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Provides writers with the ability to lock scenes when editing a script that is in production. Revision mode supports the Hollywood standard A and B scene nesting, an innovative numeric mode, plus the ability to create your own unique nesting style template. A 'Fix' feature can be used to manually change any scene nesting. Revision mode also enables edits to be colour coded to help keep track of changes made between revisions or by different writers.
New! Text Lock
Enables a writer to lock a script from further text editing, while allowing others to continue working on the project. Useful for protecting a script while it is being marked up and broken down for production. The script can be locked and unlocked as many times as needed.
New! Sketch Tool
Now you can add your own drawings to a project. The Sketch tool can be used to draw a sketch or setup which can also be added to your storyboard. The Sketch tool includes pre-loaded icons for camera, lights and people that can be tagged with text, and tools for drawing lines, arrows, shapes and adding text. Plus, professional art packs of additional images (eg. girl, boy, crowd, car, furniture/fixtures, etc.) can be purchased from the Celtx web site.
Improved! Typset/PDF
Newly relabeled, TypeSet/PDF provides precise automatic formatting of your script to industry and international standards. New for this release, Typeset/PDF now allows you to set single, double, or triple spacing after scenes - allowing you to better manage script lengths.
New! Live Chat Now Celtx Studios owners can have live text conversations with others in their Studio, and with project collaborators. Useful for providing live direction and feedback, for planning, and simply for staying in touch. Select the Chat icon next to the Studios sign-in in the Celtx software.
THANKS for continuing to make Celtx the #1 choice for media pre-production.
The Celtx Development Team Sheila, Steve, Laurie, Tony, Greg, Chad & Mark
After your previous signature, Balt, I was expecting this type of response from you. Yet I posted it anyway. Personally I don't mind using Celtx and I don't mind reading other people's scripts that have been written in Celtx.
Hey, if you have a story to tell... You have no other means of getting quality software and you simply have no other choice... Yeah, try to use it. I've no doubt that it will help you slap up the shell of your story.
But, for the sake of proper formating...
It's
INT. SIMPLY SCRIPTS - DAY
not
INT. SIMPLY SCRIPTS. DAY
& I have a whole list of other grievances with the software too. But, yeah... use it. Don't use it. Whatever... to each and all there own. I mean, Dollar Trees exist because people shop there, right? Celtix must exist because people use it... That's how I look at it. Just don't go lookin' for a read from me if I see the many "Celtix only features" littered about your script.
Men love the "more power" thing. I love experiencing it from one side.
What is important for me, as a writer, is a tool that will provide "flashbacks" shall we say? So that the collaborator can readily see the changes and approve or negate them, and thus...
As a group, we can see the road we've traveled.
Also, I'd like a tool that helps me to streamline and see firsthand, the individual character motivations.
The thing is:
I want to spend my time writing. I don't want to spend a whole pile of time trying to learn to use a program.
There are people in this industry that are completely suited to that and I want them to initiate and run with those platforms.
Do you think this is good for someone like me? Is it intuitive?
That's important for me because I want to spend my time writing and not trying to learn a program. Maybe in another life it will be different. But in this one, I am concerned with language.
Sandra, Celtix is a program that structures your screenplay half assed. That's putting it mildly. It tries to throw all these options that the other guys have at you, but half hearted versions of them. Like the index cards and now this little sketch thing... I've been doing sketch work on Toon Boom storyboard pro for 2 years and nothing compares. Celtix sees these features and software apps and tries to emulate them.. That's cool for the user because it's free, but the big picture here is they are all but unsuitable tools.
Download Celtix and try it. If you like, cool... you're not out anything. It's free. If you don't... get ahold of me and I'll get you some decent software for free that smokes it's ass and rotates it twice.
It doesn't matter what you have... As long as you have the last line you wrote. All that other stuff is rich kid on the block syndrome. I know writers who are so good they still use type writers. Do you have that desire?
It doesn't matter what you use to create the story - it is whether you have the talent and the ability and the desire to tell it. Final Draft or any of the rest will not give you this (any more than reading Mckee or the Screenwriters Bible will).
I have tried out a few different software packages - and Celtx is the first one I have felt comfortable with, so I am quite happy to stick with it.
It doesn't matter what you use to create the story - it is whether you have the talent and the ability and the desire to tell it. Final Draft or any of the rest will not give you this (any more than reading Mckee or the Screenwriters Bible will).
I have tried out a few different software packages - and Celtx is the first one I have felt comfortable with, so I am quite happy to stick with it.
