In keeping with the concept presented by the original PTB and the series itself, the VS-PTB wish to preserve the air, the quality and the style of the show. It is important for all who participate in the xwpvs to understand that the xwpvs-xenastaff will adhere to the original series as closely as possible. This includes and is not limited to, the wardrobe and hair-styles of the main characters.

When writing for the xwpvs, it is also important to note that the Xena: Warrior Princess Virtual Season does not fall into the 'maintext' category. The Virtual Series presented by the xwpvs-xenastaff will continue to strive to maintain the subtext quality in its virtual stories, and writers, beta readers and point-persons should keep these aims in mind when volunteering their services.

Writers and illustrators will be granted a certain amount of lee-way, however, if instructed to adhere to the Production Managers requests, we would appreciate everyone's cooperation.

Artists wishing to be considered as an illustrator for the XWPVS, should submit a sample (or two) of their work/abilities. Preferably Xena related. Black and white or color is acceptable, .jpg, jpeg, or .gif format, approximately 400 to 450 in width.
It is important for any and all illustrators and artists to understand that any and all artwork submitted to the xwpv as illustrations for any given script, are in fact, the property of the xwpvs. However, the artwork is copyrighted to the artist.

Writers should submit a tight outline of their story idea prior to submitting a draft of their script. The outline should contain five (5) paragraphs of approximately 3 to 4 sentences each, for each scene. One for the teaser and one for each of the acts. The outline should look something like this, with the description of the scene directly under the scene:

Teaser:
We open in a field. Xena and Gabrielle (etc)

Act I:
In 3 or four sentences explain what goes on in act I

Act II:
explain what goes on in act II

Should keep in mind at all times while writing a VIRTUAL reality script is that we do not have the luxury of a final 'filmed' product. Our end product is a manuscript interspersed with illustrations provided by the illustrators; therefore the writing has to invoke both the reader's imagination and inspire the illustrators of any given scene.

Keeping this in mind, it is important that the script includes character descriptions (clothing etc.) and provides enough detailed background description of any particular setting.

Manuscripts are to be submitted properly formatted. Please do not use tab keys to adjust the script contents. Please do not use any manuscript format programs. Please use the margins of your program for body text, dialogue, and scene description. Please use the Center Command in your menu to center character name and action. Please use Microsoft Word if at all possible.

Please use the insert Page Number option of your program to number the pages.

Please include the title of your script and your name or handle (whichever you prefer) on your script (one line, using the "eHader" option of your program).

Character's names should be capitalized. Action should be centered directly below character's name, in lower case letters and dialogue should be margined 1/2 inch in from outside margin.(do not use indent or tab).

Example:
 

XENA
(grinning)

     I have many skills.

 

Font face should be either Courier or Courier New

Point size should be: 12pt.

Teaser should be no more than five (5) pages in length. Each act should be of equal length. For instance, if act one is 10 pages, then subsequent acts should be ten pages.

Pages should be numbered using the "insert page number" in the program's menu.

Document should be saved as either: .txt, .rtf or .doc

Note: Scripts not conforming to these guidelines will be returned to writer for proper adjustments.

The artists and illustrators volunteering their time and talents will be incorporated into the Virtual Season's "Art Department" and will receive their assignments from the Art Director.

There will be three (3) categories:
 

NOTE: When volunteering to join the Virtual Season's "Art Department" please specify your preference from the three (3)categories. It is alright if you wish to specify all three (3).

Procedures:

An email will be sent out to the entire art staff. Attached will be a schedule of proposed episodes and their air dates. Illustrators who are available respond to the mailing, informing the art director of their availability, which episode they would like to work on, and whether or not they would be willing to work with another artist on the team. If they would prefer to work on an episode alone, then it boils down to a first come, first serve basis, based on the time-stamp on the email. The illustrator will receive an entire script, approximately one month prior to air date even if the script is undergoing editing. They will be kept abreast of the potential changes, if it has a direct affect on the script, which could hamper illustrations.

In most cases, the illustrator has free rein, unless otherwise directed by the Production Managers, as far asappearance of the main characters and their attire are concerned.

Illustrators should also keep in mind that there is always the potential that a bard will be late in returning a script, and therefore their time may be limited in producing the artwork.

Note:
 

Special Note: Any illustrator who cannot meet their commitment for a given episode should notify the Art Director at least 3 weeks in advance. Also, if a script arrives late, a team of illustrators will be chosen in order to provide the number of illustrations required. On late scripts, all illustrators are expected to meet the commitment.

Artwork/illustrations/animated .gifs:

Artwork/illustrations are in story board format and should depict the action and/or scene, utilizing the costume designs provided if any).

Are the Virtual Season's Editors and will be receiving notification that a manuscript is ready to be beta read and prepared for airing. They will be asked if they are available to work with the script. If they are available, they will be assigned their script, based on their submitted profile, by the Production Manager in charge of Beta Readers.

At this time, the XWPVS has adequate coverage for beta reading of episodes.

The Beta Reader's identity will be anonymous to the bard. The Beta Reader will have approximately one week to review an episode and will be given the return date by the Beta Reader Production Manager. A schedule of Air Dates and Deadlines will also be provided.

If you have any questions, the Beta Reader Coordinator/Production Manager can be reached at: Talice

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Responsibilities: