What Gets Exported
The file is USS version 1.1.0. The export dialog has two checkboxes under Include in export:, Schedule and Breakdown. Both start ticked.
| Option | What it contains |
|---|---|
| Schedule | The stripboard (each day's scenes and banners in order), a boneyard of unscheduled scenes, and a calendar with the start date, off days and day names |
| Breakdown | Each scene's number, synopsis, pages, estimated duration, notes and script page, and its elements in the 18 USS categories: Cast Members, Background Actors, Stunts, Picture Vehicles, Props, Special Effects, Wardrobe, Makeup/Hair, Animals, Camera, Grip/Electric, Sound, Set Dressing, Greenery, Additional Labor, VFX, Weapons, Transportation. Custom categories and Set, INT/EXT and Day/Night come along too |
Tip: With Schedule ticked, the scene breakdowns go in the file even if Breakdown is unticked, because the stripboard needs them.
How to Export
The export is in the File menu on two tabs.
- On the Days tab, open File and choose Export File. On the Breakdown tab, open File and choose Export
- In the dialog, pick USS (.USS). The Days tab also offers Excel (.xlsx) and CSV (.csv). The Breakdown tab offers Excel (.xlsx). Excel is selected to start
- Tick Schedule, Breakdown, or both
- Click Export
- The file downloads as your production name followed by _export.USS
Moving a Schedule Between Tools
USS export lets a schedule leave G-Casper Pro in an open format. A production can import from Movie Magic PDFs, run the shoot here, and later hand the schedule and breakdown to someone working in ThinkCrew or another USS tool, with no retyping.
- Movie Magic 6 or 10 PDFs in, USS out
- USS in from ThinkCrew, USS back out after changes
- G-Casper or Casper Excel in, USS out
Compatible Software
Any software that reads USS can open the file. ThinkCrew supports it. The list of USS adopters is in USS: The Universal Schedule Standard. How much each tool reads from the file is up to that tool.
What Is Not Included
USS carries a schedule and a breakdown. It does not include:
- Call sheet contents: crew calls, cast times, notes, distribution
- Crew and cast contact details
- BG lists and the Extras Breakdown
- Production reports