What does “web streaming” mean?

A web-streamed screenbook can be read in your browser on a computer, tablet, or phone. You gain access through a Screentakes account that you will set up before you buy (like a Netflix account). To read your web streamed screenbook, you will need a working internet connection.

What computers or devices can I read the web-streamed version on?

Although we have not tested the web streamed version on every device in existence, we are reasonably confident it is accessible on any less-than-five-year-old desktop or laptop computer that has an internet connection and is running an up-to-date browser, as well as most iPad and tablet devices with a screen size of at least 1024 x 768 pixels. If you are not able to access it, simply contact us at support@screentakes.com with information on which device and browser you are using. We will endeavor to remedy the problem as quickly as possible, and you will be helping other users in the process.

What browsers can I read the web-streamed version on?

The web streamed version should work on Mac or Windows computers and Android or iOS devices running a relatively recent browser. This means, by platform, that your browser version needs to be greater than:

While it is possible that Screenbooks may work on other browsers, we can’t make guarantees. For best results, a screen that is at least 1024 pixels wide by 768 pixels high is recommended. If you have a question about a specific browser or device, email us at support@screentakes.com.

When will the iOS and Android app versions be released?

Our Thelma & Louise and The African Queen screenbooks are currently available in the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store. The Kramer vs. Kramer apps are coming soon.

What devices can I read the iOS app version on?

The iOS app is downloadable onto iPads and iPhones running iOS 7 or later (but we don’t consider iPhone viewing optimal).

What devices can I read the Android app version on?

The Android app can be downloaded onto any Android tablet or Android phone, although we don’t consider phone viewing optimal. It will work best on devices running Android 4.4 (KitKat) or later with a screen size of at least 1024 pixels by 768 pixels. For reasonable performance, you’ll need at least 2Gb of memory, and more will certainly help. Because of the enormous range of Android devices, we have not tested on every device. If you have a question about the device you’re using, email us at support@screentakes.com.

Which format should I choose?

The web streaming version is the most accessible version: anyone with an internet connection and a relatively recent browser and device (be it computer or mobile) can use them. But it requires a well functioning internet connection as you read the book. However, while web streaming, depending on how old your computer is and which browser you are using, there is a small chance you will encounter buffering delays when viewing the videos.

The downloaded iOS app (for iPads and iPhones) and Android app (for Android tablets and phones) versions will not present video buffering issues and only require an internet connection for the initial download from the Apple or Google app store.

If I buy the iOS or Android app version, can I also read the screenbook on my computer?

No, the downloadable app versions are only accessible on their intended device.

Why do you say you don’t consider phone viewing optimal?

We are releasing the app versions of our screenbooks for the convenience of tablet viewing more than phone viewing because we conceive of them as books, not apps. It is built into the design that the videos, graphics and page layouts should be viewed at a book-like size. Thus, we consider most phones too small to get the full benefit of the user experience we have developed.

Having said that, we recognize the popularity of consuming content on mobile phone devices and, in most cases, we have determined that the technology will support it. So by all means try viewing the screenbook on your phone, but if you find the experience less than satisfying, please don’t give up on us before you have viewed it on a larger screen.

Can I web stream the ebook onto my mobile phone device?

Yes, but we consider this even less optimal than the mobile app versions.

Can I print my screenbooks?

No. We consider it a strength of our screenbook user experience that the videos and interactive graphics are not supplemental to the text. In other words, you can’t simply read the text to fully absorb the content being presented, with the videos and graphics being optional enhancements. On the contrary, you must engage with the videos and graphics to understand the points being made. This is why they are screenbooks, not print books. Thus, we do not support printing the screenbooks.

Will I be able to read these ebooks on an e-reader device such as Kindle, Kobo or Nook?

A slightly complicated question. E-ink devices (what most people mean when they say Kindle) were not built to display video or color images, so our screenbooks will not play on them. Newer ones – the Nook HD, the Kindle Fire or the high-end Kobo readers that can access the Google Play store — will be able to run the Android app version. Those that can run Google Chrome should be able to access the web-streaming version if there’s a screen resolution of at least 1024 x 768 pixels and 2Gb of RAM.

How are you able to use copyrighted photos and videos in the eBooks?

The use of photos and videos in these ebooks constitutes Fair Use under US Copyright Law. Also, the Copyright Ruling in 2012, providing exemptions from the DMCA, held that circumvention of DVD encryption is allowed when using short portions of a motion picture for the purposes of criticism or comment in nonfiction multimedia ebooks offering film analysis. All Screentakes screenbooks undergo a thorough review for Fair Use compliance by a copyright lawyer before being released.

Will these screenbooks tell me how to write a screenplay?

These screenbooks do not provide step-by-step advice on how to write a screenplay. What they do instead is show how screenwriting principles are successfully applied in the great films. Through immersing yourself in masterful works, the principles they demonstrate will seep into your creative unconscious and inform your own work. Also, as you consciously engage in shaping and refining your work, you will have a newly gained understanding of screenwriting principles to aid you.

What is your definition of a “great film?”

First, that the film has had staying power over time, which is to say, so many years later, people are still watching it and talking about it. Second, the film had a significant cultural impact when it was first released, which is not to be mistaken for box office success. Obviously, though, there is an element of personal taste involved as well.

Once I have purchased my screenbook, will it always be available?

By purchasing a web streamed screenbook, you are entering into a three-year license for online access to the book. At the end of three years, you will have the option to renew for another three years at a nominal fee (likely somewhere between $3 and $5). The reason for the time-limited license is, not knowing what future technology will bring, we can’t honestly make an unlimited guarantee. The reason for the renewal fee is to offset the cost of upgrades, both in content and technology.

What if I have lost my Username and Password?

You create a username and a password when you buy a book. Should you lose your password, you can reset it by going to https://www.screentakes.com/login, clicking the Lost Password link, and entering your username. If you don’t remember the username you used to purchase your screenbooks, send us an email at support@screentakes.com.

How do I get tech support help if I have a problem?

You can email us at support@screentakes.com. If you are are a teacher, please email us at teachersupport@screentakes.com. We will get back to you within one business day.

What is your refund policy?

If you are unable to access our screenbooks on your device, and we have not been able to remedy the problem for you, we will refund your purchase.