Script breakdown sheets are the bane of a PA’s life. Nearly all screenwriting programs offer script breakdown software–allowing you to generate reports on characters, props, VFX, locations, you name it. Final Draft is no stranger. In this article, we’ll break down breaking down a script using Final Draft Tagger. You’ll need to have Final Draft before using it. But if you don’t, we’ve got a script breakdown template that works for any script format.

Import your script 1. Import your script You’ve just finished your script in Final Draft. It’s ready for production. Now what? Enter Final Draft Tagger.

How to Make A Script Breakdown Sheet with Final Draft Tagger - Final Draft 10 Tagger

After you’ve downloaded Final Draft Tagger, open it up. You’ll see three empty panes in front of you, but not for long. Under “File,” click “Import Script.” You’ll watch as your file loads, which can take anywhere from seconds to as long as it took to write the damn thing.

Review your script 2. Review your script You’ll now see three panes in front of you. On the top, a list of your scenes--marked with an INT. or EXT. Clicking a heading opens the scene in the below. On the right you’ll see a list under “Category” listing anything from Cast Members, to Animal Handlers. For more information on what classifies as each, click here.

How to Make A Script Breakdown Sheet with Final Draft Tagger - View Scene Elements

Let the highlighting begin 3. Let the highlighting begin From there, it’s a game of highlighting and color coordination. You simply highlight the element you want reported (maybe “old oak desk”), click its category (in this case “props”), and bam! You’re one step further on your scene breakdown.

How to Make A Script Breakdown Sheet with Final Draft Tagger - Highlight Element

Without an automatic script reading software, you have to be extra diligent to make sure everything is marked. Complete this about a million times.

Generate your script breakdown 4. Generate your script breakdown Once you’ve tagged every last detail, it’s time to generate your report. Click “File,” and go to “Export to Schedule…”

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Final Draft will offer you a barrage of options, notably formats for EP scheduling. That schedule can be sent to each department head who can turn each element into a reality. Although tagging elements is cumbersome, your department heads and producers will be forever grateful when receiving their script breakdown sheets as early as possible. Unless you have a Final Draft discount code, this film production software can be a tad pricy. If you’re just starting out or trying to save money for visual effects, download our free script breakdown template.