Ahh, but you only have half the quote... What's the part about the desire to write your script on typewriter? You have tohave desire. If you don't, you have nothing. I've written some of my 124 different screenplays on nothing more than notebook paper... That's desire... Even still, I'd rather use it than Celtix.
As I said, it's a free ap... Try it. If you like it, cool... but there are industry standard apps that are available and just as easy to obtain as Celtix. Celtix is not industry standard... A script done on Celtix is easy to discern from the crowd and it looks unprofessional. This is the sad case... Try to write a script with it and send it my way, but don't tell me you wrote it on Celtix... I will bet my fingers on the fact I will know it was done on Celtix by 6 thigns Celtix does that no other software does... Things you can't change or alter and things that anyone who actually knows the proper format of a screenplay are. Not letting software do it for you, but actually knowing. As in, you can write a script by tossing it into any app and have it spaced accordingly.
Ahh, but you only have half the quote... What's the part about the desire to write your script on typewriter?
You have to have desire. If you don't, you have nothing. I've written some of my 124 different screenplays on nothing more than notebook paper... That's desire...
Even still, I'd rather use it than Celtix.
As I said, it's a free ap... Try it. If you like it, cool... but there are industry standard apps that are available and just as easy to obtain as Celtix.
Celtix is not industry standard... A script done on Celtix is easy to discern from the crowd and it looks unprofessional. This is the sad case...
Try to write a script with it and send it my way, but don't tell me you wrote it on Celtix... I will bet my fingers on the fact I will know it was done on Celtix by 6 thigns Celtix does that no other software does... Things you can't change or alter and things that anyone who actually knows the proper format of a screenplay are. Not letting software do it for you, but actually knowing. As in, you can write a script by tossing it into any app and have it spaced accordingly.
What excites me is the fact that I don't know what the hell I'm doing, but I have a great desire and study long and hard. Whatever tool, be it Celtx, or what-have-you, I feel that we should use if we are so inclined. If it works, then that's excellent. If not, then move on.
My personal philosophy is not to disqualify ANYTHING. Everything has purpose and place, although we need to make those particular discernments of "what" place and "what" time. And all-of-that... long story-very-complicated.
For me the challenge is finding the correct method, individually and with others. I'm keen on using the technology, although I'm really stilted technologically. Stupid irony again.
Hey, if you have a story to tell... You have no other means of getting quality software and you simply have no other choice... Yeah, try to use it. I've no doubt that it will help you slap up the shell of your story.
But, for the sake of proper formating...
It's
INT. SIMPLY SCRIPTS - DAY
not
INT. SIMPLY SCRIPTS. DAY
& I have a whole list of other grievances with the software too. But, yeah... use it. Don't use it. Whatever... to each and all there own. I mean, Dollar Trees exist because people shop there, right? Celtix must exist because people use it... That's how I look at it. Just don't go lookin' for a read from me if I see the many "Celtix only features" littered about your script.
What exactly are these 'Celtx only features' that get you so wound up? You always bash Celtx, but rarely do you actually go into specifics to back up your attacks. The one you posted about sluglines - Celtx doesn't do that. It's that simple - you choose how you write your sluglines, not the programme. So if people lay their sluglines out incorrectly that their fault, not the programme's.
What are the other signs that a script is written on Celtx? I'd be interested to know,
I understand you prefer other technology. I genuinely struggle to understand why you really seem to loath something that is, after all, helping people who otherwise might not write screenplays start to lay out their stories in the correct format. It may not have all the features other programmes have, but so what? What if you don't use them? What if all you want is a programme that takes what you write and lays it out in the correct way? A straightforward piece of formatting software, that requires no financial commitment and leaves you free to focus on WHAT you're writing, rather than HOW.
Celtx is free that makes it the best option for many screenwriters incuding me.... One more good thing about it is the support of different languages ( like greek). I have use trial versions of other programs , as final draft, and i couldnt manage to find a greek version. The only problem about Celtx is that it cant produce a PDF in greek but i can print my script from the working text.........
Try to write a script with it and send it my way, but don't tell me you wrote it on Celtix... I will bet my fingers on the fact I will know it was done on Celtix by 6 thigns Celtix does that no other software does
Balt, not being funny or anything but my script 'Small Change' was written on Celtx. All my scritps so far have been. I'm not sure if you knew that anyway and just didn't mention it in your review. I would love to get final draft or something like that but can't afford it and really I don't have any problems with Celtx, for the time being at least.
Anyway, if you have another free software I'd appreciate a link to try it out.
