Anyone know a good program that might make writing a screenplay easier? I mean, as it is, it isn't really tough. But maybe something that would automatically set up parameters and shit like that...
So I don't have to go back and highlight and Crtl+I actions.
Final Draft is nice ... you can download it on Overnet if you want to try before spending.
I've tried almost all the programs. Final Draft is the way to go. Well worth the bucks.
The only I've used is Sophocles, and I think it kicks a lot of ass. I don't see how it could get much better. Never tried Final Draft though. www.sophocles.net has a trial version.
Final Draft is like the Avid or Photoshop of script writing... everyone in Hollywood uses it (nearly without exception). I'd use it if I were you... :P
Nick
Thank you, I'll tell you how it works for me.
But, in the end, it's the script that matters; not the program it was typed on. No one reading your script will care or ask you, "Great script. What program did you use?"
Quote from: MacGuffinBut, in the end, it's the script that matters; not the program it was typed on. No one reading your script will care or ask you, "Great script. What program did you use?"
Point taken.
After checking Final Draft and Sophocles, the cheapness of not needing to register sets Microsoft Word highly above them. It won't kill me to highlight and put actions in italics or go out of my way. Even if the script turns out to be 100 pages or so...cramps add character...
i just got final draft and man it is awsome. It speeds up the whole process so much
*sigh* Maybe I'll be in the stone age forever.
Ignorance is bliss.
download it
Quote from: MacGuffinBut, in the end, it's the script that matters; not the program it was typed on. No one reading your script will care or ask you, "Great script. What program did you use?"
This isn't true at all... script readers read tons of scripts a day (tons = about 20-30), so they know what proper formatting is... and if your script doesn't have it, they won't read it... it goes straight into the trash... I know someone who was a script reader, and he'd toss at least half of the scripts out because they lacked proper formatting. Since nearly everyone uses Final Draft, the readers are used to the Final Draft formatting, so your script is more likely to be read.
Not to mention the fact that Final Draft lets you concentrate on the story while it takes care of all of the annoying formatting necesities.
Nick
Quote from: TheVoiceOfNickThis isn't true at all... script readers read tons of scripts a day (tons = about 20-30), so they know what proper formatting is... and if your script doesn't have it, they won't read it... it goes straight into the trash... I know someone who was a script reader, and he'd toss at least half of the scripts out because they lacked proper formatting. Since nearly everyone uses Final Draft, the readers are used to the Final Draft formatting, so your script is more likely to be read.
Proper formatting is done with Movie Magic or any other of the script programs too. I'd like to believe that if your friend threw them out it was because they weren't formatted correctly, not because they weren't done on Final Draft.
What can I get for free that is really good, and where can I get it?
I don't want no trial version watermark crap either.
Quote from: NewtronWhat can I get for free that is really good, and where can I get it?
Pretty much any of the scriptwriting programs can be downloaded from KaZaA.
Quote from: MacGuffinQuote from: TheVoiceOfNickThis isn't true at all... script readers read tons of scripts a day (tons = about 20-30), so they know what proper formatting is... and if your script doesn't have it, they won't read it... it goes straight into the trash... I know someone who was a script reader, and he'd toss at least half of the scripts out because they lacked proper formatting. Since nearly everyone uses Final Draft, the readers are used to the Final Draft formatting, so your script is more likely to be read.
Proper formatting is done with Movie Magic or any other of the script programs too. I'd like to believe that if your friend threw them out it was because they weren't formatted correctly, not because they weren't done on Final Draft.
I'm just saying that Final Draft will allow the screen writer to play it safe, not that its the only option... its definatly my prefered option, and that of my professional, better paid colleagues as well. :P
I use Movie Magic Screenwriter; those of you who've used both, what are the differences between it and Final Draft? I'd assume formatting is exactly the same and the differences are in the features.
Quote from: TheVoiceOfNickI'm just saying that Final Draft will allow the screen writer to play it safe, not that its the only option... its definatly my prefered option, and that of my professional, better paid colleagues as well. :P
And I'm saying do what works best for you, because when a reader gets a script, once he/she checks that it's properly formatted, then it's what you've written that matters.
Two questions: 1)What exactly do these scriptwriting programs do besides properly formatting a script? and 2)Why isn't this thread in Brainstorming or Tech Talk?
Quote from: GhostboyI use Movie Magic Screenwriter; those of you who've used both, what are the differences between it and Final Draft? I'd assume formatting is exactly the same and the differences are in the features.
is movie magic a lot better? What are the big differences?
Quote from: coffeebeetleTwo questions: 1)What exactly do these scriptwriting programs do besides properly formatting a script? and
There is just a lot of "smart type" functions to cut down on time and formatting headaches.
Ex. with Final Draft, pressing the TAB key allows you to easily jump from dialogue, scene, action, or shot instances. Also things like prefilling a characters name, or scene heading...
They just basically take the things you would type out, over, and over...and make it happen simply by pressing the enter key. There are a lot of functions, but the biggest is just getting rid of the time consuming bullshit.
Quote from: MacGuffinQuote from: TheVoiceOfNickI'm just saying that Final Draft will allow the screen writer to play it safe, not that its the only option... its definatly my prefered option, and that of my professional, better paid colleagues as well. :P
And I'm saying do what works best for you, because when a reader gets a script, once he/she checks that it's properly formatted, then it's what you've written that matters.
I completely agree. :-D
I've downloaded Final Draft (if I ever make it I'll buy it) but it's funny, the work fucking isn't in it's dictionary.
I guess Tarantino and PTA had to add that word pretty quickly.
when you make a statistic report, it will tell you each naughty word you used and how many times you used them
id go with movie majic screenwriter over final draft, big disadvantage about draft is the fact that you can only have the registered copy on 2 computers.. its a big pain sometimes... theres other probs to it compared to majic, download a demo of movie majic, its great
chris
Final draft is pretty awsome. Its pretty straight forward. Its basically like word with controls over dialogue, etc. It has my vote.