Movie Magic Tips & Tricks – Knowledge Base
Here are some quick answers to commonly asked questions regarding the use of Movie Magic Budgeting and Scheduling.
COMMON QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Where can I find the complete user manual for Movie Magic Budgeting 10
The complete online user manual for MMB 10 can be accessed here.
For non-native English speakers, you can do an automatic translation using the Chrome extension, Mate Translate. For Safari users, there is also Mate translate and Hóla for Safari.
Interested in becoming a Moviesoft Movie Magic Budgeting and Movie Magic Scheduling trainer? Click here
How to copy and paste from Excel to Movie Magic Budgeting 10?
With MMB 10, you can copy and paste a selection of lines from an Excel spreadsheet into MMB 10. Here is the procedure:
- Open both documents (Your Excel spreadsheet and your MMB10 budget)
- If you copy and paste a selection of lines at the Detail level of your budget, it’s essential that the order of your columns in both documents (Excel spreadsheet and MMB 10) matches.
- Your Excel spreadsheet may have more columns than your MMB 10 file. Or vice-versa. So, you must make the necessary adjustment before copying and pasting from one document to the other.Once this is done:
- Open your Excel document and select the block of lines you want to copy.
- In your MMB 10 budget, select the first cell of the Description column
- Do a right-click and then select Paste Cells From Excel
The complete procedure is detailed in this document, Copy-and-Paste-Excel-to-MMB10
Lock File / Running Instance Error Message
Lock File – Running Instance Error Message
When you see a running instance error message, you must delete the lock File (MMS or MMB) in order to use MMS or MMB.
To delete the lock file:
For MAC USER
- Open your Finder
- Do: cmd + shift + H
- There, MM Data > MM Scheduling or MM Budgeting
- Delete the file named: movie_magic_budgeting.lock or movie_magic_scheduling.lock
- Relaunch MMS or MMB
FOR WINDOWS USER
-
C:/Users/*Username*/MMData/MM Budgeting
-
You should be able to see the lock file
- Delete the file named: movie_magic_budgeting.lock or movie_magic_scheduling.lock
- Relaunch MMS or MMB
Why this happens?
When you work on a Movie Magic file (MMS or MMB), Movie Magic creates a lock file (during the session) to prevent another user to access your file (if it s saved and shared on a server for example). When you close your file, the lock file is normally closed as well.
However when there is a crash, the lock file is not closed.
Also, double-clicking on a file to open when the program already has a file open can result in this as well. It is recommended to always open a file from within the program by going to File > Open rather than double-clicking on a file.
If you don’t use for a long period of time MMB or MMS without closing your software, the lock file might create a blocking issue when you try to open MMB/MSS.
Therefore, it’s recommended to close MMB or MMS rather to leave the session opened when you have finished working.
I just installed MacOS Monterey (or Big Sur) and Movie Magic Scheduling 6 and Budgeting 7 don't work
This means that you are still launching an old version of Movie Magic Scheduling 6 or Budgeting 7.
Simply follow the directions below to uninstall/reinstall your software again and begin working in no time.
- Open your Finder
- Go to your Application folder and delete the folders within the MM Budgeting/MM Scheduling folder to uninstall without deactivating. To delete the folder, simply put the folder in the bin.
The program, when installed, will pick up on the old licensing data and you should be good to continue using Movie Magic. - Make sure all icons are removed from the desktop and/or Dock.
- Please find below the links to download the latest version compatible with Big Sur:
https://moviesoft.com/moviemagic-download-centre/
Odd errors (Topsheet empty, Cannot access the globals or Fringes, ...)
Sometimes when odd errors occur during the use of the program, the settings can get corrupted. Simply closing the program and deleting the Settings Folder will resolve this. To delete the Settings Folder:
Close MMB
Go to MM Data > MM Budgeting > Settings Folder
For PC users: C:\users\”yourusername”\MMDATA\MM Budgeting
For Mac users: Open the finder > Cmd + Shift + H or under the “Go” Menu click the house icon.
Once there, click MMDATA\MM Budgeting.
Delete the Settings Folder (put the folder in the bin)
Relaunch MMB and see if it works.
