diff --git a/trailer.html b/trailer.html
index 4df48fd..4627b6f 100644
--- a/trailer.html
+++ b/trailer.html
@@ -322,7 +322,18 @@
     if (!busy && timer) { clearInterval(timer); timer = null; }
   }
 
+  // A refresh redraws the whole storyboard. While the author is watching a
+  // clip, or typing a note, or has the background box open, that redraw
+  // would stop the player and throw the typing away - so it waits.
+  function authorBusy() {
+    var vids = document.querySelectorAll("#pane video");
+    for (var i = 0; i < vids.length; i++) if (!vids[i].paused && !vids[i].ended) return true;
+    var a = document.activeElement;
+    if (a && a.closest && a.closest("#pane") && /^(TEXTAREA|INPUT)$/.test(a.tagName)) return true;
+    return !!(BGEDIT || EDITING);
+  }
   async function refresh() {
+    if (authorBusy()) { tick(); return; }
     var r = await api("run_status", { run_id: runId });
     if (!r.ok) return;
     RUN = r.run; DRAFTS = r.drafts || [];