Balt, not being funny or anything but my script 'Small Change' was written on Celtx. All my scritps so far have been. I'm not sure if you knew that anyway and just didn't mention it in your review. I would love to get final draft or something like that but can't afford it and really I don't have any problems with Celtx, for the time being at least.
Anyway, if you have another free software I'd appreciate a link to try it out.
Ste
Send me an e-mail sometime... And, i can't recall Small change off hand, I'll have to go back and recheck it. I believe, if I'm not mistaken, it's the one where you kept your action flowing over onto the next page, yea? Like, you'd have a cohesive action slug and then carry it over onto the next page? Yeah, you got format problems, but somehow managed to catch one of Celtix glaring problems yourself... That's the hyphen swap instead of the period in your scene headers. I hate when I see a script written in Celtix like this
INT. SIMPLY SCRIPTS. NIGHT
I can't stand it. It drives me up a wall... But that's not all. Celtix also gives you margin spaces like Character cues at 3 instead of 4 spaces and .04 margin to the right. This is wrong and it looks sloppy. Check your little celtix scripts in proper software or against real rule of thumb screenwriting standards... You're writing them in the wrong format. Close... but not true industry standard. There are also other things a miss with it that I'll go into later on... I'm pressed for time right now and have to run, though.
Send me an E-mail... I'll hook you up with better than good writing software. I'll get you great software.
Celtx is good enough for free software. I simply don't have the coin for another program right now and Celtx isn't half-bad since the patches they released a year ago.
I got the new celtx, then remebered why I stopped using it. The sketch tool I thought was neat though, wasn't sure how exactly sketching helps with writing, but I did draw an awsome pac-man.
I'm going to stick with word, not much better I know, but I prefer it over Celtx.
I have no idea what your thing is about CELTX Baltis, me thinks you have not even used it since the first version, or maybe even never at all. Your reasons for bashing it are simply not true, I have no idea where you get the slugline example from.
I used CELTX to start with and then bought FD to give it a try, I actually went back to CELTX because I was more comfortable using it and it does a great job. Nothing to do with it being free whatsoever.
Anyone who compares free software with the dollar shop is completely missing the point about free and open source software. Some of the best software applications I use today are free and open source. For example XMBC which drives my TV is far better than Windows Media Center and yet it is free.
You can have your opinion of course but should back it up with something credible as your current reasons are simply not true.
In short I use CELTX because I think it is the best out there and would pay for it if there was a price to pay. I have no idea why you hate it so much dude.
I have no idea what your thing is about CELTX Baltis, me thinks you have not even used it since the first version, or maybe even never at all. Your reasons for bashing it are simply not true, I have no idea where you get the slugline example from.
I used CELTX to start with and then bought FD to give it a try, I actually went back to CELTX because I was more comfortable using it and it does a great job. Nothing to do with it being free whatsoever.
Anyone who compares free software with the dollar shop is completely missing the point about free and open source software. Some of the best software applications I use today are free and open source. For example XMBC which drives my TV is far better than Windows Media Center and yet it is free.
You can have your opinion of course but should back it up with something credible as your current reasons are simply not true.
In short I use CELTX because I think it is the best out there and would pay for it if there was a price to pay. I have no idea why you hate it so much dude.
Then keep on using it man... But if you're saying you'd pay for Celtix at a price, you're outta your damn mind. Celtix isn't industry standard. Deal with it. As I said, load one of those awesome Celtix scripts into "REAL" software like Movie Outline, which is industry standard, and you'll get the picture of what I'm talking about.
Movie Outline - 300 bucks, can be had for 200 bucks. Worth every penny.
Final Draft - 300 bucks can be had for free if you know the right people. Worth every penny.
Sophocles - Out of circulation... Best Software on the block. Can be had for free.
Celtix - Teaching you all way left field wrong. It's like using "tight" or "loose" format in a real Screenwriting application. Free, cool... Take it. Use it. Just don't think you're set to industry standard.
And I've known of Celtix since it's inception, man. I've used every single Screenwriting app out there. From Mac to Linux based software. From word docs. I've even penned a script on a word processor before. I know the "actual" guidelines of a script. A properly formated one and I don't need software to do it... I'm not "uninformed" when it comes to this gig, man.
In "MY" opinion, and my word isn't rule, Celtix = suck. It is a Shit Bubble waiting to explode... Don't like my opinion, don't listen to it. Keep on drummin' out your scripts on it and don't pay me no mind. But for those who of you I do communicate with and talk to in PM and have let you in on better software, and I won't name names, you all know which is better. That's all I'm saying.
