Today, we show the process of tagging a very simple scene in Final Draft Tagger 2 as part of the pre-production process. What elements are tagged? How do you do it?
The tagging process initiates a more pragmatic, logistical outlook on your script, an important step in the process as you shift from development to pre-production.
Here are three key takeaways to know about the script tagging process.
1. Read carefully and with a logistical mindset. It’s essential that you carefully read each scene just before you tag it. Read the scene not as a creative exercise, but with a mindset of procuring the scene’s requirements for the set.
2. It’s not just what’s written in the scene. Remember that characters and elements may be present in the scene even if they are not specifically mentioned in that section of the screenplay. This is particularly true if multiple scenes take place in the same location and props or characters were established in previous scenes. Be careful or you may find yourself on set while having accidentally given the day off to an actor that’s needed! Ouch.
3. Tagging as Reality Check. Tagging is one of the first encounters with how creative choices cost you time, resources, and risk. If you’re the director and the line producer, it’s an early opportunity to think about how your choices will add to the film’s budget.
To check out the video, please check out the Screenwriting section of our members-only Patreon page.