Close MMS
Go to MM Data > MM Scheduling > Settings Folder
For PC users: C:\users\”yourusername”\MMDATA\MM Scheduling
For Mac users: Open the finder > Cmd + Shift + H or under the “Go” Menu click the house icon.
Once there, click MMDATA\MM Scheduling.
Delete the Settings Folder (put the folder in the bin)
Relaunch MMS and see if it works.
I cannot find the default templates in Movie Magic Scheduling 6 and Movie Magic Budgeting 7
- Windows: C:/Users/*Username*/MMData/MM Scheduling/Templates/System Templates
- Mac: Macintosh Hard Drive > Users > *Username* > MMData > Movie Magic Scheduling > Templates > System Templates.
(alternatively you can hit simultaneously cmd + shift + H)
- Windows: C:/Users/*Username*/MMData/MM Budgeting/Templates/System Templates
- Mac: Macintosh Hard Drive > Users > *Username* > MMData > Movie Magic Budgeting > Templates > System Templates.
(alternatively you can hit simultaneously cmd + shift + H)
Then highlight the template you want to use and click OPEN. Once this is done once, you won’t have to do it again. For a more in-depth explanation, you may find this video useful:
My file is not printing properly nor printing at all
When clicking on “Group Setup”, Fringes, no pop up appears. (Movie Magic Budgeting 7)
- Close MMB
- Go to MM Data > MM Budgeting > Settings Folder
For PC users: C:\users\”yourusername”\MMDATA\MM Budgeting
For Mac users: Open the finder > Cmd + Shift + H or under the “Go” Menu click the house icon. Once there, click MMDATA\MM Budgeting. - Delete the Settings Folder
- Relaunch MMB and see if it works.
Does Movie Magic Scheduling 6 or Budgeting 10 create backup files and where are they located?
With Movie Magic Budgeting 10, there is an auto-save. So you don’t have to worry about saving your work.
Movie Magic Scheduling 6 and Budgeting 7 work differently. Both Movie Magic Scheduling 6 and Budgeting 7 regularly create backups of your file in case of a small technical issue such as:
– Lock file Issue
– Application crash
– Power cut
The backup files are located in the Backups Folder:
MM SCHEDULING or BUDGETING
- Windows: C:/Users/*Username*/MMData/MM Scheduling (or Budgeting) /Backups
- Mac: Macintosh Hard Drive > Users > *Username* > MMData > Movie Magic Scheduling (or Budgeting) > Backups
You can check the following tutorial video as well:
How to properly open a Movie Magic File
To open a Movie Magic file (Scheduling 6 or Budgeting 7), it is recommended you don’t double-click on the file icon but rather, launch the application (MMS or MMB) and then go to File > Open and then open your file.
How to create a PDF (schedule or budget)?
Movie Magic Budgeting 10
With MMB10, you can easily generate a PDF file fro the Printing & Reports menu:
- Open your budget
- Go to File > Printing & Reports
- Customize your report
- Click Next to either Print on a proper Printer or Generate a PDF file.
Movie Magic Scheduling 6 or Budgeting 7
There is no PDF button in Movie Magic Scheduling 6 or Budgeting 7. To create a PDF, you will need to use the print function.
- Open Movie Magic
- Go to File > Print
- In the Print Window, Select the PDF menu at the bottom left
How do I create a shooting script?
A shooting order script is the working script whose scenes are sorted in the shooting order determined by your schedule.
The best way to create a shooting order script is the use Final draft Card View Mode
An alternate way to save new versions of your file
- Do a right-click (Contextual Click) on the file
- Select Duplicate
- This will create a copy of your file
- Do a right-click and select File > Copy
- Unselect the file
- Do a right-click again and select Paste
- This will create a copy of your file
Importing a Final Draft script into Movie Magic Scheduling 6
You cannot directly import a native Final Draft file into Movie Magic. Actually you can but it only imports the scene headings and character names.
In order to import all data from you script, you have to import a “.sex file (which stands for Screenplay EXport file). This file can be directly generated from Final Draft 11 by opening the script and going to File > Export > Script… Then, select the .sex file format.
Then in MM open a new template and import the .sex file at that point. This will create a new Schedule document.
In addition, in the latest version of Final Draft, you can fully tag your script. We have created two great guides covering this topic. They will help you to really use the best of both software and save a lot of time.