And, guess what? It didn't cost them a thing either... So free is subjective. Even more so when the app in question isn't even in circulation.
Baltis really concern me about Celtx. I thought it was industry standard! So i have a question .
If you write in Celtx can you convert your script in an other program? I mean if i get FD and open with it my old Celtx script, it will be properly formated or not?
Baltis really concern me about Celtx. I thought it was industry standard! So i have a question .
If you write in Celtx can you convert your script in an other program? I mean if i get FD and open with it my old Celtx script, it will be properly formated or not?
People will tell you it is... but Movie Outline says it isn't. I've checked and compared the ledgers, space headers, line tightness and other missteps of Celtix to "REAL" software and it is off. It is not standard Hollywood. Like it, love it or hate it.
I don't care that you all love Celtix... I don't care why you love it. I'm simply telling you all it isn't industry standard. That's fact. As I said, it is like writing in "loose" or "Tight" format in a premium software app. Sure, you "CAN" write like that and it might even look close to the standard, but it's not. It's off. In this instance, I encourage you to check out a book called "standard Script Formats (part 1)" In it you will learn "proper" format as if you were using a type writer... It was a book issued to me in a workshop I took at UMKC a few years back.
Read the book... Learn the rules. Check it against Celtix... realize how cheap "FREE" really is.
& last but not least... Send me an e-mail. We can talk all about "software". I'm done with this thread.
Tell ya what I'll do, Balt. If I ever decide to send a feature script to a producer or what have you I'll get software that can convert it in to the industry standard. But in the meantime I'll keep using Celtx because I'm happy with it.
I've been writing for awhile now. I use Movie Magic and I haven't had any problems with it.
But to see what all the talk was about, I downloaded celtix about two weeks ago and you know what...
It's slightly off the industry standard, not to mention, my personal spell check works better then there's.
How do you know Ghostwriter?
Most of my scripts are features but I wrote a 15 page short "DRIVING IN ENGLAND," then I re-wrote it in Celtix, compared them both in and out of PDF and you know what, Celtix version was off. Needless to say, I'd go back to FD before I 'd use celtix.
Wait! Maybe you didn't know what you were doing Ghostwriter?
No. I know software and what the industry standard is suppose to be. CELTIX is so easy, "A Caveman like myself can do it."
The only good thing is that it's free and so I do recommend it when I review scripts of writers who don't have any software.
I've been writing for awhile now. I use Movie Magic and I haven't had any problems with it.
But to see what all the talk was about, I downloaded celtix about two weeks ago and you know what...
It's slightly off the industry standard, not to mention, my personal spell check works better then there's.
How do you know Ghostwriter?
Most of my scripts are features but I wrote a 15 page short "DRIVING IN ENGLAND," then I re-wrote it in Celtix, compared them both in and out of PDF and you know what, Celtix version was off. Needless to say, I'd go back to FD before I 'd use celtix.
Wait! Maybe you didn't know what you were doing Ghostwriter?
No. I know software and what the industry standard is suppose to be. CELTIX is so easy, "A Caveman like myself can do it."
The only good thing is that it's free and so I do recommend it when I review scripts of writers who don't have any software.
Good Luck with it though,
Ghostwriter
I believe you that it was off, but that in no way really helps anyone. What aspects were off, and how were they off? That will help people to understand. When I do a search of the web on how to properly format a script, I get margins, left indent for Character, Dialogue, Parenthetical, Transition, how to properly format a Title page. The use of CONTINUED, etc. Oh yes, and to use Courier 12 pt. font (not Courier New).
So, with that being said, on your side by side comparison, please tell those of us who can't afford those other software packages, and don't want pirated software, just exactly what is wrong. Maybe we can make the manual adjustments on our own before producing the final version.
I believe you that it was off, but that in no way really helps anyone. What aspects were off, and how were they off? That will help people to understand. When I do a search of the web on how to properly format a script, I get margins, left indent for Character, Dialogue, Parenthetical, Transition, how to properly format a Title page. The use of CONTINUED, etc. Oh yes, and to use Courier 12 pt. font (not Courier New).
So, with that being said, on your side by side comparison, please tell those of us who can't afford those other software packages, and don't want pirated software, just exactly what is wrong. Maybe we can make the manual adjustments on our own before producing the final version.
Thanks.
