Comments on: Screenwriting Software that makes Writing Easy

By: Danny

Danny — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 14:41:20 +0000

Page 2 Stage is now free! It's designed primarily for writing spec scripts, but can also be formatted for shooting scripts (see Help File). Not quite as many features as Final Draft or Movie Magic, but if you're writing a spec script, it's perfect! Also, CutePDF works great with Page 2 Stage. Get both.

http://www.page2stage.com

http://www.cutepdf.com/products/cutepdf/Writer.as...

By: ChristopherR2D2

ChristopherR2D2 — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 19:13:38 +0000

@Amod & @Toni – I’m a bit surprised myself now that I see how many actually use it! I purchased Final Draft a while back, so I never really saw the need to explore other screenwriting software – I became aware with Scripped and ScriptBuddy only after the companies approached me here on ScriptXRay. I’ll definitely give it a look!

@Van – PDF conversion is a huge necessity when it comes to sharing your work with people – not just friends and other screenwriters, but agents, producers, directors, and all the other talent interested. If you can’t share it efficiently, then I’d veer from the software all together – even if it was free. Does Celtx offer some form of file conversion like PDF? Are they working on implementing PDF ability?

@http://celtx.com/ – Can screenwriters convert their work into a file as universal as PDF while using Celtx?

By: Patrick A. Horton

Patrick A. Horton — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 09:00:24 +0000

Admittedly I have been affiliated with them for years (as I like their software best), but nothing can even get in the same ballpark for writing, brainstorming, and production features of Write Brothers Inc / Movie Magic Screenwriter.

The extensive and easily visible or hidden outline and note features built into the document itself allows for massively powerful and fast brainstorning and laying out of story that with a click of the mouse can convert them into script elements. All without ever having to leave the document or loosing track of actual script page count.

Considerable actual production features continue to be built in and expanded in new version as well and easily converts scripts from one kind of format to another – i.e. flim, tv, novel. Does not require intermediary software to convert for scheduling or budgeting programs (these guys developed the original Movie Magic Scheduler and Budgeter), and can be used in conjunction with related story development software, StoryView and DramaticaPro. Is far more stable and effective than others in importing from other software or rich text, etc.

By: Désirée

Désirée — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 07:54:09 +0000

I’m a Final Draft-gal.

I tried Movie Magic, but their demo never worded so I’ve never tried it. Final Draft is so easy, no worries.

At first I didn’t thought I needed anything but MS Word, but I had so many formatting issues that it was insane.

I also prefer mindmapping (Freemind) as a tool when outlining. Together with a beat sheet on paper.

By: toni

toni — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 01:09:17 +0000

yep, celtx–surprised it wasn’t mentioned considering it’s free and above average.

By: Karyn Ben Singer

Karyn Ben Singer — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 18:53:54 +0000

I used Final Draft for nearly a decade when Celtx came along. At first, I didnt’ see a need to try a different software, but the lure of something fancy and new finally drew me in.

Celtx’s number one advantage is that it’s free. It also has a much more graphical interface that feels more modern than most of the other screenwriting programs. If you’re planning to take the next step with your script after it’s written, it has many features geared toward pre-production that you would normally find in a separate program. And that program would cost you another couple hundred bucks.

For folks who are just starting out and want to get a feel for the rhythm of screenwriting, this is probably the best way to go. Otherwise, it’s just like anything else in this business where several different things are the “standard” and everyone’s arguing over which one it is.

By: Van

Van — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 17:35:41 +0000

I use Celtx right now. It’s very good for a free program. I do, however, want to see the difference between Celtx and Final Draft though. One problem I have with Celtx is that their PDF conversation is a little off. But I’m sure it’s a bug they’re going to fix.

By: Amod

Amod — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 15:54:16 +0000

I can’t believe you didn’t list Celtx. It’s THE best software solution out there and it’s free! Paying 100s of $$ for what’s essentially a word processor makes no sense. An XML based open platform system offered at zero cost makes all the sense in the world.

By: Tammy

Tammy — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 15:14:05 +0000

To get the STORY written out & cohesive, I highly recommend CONTOUR by Mariner’s Software. It gives page beats which will really clarify your story.

Free 30-day demo is great: http://www.marinersoftware.com/sitepage.php?page=138

By: Lucy Lewis

Lucy Lewis — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 14:14:49 +0000

I use Final Draft since you can copy the screenplays into PDF documents and send them via email. Producers, agents, managers & others seem to be able to download them the easiest that way.

By: Stanley Izebhokhae

Stanley Izebhokhae — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 14:07:01 +0000

I use finaldraft, its enough and adequate, compared to celtx and sopholcos or?