
|______________________________________________________________________|
Starting the audio copy "Welcome..." and "Today..." on new .A lines
creates new audio lines without starting a new audio-video block. The
same technique works for the "Super title:" and "JOE SPOKESPERSON" .v
lines in the video column.
The blank .v and .a lines show how to create a blank line in one column
without starting a new audio-video block. A completely blank line, of
course, starts a new block.
AVScripter 4.1 Mini-manual 12
+++++++++++++++
+ INDENTING +
+++++++++++++++
You can indent at the beginning of any .v or .a entry. The
first space after the dot command is a separator and does not count;
so, if you want to indent 5 spaces, put six spaces between the dot
command and the first word following it.
_____________________________________________________________________
| |
|.v# (Title) |
|.v Tom Schroeppel |
|.a Hi, there. I'm the guy who wrote AVScripter. |
|_____________________________________________________________________|
will print out as
_____________________________________________________________________
| |
|1 (Title) Hi, there. I'm the guy |
| Tom Schroeppel who wrote AVScripter. |
|_____________________________________________________________________|
++++++++++++++++
+ LONG WORDS +
++++++++++++++++
AVScripter's audio and video columns can be between 20 and 40
characters wide. Words longer than the column are arbitrarily divided:
_____________________________________________________________________
| |
|.v Teacher in classroom |
|.a Students, today's subject is antidisestablishmentarianismism. |
|_____________________________________________________________________|
will print out as
_____________________________________________________________________
| |
| Teacher in classroom Students, today's subject is |
| antidisestablishmentarianism-|
| ism. |
|_____________________________________________________________________|
If you have one or more long words and you're not sure how they'll
fit into the columns, first print your output to the screen, to check
the two-column layout. Then, if you don't like where AVScripter
divided a word, go back into your source file and put a hyphen where
you want the word divided. When you reprocess the file, AVScripter
will start a new line after your hyphen.
AVScripter 4.1 Mini-manual 13
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+ CREATING HEADERS AND TITLE LINES +
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
If you choose, AVScripter will automatically print a header *, up
to 65 characters and spaces long, at the top of each page. Type .HE
or .he to begin a header line:
_____________________________________________________________________
| |
|.he AVScripter Revision 4.1 |
|_____________________________________________________________________|
You can have up to three title lines, each up to 75 characters and
spaces long. Enter them as .tl or .TL followed by 1, 2, or 3:
_____________________________________________________________________
| |
|.tl1 The Wonderful World of AVScripter |
|.tl2 By Tom Schroeppel |
|.TL3 An AVScripter Production |
|_____________________________________________________________________|
AVScripter automatically centers each title line. VIDEO and AUDIO
identifiers ** are placed above the left and right columns on each page.
The top of page one will look like this:
_____________________________________________________________________
| |
| AVScripter Revision 4.1 |
| |
| The Wonderful World of AVScripter |
| By Tom Schroeppel |
| An AVScripter Production |
| |
| -VIDEO- -AUDIO- |
| |
|_____________________________________________________________________|
If you have only one or two title lines, or no title lines,
AVScripter will pull up the rest of the page to fill in the blank
space.
The tops of pages 2 through the end will look like this:
_____________________________________________________________________
| |
| AVScripter Revision 4.1 Page 2 |
| |
| -VIDEO- -AUDIO- |
| |
|_____________________________________________________________________|
* Registered users can automatically include the current date in their
headers.
** Registered users can write their own column headers in place of
-VIDEO- and -AUDIO-, or choose to print no column headers.
AVScripter 4.1 Mini-manual 14
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+ PROCESSING A TEXT FILE WITH AVSCRIPTER +
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+ YOUR SOURCE FILE IS ALWAYS SAFE +
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
There is no way AVScripter can erase your original text file or
alter it in any way.
++++++++++++++++++++++
+ BEFORE YOU START +
++++++++++++++++++++++
Be sure your source file is in standard ASCII format, preferably
with the extension .ASC, as in MYFILE.ASC If not, reread pages 4-5.
If possible, be in the same disk directory where your ASCII files
are located. This makes it quicker for AVScripter to find them.
Be sure your printer is set for the standard form length of 66
lines (11 inches).
Be sure your printer is using a non-proportional font. The audio
and video columns line up properly only when printed with a non-
proportional, monospace type font. This is a font, such as Courier,
in which each letter takes up the same amount of horizontal space.
