Trying to use reports to generate Stand up comedy scripts

[marcusninja]

Hello everyone,

I was hoping to get some help - I'm having a hard time wrapping my mind around reports and most tutorials on the web do not cover my situation

I'm a stand up comic and recently made the decision to learn how to use Access so I can build a database of my routines. So far so good, I was able to set up a form and have started the arduous process of inputting everything -

But it will all be for nothing if I can't figure out these report generators.

Ideally I would like a situation where I can do a query, for example under 3 minutes and all clean material, which would generate entries from the database. From there I would like to pick and choose a set and create a report that presents it script style. Here are my stumbling blocks:

- The report wants to list everything in chart form. Ideally I want the title of the bit, followed by the length in minutes on one row, and then below it the actual script of the bit as wide to the page as it will allow. As it is now it is a lot of wasted space because it gives a column each to the title and length.
- I have no idea how to select a handful of items from a query and turn that into a report. I know this is an unorthodox use of a database - normally your query generates the exact info you want, but I want to use it to narrow down options, then from there pick and choose which ones (and the order they will go in) for the report. Is this possible?

I hope that I have made sense here, and sorry for the lengthy post. Any information would be extremely handy - I'm not naturally a computer person and some of these database concepts are really hard for me to wrap my mind around.

Thanks!
Joel

 

[Steve R.]

Well, your title may elicit responses that would constitute a unique opportunity for a comedy routine. This would not seem to be terribly complicated, but it requires that you do some hands on work to develop the database. We can't do that for you.

Actually this may not be all that unique, script writers (movie/tv) may actually have already designed such systems.

I would envision a table where you have either an entire routine or mix/match segments of routines along with fields such as ratings (PG,R), presentation time, audience reaction, and notes. I am sure that you would have many more types of criteria. Once you figure out your design and criteria read up on normalization for putting this together.

 

[Trevor G]

Welcome to the Forum Joel,

As you continue to build your database, think about using a form which uses Listbox entries and from them you can select multiple entries, perhaps then generate a temp table and that becomes the source for your report.

You can also add features like an Archive table which will record down when you last used the scripts.

If you need help setting this up then just ask the forum.

I would also include what version of MS Office you are using to enable the Forum to point you quickly to areas you need to consider and help with instructions and code.