What Do Actors Do with Their Scripts After Filming?
The life of a script after filming is a fascinating journey through the eyes of the actors who spent countless hours bringing pages to life. Whether it's a treasured keepsake, a simple piece of paper, or something to be recycled, the fate of these scripts varies widely based on personal preferences and the industry norms. This article explores how actors handle their scripts post-filming, from keeping them as souvenirs to more unconventional methods.
Scripts as Treasured Keepsakes
Many actors hold onto their scripts as cherished souvenirs of the projects they worked on. These scripts are often filled with personal notations, doodles, and directions, serving as a tangible link to the characters and experiences that shaped their careers. Some actors give their scripts as gifts or even sell them at auction for extra cash. The presence of signed pages or autographs can greatly increase the value of a script, making it a sought-after item for fans and collectors alike.
Handling Physical Copies
Physical scripts have different fates depending on the format they are given and the actor's practices. Those who receive paper scripts often keep them as souvenirs, while others might recycle them. The theater world is often filled with well-worn and annotated scripts, reflecting the meticulous attention to detail required in live performances. In contrast, television and film scripts tend to have less sentimental value due to the rapid production process. These scripts are frequently only used for a short period, leading to less meticulous handling.
Industry Practices and Variations
On set, actors often use sides—smaller sections of the script relevant to their scene—rather than carrying the entire script. Sides are easily misplaced or lost, but the industry culture often doesn't make such losses a big deal. In Hollywood, it's common for multiple copies of the same script to circulate among cast and crew, further diminishing the need to be overly protective about one's copy. This practice is less common in regions like India, where there's a greater respect for the script and a higher probability of someone being upset if a copy is lost or misplaced.
Post-Production Habits
After filming, many actors have a collection of scripts that, with repeated use, become worn and disordered. Most actors eventually store these scripts, either in a file or a dedicated box, though some might just toss them in the bin. Shelley, mentioned in the text, has a file where she keeps her scripts, symbolizing the importance these documents hold to her career and memories. Some scripts, especially those with autographs or annotations, might even be saved for posterity, while others might be run through a shredder to protect privacy and prevent unauthorized use.
Final Thoughts
The journey of a script from script to collection is a unique process that reflects the individual practices and cultural norms of the actors and the industries they work in. Whether it's kept as a treasured memento, recycled for practical purposes, or discarded, the fate of a script often mirrors the experiences and values of the people who worked with it.