- Breakdown Your Script in Final Draft®
Getting Started on Movie Magic Scheduling 6
https://moviesoft.com/product-category/mypocketguide/filmmaking/
Download MMB7 Shortcut Keys & Quick Tips
Can I merge schedule files?
I cannot deactivate to install on a new computer (or reinstall)
If you have an older version of MM Budgeting 7 or MM Scheduling 6, updating to the latest version often solves the problem of the deactivation option being greyed out. You can download the latest version here.
If that doesn’t work, when installing/reinstalling your software, you will be able to remotely deactivate your license from your old computer/installation. During the license activation, a window containing a list of computers where Movie Magic has already been installed will be prompted. From that window you will be able to request a remote deactivation.
You can request an activation reset (which you will see on the screen at this point). This will send a notification to EP. They will send you a PIN via email, which will allow you to deactivate an old or inaccessible computer. Please note this will only come from EP, not us. If you have any issues during the procedure or do not receive the PIN, please contact EP directly at support@ep.com.
Check out this video for more on this procedure:
Movie Magic is asking for my password and won't accept my license key.
If the program is requesting your password, this is the password you use to log into your computer, not your MM license key. This will occur during the installation/reinstallation.
It may also occur if you have recently updated your operating system and may not accept your password. The reason is that you have an older version of the program installed, which may not be compatible with your current operating system. Please click here to download, then install, the latest version.
I'm getting a FNP licensing error message
This error occurs if you have updated your MacOS and are still running an older version of the program. Please click here to download, then install, the current version to resolve this problem
How do I move a license from my old computer to a new one?
To move a license, simply deactivate the old computer by opening the program and going to Help > Licensing and click Deactivate. Once this is completed, you can install on the new computer and activate. This video will take you through each step of the process if you need more information:
Can I install on a Chromebook or iPad?
MM Budgeting 7 and Scheduling 6 cannot be installed on a Chromebook or iPad. MM Budgeting 10 cannot be installed on either at this time. This may change in the future. Please keep up to date with all the new features and announcements by signing up for our newsletter.
Importing MMS 6 file library into MMB 10
MMS Calendar doesn't display in English
If your computer’s language is set to a non-English language, the Calendar feature will display in the language to which it is set, although the dates display as in English. For example, in France the date is written as Lundi 6 Avril. MMS displays it as Lundi, Avril 6. To change this to English, change the language setting in your system preferences to English, then restart your computer.
How do I create a 2nd Unit Shooting Schedule?
1 – IN THE BREAKDOWN SHEET
Clearly specify the scenes to be shot in main or second unit by using the “Unit” Field in the breakdown sheet.
2 – IN THE CALENDAR MANAGER
Create a second Unit calendar
1 – Click on the New Calendar Icon
2 – In the name field, give a name to the calendar. 2nd Unit Calendar for example.
3 – By activate the 2nd Unit shooting days by deactivating the non shooting days. Select the non shooting days, one by one, and click on “Day Off”.
In our example, we kept April 5, 8 13 and 26 as 2nd Unit shooting date.
3 – IN THE STRIPBOARD MANAGER
1 – Click on the “New Stripboard” Icon
2 – In the “Name” field, give a name to that new board.
3 –Associate the stripboard to the new calendar you just created, by selecting it in the dropdown menu Calendar.
4 – Activate the new stripboard.
4 – IN THE STRIPBOARD WINDOW
1 – open the Boneyard Window by click on its Icon.
2 – Open the Find Advanced window. Edit > Find Advanced.
3 – Click on the Add button
4 – In the Field drop down menu, select “Unit”.
5 – In the Operator drop down menu, select “Equal To”
6 – In the Value drop down menu, select “2nd Unit”
7 – In the Look In drop down menu, select “ Stripboard”.
8 – Activate the “Move Strips To” Option and select “Beginning Of” in the dropdown menu.
9 – Click on “Find All”
Now the 2nd Unit scenes are in the new stripboard window. Add your daybreaks which will have the 2nd Unit Calendar dates.
How can I become a MMB and MMS trainer for Moviesoft?
To become a freelance film consultants/trainers to deliver Movie Magic Scheduling and Budgeting training in various languages, click here.