What is a .CONTOUR file?
The .CONTOUR file extension is associated with a type of file known as a Contour Screenplay File. This file format is specifically used for creating and storing movie scripts. It was designed to work with a software program called Contour, which was developed by Mariner Software. However, it's important to note that this software has been discontinued, meaning it is no longer being updated or supported by the developer.
A .CONTOUR file contains a movie script that is structured according to a specific method known as the Contour story development philosophy. This philosophy helps writers develop their screenplay by focusing on key aspects of storytelling. It asks four main questions to shape the narrative: 1. Who is your main character? 2. What is he trying to accomplish? 3. Who is trying to stop him? 4. What happens if he fails? Additionally, the Contour philosophy guides the screenplay's structure through four stages that correspond to the main character's journey: orphan (act 1), wanderer (act 2), warrior (act 3), and martyr (act 4). This structured approach helps in developing a compelling narrative for a movie.
The content of a .CONTOUR file is saved in XML format, which is a flexible way to create structured data. Although the primary software for opening a .CONTOUR file, Mariner Contour, has been discontinued, the files can still be accessed if you have the software installed. Moreover, these files can be exported to an .RTF (Rich Text Format) file, which can be opened in various text editing and word processing programs.
In summary, if you have a .CONTOUR file, it contains a structured screenplay developed with a specific storytelling philosophy. While the original software to open these files is no longer available, users who already have Mariner Contour can still use it to open and work with their screenplay files. Alternatively, exporting the screenplay to RTF format can allow the script to be accessed through other common text editing tools.
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