Screenwriting Programs/ Devices

[alkytrio666]

Just curious as to what you guys use to write your scripts.

I recently started using Celtx (I believe I got the suggestion from someone around here) because it's free and pretty damn good.

Anyone?

Roderick, I'm extra curious as to what you use.

[Angelakillsluts]

I used to use sophocles, celtx is way better imo (and it's free).

[Roderick Usher]

there is no substitute for Final Draft. It is expensive, but it has the best autoformatting and is the industry standard.

Movie Magic Screenwriter is great and cheaper than FD and has the added plus of compatable budgeting software that is extremely helpful if you are producing your own material.

I've not used a free template in a long time, so I'm sure they've progressed. but if you're serious, you need to buy the real deal - it's tax D anyway.

[Vodstok]

I am serioulsy looking at final draft, probably will buy it next month. Which version do you use, Rod? Final Draft or Final Draft AV?

[Roderick Usher]

I have Final Draft 7.0

it is a little glitch-y, but still a great writing program.

In addition to screenplay templates, there are teleplay (oddly enough, a different format) stage play and novel templates.

[Vodstok]

Does it do spellcheck?

not that i have a problem cutting and pasting into Word and back.

[Roderick Usher]

yeah it does spellcheck and it also has smart-type which anticipates characters' names and automatically jumps from a slugline to an action line and other time saving features.

Has everything Word has (except font changes - courier is the standard) plus lots of litle things that make screenwriting much easier.

[Vodstok]

Originally posted by Roderick Usher
yeah it does spellcheck and it also has smart-type which anticipates characters' names and automatically jumps from a slugline to an action line and other time saving features.

Has everything Word has (except font changes - courier is the standard) plus lots of litle things that make screenwriting much easier. Sounbds like an IDE for screenwriting...

IDE = Integrated Developement Environment fo rthose who just went "Huh?". its the technical term for programs like Dreamweaver and Visual Studio, used for web design, programming etc. Most have smart type built in (good ones anyway)


Visual Studio is my chosen poison. Microsoft hit the nail on the head with this one.

Anyway, sounds like something i will be familiar with before i even use it :)

[Roderick Usher]

I'm computer illiterate, so I'm still figuring out all the features in FD. But then again I don't have the manual (like I'd read it anyway) it...wasn't an option...not that I pirated anything...I wouldn't ever advocate such behavior.

with your compu-geek lingo, You should have no problem with it.:D

[Vodstok]

Originally posted by Roderick Usher
I'm computer illiterate, so I'm still figuring out all the features in FD. But then again I don't have the manual (like I'd read it anyway) it...wasn't an option...not that I pirated anything...I wouldn't ever advocate such behavior.

with your compu-geek lingo, You should have no problem with it.:D :D


Sionce i started programming, and had been dreaming baout writing movies, i have always thought "wouldnt it be great to have a computer programme rin a movie, who actually programs, rather than random typing and a bunch of flashy shit happening on the screen?"


I mean.. i love Hackers, it's a fun movie, but it has me rolling on the floor these days. If the writer knew a thing about computers, the director tossed all of it out....

[Roderick Usher]

computers - and especially programming them - is the antithesis of "cinematic"

good luck with that one.:D

[Vodstok]

Originally posted by Roderick Usher
computers - and especially programming them - is the antithesis of "cinematic"

good luck with that one.:D I'll just walk in to the producer's office and say "HEy! Buddy!! I want the director to film it EXACTLY AS I WROTE IT!"

I'll point at him/her when i say it. i bet that will work. I'm kind of a big guy and wrested in high school (16 years ago....)

[Roderick Usher]

Producers LOVE being manhandled - the right ones at least;)

[urgeok]

Originally posted by Vodstok
:D


Sionce i started programming, and had been dreaming baout writing movies, i have always thought "wouldnt it be great to have a computer programme rin a movie, who actually programs, rather than random typing and a bunch of flashy shit happening on the screen?"



i cant for the life of me understand why spell checker would be a priority for you ?

:p

[Vodstok]

It's pretty obvious that i use Word for everything, isnt it? :)

[Leem_9000]

I've been using Movie Magic Screen Writer for a while now and I love it, I actually prefer it to Final Draft which I used to use. Less glitchy, very easy to use, gives you everything you need (has all the predicitve spelling for names, locations etc), saves to PDF and also has a neat funstion where a computer voice reads out your script for you. Fair enough its very simplistic and sounds like Stepehn hawking and his female counterpart chattering away but it helps in finding errors and judging the pace. Plus its cheaper.

[tonemeister]

we use movie magic here. it's worked pretty well for us so far :)