Be sure you have enough working space on your logged disk drive--
the drive from which you load AVScripter. For two-column output,
AVScripter needs working space on your logged disk drive roughly equal
to 3x the size of your source file. For sorting, the program will need
five to seven times as much space as your original ASCII file. If in
doubt about this, reread page 7, "DISK SPACE."
+++++++++++++
+ BEGINNING +
+++++++++++++
At the system prompt (A:> C:> etc.) type AVSCRIPT, then press the
<ENTER> key. First is a monochrome display test, then the opening
screen, followed by the main menu:
|---------- AVScripter 4.1 Main Menu -----------|
| Two-column output to printer, screen, or disk |
| Prompter output to printer, screen, or disk |
| Sort scenes according to first video line |
| print Existing files with no formatting |
| print the AVS mini-manual |
| eXit from program - or press <ESC> |
|-----------------------------------------------|
Use the space bar or the arrow keys to highlight your choice, then press
<ENTER>. You can also select by typing the bold letter in each line.
AVScripter 4.1 Mini-manual 15
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+ THE FILE SELECTION SCREEN +
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Once you select a function from the main menu, you have to tell
AVScripter the name of the original ASCII file to format. This is done
with the file selection screen:
Select full-width ASCII file for two-column output:
|----- Filename or Directory Mask -----|
| C:\WP\SCRIPTS\*.ASC |
|--------------------------------------|
Press <ENTER> to select, <ESC> to exit.
|----------------- C:\WP\SCRIPTS\*.ASC ----------------------|
| AVSDEMO.ASC AVS-TEST.ASC DEMING8.ASC CSSR.ASC |
| CURR.ASC NJPS.ASC OLD.ASC PAI.ASC |
| PDC.ASC SUGG.ASC INT-TA.ASC |
|-------To highlight file, press first letter of name.-------|
The Filename or Directory Mask box will contain your current path
and the default mask for the current function--in this case "*.ASC," so
that only files that end in .ASC are displayed.
To change the filename or directory mask, type Ctrl-V for insert
mode; or backspace over the information and enter another path, mask, or
complete filename. If you type in a filename without an extension, .ASC
will be added. To name a file with no extension, put a period after it,
as MYFILE.
When the Filename or Directory Mask information is to your liking,
press <ENTER>. If you did not enter a complete filename, the directory
box will pop up with the selected files listed alphabetically.
To select a file from the file list for processing, highlight it
with the arrow keys and press <ENTER>. You can also highlight a file by
typing its first letter. In the example above, typing "p" would
highlight PAI.ASC. Typing "p" a second time would highlight the next
filename to begin with the same letter--PDC.ASC.
AVScripter 4.1 Mini-manual 16
+++++++++++++++++++++
+ TWO-COLUMN OUTPUT +
+++++++++++++++++++++
The two-column output screen looks like this, with the path and
filename of the script you are currently processing listed in the upper
lefthand corner of the screen:
C:\WP\SCRIPTS\AVSDEMO.ASC
(Alternatives)
|----- To begin printing, press <F1> -----|
| A. Print to Printer | (Screen, Disk)
| B. Start printing at page First | (1 to 999)
| C. Stop printing after page Last | (1 to 999)
| D. Number of copies 1 | (1 to 999)
| E. Print pause between pages No | (Yes)
| F. Printer port LPT1 * | (LPT2, LPT3)
| eXit to main menu - or press <ESC> |
|- Options: AVScripter Two-Column Output -|
If all the options are to your liking, press <F1> (Function Key #1)
to start printing.
To change any setting, use the space bar or arrow keys to highlight
the option you want to modify, then press <ENTER>.
Numeric first page is 1. Numeric last page is 999, or any other
number equal to or greater than your last page number.
Most people like to print to the screen first, to check for errors
and page breaks. (Registered users can change where the page breaks
fall.)
Underlining shows up only when you print to your printer.
For information about printing to a disk file, see page 17.
When printing to a printer, you can stop printing by pressing any
key. This cuts off AVScripter output to your printer. However, if your
printer has a buffer--memory that stores incoming text until it can be
printed--then printing will continue until either the buffer is empty or
you physically turn off the printer.
_____________________________________________________________________
| |
| IF AVSCRIPTER DOESN'T PRINT CORRECTLY ON YOUR PRINTER, READ PAGE 19.|
|_____________________________________________________________________|
* LPT1 is the first parallel printer port. LPT2 and LPT3 are the
second and third parallel ports. To print directly to a 9600 baud
serial printer, see Appendix A in the Registered User's Manual.
AVScripter 4.1 Mini-manual 17
+++++++++++++++++++++
+ PRINTING TO DISK +
+++++++++++++++++++++
Any disk file produced by AVScripter will be a pure ASCII text file,
which can be edited with any word processor. I suggest you give your
two-column disk files the file extension .TWO for quick identification,
as MYFILE.TWO. Give your prompter disk files the file extension .PRM,
as MYFILE.PRM. And add .SRT to your scene sort disk files, as in
MYFILE.SRT.
Disk files are useful if you want to give a copy of a formatted
two-column script, prompter script, or sorted scene list to someone else
via diskette or modem. A left-column-position prompter disk file can be
used in computerized prompting systems.
TO EDIT OR PRINT AN AVS-CREATED DISK FILE WITH YOUR WORD PROCESSOR:
Sometimes you need to import a disk file created by AVScripter back
into your word processor. (I do it to print out foreign language
scripts.) To do this, first import the disk file as an ASCII file, then
change your word processor PAGE DEFAULTS to the following:
(TIP: put them all in a macro for quick use.)
page length = 66 lines (11"), number of lines per page = 66
left margin = column 0 or 1, right margin = column 78
top margin =0, bottom margin =0
turn off hyphenation
turn off automatic page numbering
Some word processors may use inch measurements for the margins.
What you want is to set up to print the entire page, top to bottom, side
to side, with zero margins or the minimum margins all around.
LASER PRINTERS: With a laser printer, the macro shown above may
print out extra blank lines between pages. In WordPerfect it prints
out 6. If this happens, add the following search-and-replace-with-no-
confirm to the end of your macro: Search for: [HRt] [HRt] [HRt] [HRT]
[HRt] [HRt]; Replace with: (nothing--just press F2 again.**)
[HRt]--Hard Return--is the <ENTER> key. This will replace the six
extra carriage returns (<ENTER>'s) between pages with nothing. Check
your page breaks on screen before printing, as this method may in some
rare cases delete too many blank lines.
You can also print an existing ASCII disk file with AVScripter by
selecting "print Existing files with no formatting" from the opening
menu. See page 18.
_____________________________________________________________________
| |
| There is one drawback to the disk files created by AVScripter. |
| They don't include underlining. Underlining is possible only when |
| you process your original source file and print it out directly to |
| your printer. |
|_____________________________________________________________________|
AVScripter 4.1 Mini-manual 18
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+ PRINTING EXISTING FILES +
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++
To print an existing file, select "print Existing files with no
formatting" from the main menu. You can then opt to print a full-
width ASCII text file (the source file you prepared for AVScripter), an
AVScripter-created two-column file, an AVScripter-created prompter
file, or an AVScripter-created scene sort file. The only choices you
have are how many copies, whether to pause between pages, and which
printer port.
Your full-width ASCII source file will be printed out, broken into
11-inch pages. Each page will have the file name and the page number
at the top.
As long as your page/form length is the standard 66 lines, you can
print your AVScripter-created two-column, prompter, and scene sort files
exactly as you created them. If you are using a non-standard page
length, you'll have to print the two-column, prompter, or scene sort
file from within your word processor (see page 17).
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+ AVSCRIPTER PROGRESS BOX +
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++
|-Lines-|
| 102 |
|-------|
I always get a little nervous when a program is grinding away and
I'm waiting. I like to be reassured that it's really working and not
hung up somewhere. That's why I added this feature.
When AVScripter is working, it keeps a running tab of lines
processed in a box on the screen.
AVScripter 4.1 Mini-manual 19
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+ IF AVSCRIPTER OUTPUT DOESN'T LOOK RIGHT +
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
If something doesn't look right, in order of probability it's due to:
1. Your source file is not in standard ASCII format. Re-read pages
4 and 5.
2. You have some embedded word-processing commands or soft hyphens
in your source file. Take them out.
3. Your printer is set to the wrong form length. It should be set
for the standard form length of 66 lines (11 inches).
4. You're using the wrong printer font. If your printer has se-
lectable fonts, you may be using the wrong font. AVScripter works
only with non-proportional monospace fonts such as Courier, in which
each letter takes up the same amount of horizontal space.
5. You may not be in the default setup. If your printer has a set-
up program in memory, you may be working with a setup left over from
another program. Reset the printer to restore the default settings.
6. You are using non-standard symbols or international language
characters. Print to disk, then print the disk file from your word
processor. (See page 17.)
7. You are using a non-auto-switching PostScript printer. If
nothing happens when you tell AVScripter to print, check your printer
manual for how to switch out of PS into plain printer or LaserJet mode.
8. You've inadvertently given AVScripter a dot command. Check all
your lines in which the first character other than a space is a period.
The program checks each initial period to see if it's followed by an
AVScripter dot command. If so, the dot command is executed; if not, the
line is printed as is.
9. You have an incompatible older model printer. On a very few
early models of dot matrix and daisy wheel printers, AVScripter 4.1 will
not print page breaks correctly. If this is the case, print to disk,
then print the disk file from your word processor. (See page 17.)
Upon request, I'll send registered users Ver. 3.2, which works with
early printers, but not with laser printers. Version 3.2 also does not
include the scene sort option.
10. There's a bug in the program that slipped by me. If this is
so, please send me as much information as possible, including copies of
your original full-width and two-column files. I'll try to figure out
what went wrong and send you a corrected copy of the program.
AVScripter 4.1 Mini-manual 20
++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+ IF THE PROGRAM CRASHES +
++++++++++++++++++++++++++
If your original ASCII text file is prepared properly, with no
embedded word processing codes and no soft hyphens, there are only two
things that I know of that can cause the program to crash:
1. You don't have enough space on your logged disk drive for
AVScripter's working files. Remember, you need space there roughly
equal to the size of the file or files being processed. Depending on
how your system allocates disk space, you may need 2 or 4 K more. If
your source file is 20K, allow for at least 24K working space on the
logged drive. If you're sorting, you may need as much as seven times
the space occupied by your ASCII source file.
The easiest way to correct this problem is to clear more working
space on your logged disk drive. Read page 7, "Work space tips for
dual-floppy systems."
2. You don't have enough room on your disk for the disk file
output. Remember, a two-column script file takes up approximately
twice the space of the original text file, plus maybe 2K more. If your
source file is 30K, allow at least 62K for the two-column file.
If AVScripter crashes, you should see a screen with something like
this:
CODE = 106
ADDRESS = 0:1554
The CODE and ADDRESS will probably be different. Whatever you see,
please write down the information. Then please write me with as many
details as possible, as this would mean there's a bug I don't know about
in the program. Please send me as much information as you can, includ-
ing copies of your original full-width and two-column files. I'll try
to figure out what went wrong and send you a corrected copy of the
program.
=====================================
| Thank you for using AVScripter. |
| I hope it serves you well. |
=====================================
AVScripter 4.1 Mini-manual 21
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+ MULTIPLE-USER SITE LICENSE INFORMATION +
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Like a book, AVScripter is protected by United States copyright law
and international treaties. The program--and copies of it--can be used
by any number of people on any number of computers, as long as there is
no possibility of a single registered AVScripter being used on two
different computers or terminals at the same time.
If more than one person wants to use the same book at the same time,
you must buy a second book. In the same way, if AVScripter is being
used by more than one person at the same time, you are morally and
legally obligated to purchase additional licenses for the extra users.
MULTIPLE-USER SITE LICENSES ARE AVAILABLE UNDER THE FOLLOWING TERMS:
Each registration covers one person using one copy of AVScripter at
one terminal or computer.
I will supply a 5 1/4" or 3 1/2" master disk of the program, as well
as one copy of the printed manual. The purchaser can duplicate both the
disks and the manual. I will provide a command card for each user.
If the purchaser wants, I can provide program disks at $2.00 per
disk. I can also supply printed documentation at a cost of $2.00 per
copy.
Users Cost
1 $40
2 - 3 $40 for the first terminal plus $30 for each
additional terminal. (If you already own one
copy, that counts toward a site license, so
your second copy is only $30.)
4 - 10 $100 for the first 3 terminals plus $20 for each
additional terminal up to 10.
11 - 25 $240 for the first 10 terminals plus $10 for each
additional terminal up to 25.
26 or more $390 for the first 25 terminals plus $5 for each
additional terminal.
For more information, contact:
Tom Schroeppel
4705 Bay View Avenue
Tampa, Florida 33611
AVScripter 4.1 Mini-manual 22
"For...two-column scripts, it is impossible to get a better 'bang for
the buck'...AVScripter...is a very worthwhile product."
VIDEOGRAPHY Magazine
"AVScripter is clean and efficient, performing its job with a minimum
of fuss...Value Rating: Excellent."
VIDEOMAKER Magazine
|--------------------------------------------------------------------|
| TO: TOM SCHROEPPEL |
| 4705 BAY VIEW AVENUE |
| TAMPA, FLORIDA 33611 |
| |
| |
| Please register my use of AVScripter 4.1 and send me the latest |
| version on disk, complete printed documentation explaining all |
| advanced features, command card, and free updates for six months. |
| |
| I enclose: [ ] $40 * for one user/terminal. |
| [ ] $______* for ______ user/terminals per page 21. |
| |
| I got my copy of the program from:________________________________ |
| |
| My computer(s):___________________________________________________ |
| |
| My disk size (check one): [ ] 5 1/4" [ ] 3 1/2" |
| |
| My word processor(s):_____________________________________________ |
| |
| My printer(s):____________________________________________________ |
| |
| What I like about the program:____________________________________ |
| |
| __________________________________________________________________ |
| |
| __________________________________________________________________ |
| |
| Improvements I'd like to see:_____________________________________ |
| |
| __________________________________________________________________ |
| |
| __________________________________________________________________ |
| |
| |
| Name (print) _____________________________________________________ |
| |
| Address __________________________________________________________ |
| |
| City __________________________________ State ____ Zip ___________ |
| |
| * Florida residents please add 6% state sales tax. |
|--------------------------------------------------------------------|
MULTIPLE-USER SITE LICENSES ARE AVAILABLE FOR BUSINESSES AND SCHOOLS.
PLEASE READ PAGE 21.
AVScripter 4.1 Mini-manual 23
+++++++++++++++++++++++++
+ A PLUG FOR MY BOOKS +
+++++++++++++++++++++++++
I've written and published two books on film and television
production which you may find useful for yourself or your associates.
THE BARE BONES CAMERA COURSE FOR FILM AND VIDEO explains the
basics of shooting for editing. Nestor Almendros, the Academy Award
winning cinematographer of "Days of Heaven" and "Kramer vs.Kramer,"
called it "a marvel of clarity and conciseness." It's currently used as
a text at over 150 universities.
THE BARE BONES CAMERA COURSE covers: How the camera works,
Exposure, Color temperature, Using light meters, Lenses - wide angle,
normal and telephoto, Zoom lenses, Focus, Depth of field, Composition,
Rule of thirds, Leading lines, Camera angles, Screen direction, How to
cross the line, Using screen direction to solve shooting problems,
Making camera moves, Lighting, Using reflectors and bounce lights,
Planning and shooting a sequence, Storyboards, Shooting out of
sequence, and more. 89 pages, 8 1/2 x 11. Over 200 illustrations.
My second book, VIDEO GOALS: GETTING RESULTS WITH PICTURES AND
SOUND, is a practical guide to the entire process, from initial concept
to final edit. It covers: Planning the shape of your program,
Establishing a style, Writing dramatic and non-fiction scripts, Pre-
production, Directing the basic sequence, Directing to edit, Directing
actors, Selecting the appropriate microphone, Recording voices and
presence, Basic rules of editing, Editing sound, Selecting and cutting
music, Editing montages, Preparing for the sound mix, and more. 116
pages, 8 1/2 x 11.
Here's a coupon to order either or both books if you want:
|--------------------------------------------------------------------|
| TO: TOM SCHROEPPEL |
| 4705 BAY VIEW AVENUE |
| TAMPA, FLORIDA 33611 |
| |
| Please send me _____ copies of THE BARE BONES CAMERA COURSE FOR |
| FILM AND VIDEO at $6.95 each, plus $1 postage/handling per book. |
| |
| And _____ copies of VIDEO GOALS: GETTING RESULTS WITH PICTURES |
| AND SOUND at $7.95 each, + $1 postage/handling per book. |
| |
| I enclose check or money order for ________ total.* |
| |
| Name (print) _____________________________________________________ |
| |
| Address __________________________________________________________ |
| |
| City __________________________________ State ____ Zip ___________ |
| |
| * Florida residents please add 6% state sales tax |
|--------------------------------------------------------------------|