First off, I'm not offering pirated software... What I am giving is a reg key givin to me by the creator of the program "Tim Sheehan". It even comes with an official doc from the man himself. Why? Cos I, like many others, have been fucked over and stood to lose all of our work when the DICK DRIP packed up shop and left town on everyone. Why? Cause a quick look at the Sophocles format will tell you why...
&, to further this, out of circulation apps are fair game... The code rights to these are forfeited once the site goes down. What am I talking about? Any product that does not offer a viable form of media "CD/DVD' copy for your possession upon purchase.
Check your legal log, Jack.
Don't even try for two seconds to tell me I don't have the right to my own work after buying the software. As for what Ghost is speaking of, it's what I am speaking of... Your margins are wrong. Your line tightness is off by .045 centimeters. Your Character cue's are wrong. Among many other ledgers. Check it in "REAL" software and you'll understand what I mean. & Manual adjustments... hahaha, do you even know proper format on your own? Can you write a script on a type writer in proper format? Or are you gonna line adjust and space and use an off kilter font to get he varied ressults? How long will that take? Please... Celtix is for shit. Cut a turd any way you like... It's still a turd.
I google searched this phrase: do screenplay readers use rulers? This was a hit:
Quoted Text
How To Format A Screenplay
Figuring out how to format a script correctly can stall many writers before they ever type their first FADE IN: (or, in most cases, never type FADE IN: - this element is no longer commonly used.)
To write this article, we spoke with screenwriters, teachers, professional readers, software companies, and screenwriting festival judges. We read some excellent books such as The Screenwriter’s Bible, Elements of Style for Screenwriters, and The Cole and Haag series. Here’s the secret to a properly formatted script:
There is no 100% absolutely correct way to format a script!
That’s right. Despite the rants and ravings of a few, there is no one way that a script must be written. This flexibility doesn’t mean that you can submit a script in Red, Bookman, 14 pt. Font that is all Right Justified. There are some rules which you must adhere. But, by and large, if your script looks properly formatted, few readers are going to pull out their ruler to make sure that every margin on each page is exactly right.
It states, as you see, that of course there are some standards which must be met, and I'll buy that whole-heartedly, but if .045 of a centimeter gets my script thrown out, then screw them. Metaphorically speaking. It does state, after speaking to professional readers, that if a script looks properly formatted, the reader will more than likely worry about the content of the script, which is as it should be.
I keep saying I'm done here but keep getting sucked back in... Steven, it's not any 1 thing that gets your script trashed. It's an amalganation of all the improper formatting that does. No, I agree, .045 isn't going to be much of a notice, but when you see a list of things the software isn't doing together, against other scripts... It does stand out.
Proper format in Hollywood is a bit of a lost legend nowadays. There is a rule of thumb you use and what goes inside that rule is up to you. But never stray from the absolutes. A sloppy script is a sloppy script and a shity story is a shitty story. Read a shitty story in a sloppy format and you're less than enthused to read anymore.
For instance, some people like using periods instead of hyphens. I use Hyphens. It's not etched in stone as of what is right and what is wrong. It's a user preference... But a Character Cue is a rule of thumb. There is only one way to use it and lay it down. The justifications to those cannot be compromised at all.
And as for fonts, another thing Celtix is always off on... Courier new isn't proper... Final Draft Courier 12 , yes... That's what I use to use for all my scripts, even in Sophocles I used it. But the "REAL" font is BITSTREAM 12point. Celtix = Curier new. I do use BITSTREAM 12 point in Movieoutline now and always. It is basically Courier 12 pitch over 10. Fundementally.
Standard width for Character spacing is 33. Always. People will try to use little tricks to gain extra page space, but they usually only use Celtix... "cough"
Pica line spacing of 6 lines to the inch... Check your little Celtix program to these standards. "ha"
Action - left - 1.4 Right - 0.9 width 6.2
Dialogue - Left - 2.9 Right -2.3 width 3.3
Character Cue - Left - 4.2 Right - 0.9 Width - 3.4
Parenthical - Left- 3.6 Right - 2.9 Width - 2.0
Transition - Left - 6.1 Right - 0.9 Width - 1.5
Use those, man... I did you a favor and anyone else who doesn't know proper format... I'm skilled in the format. I know how it goes. I'm not some moron who's never inked a script before. I know the damn craft inside and out.
But you see, therein lies the rub. I can find several sites on the web and books which give dimensions such as you just gave, and they are all different. For instance, here are the dims given right here on the Simply Scripts site:
Stage direction and shot headings: a margin of 1.7" of the left and 1.1" on the right. Dialog has a left margin of 2.7" and a right margin of 2.4". Character names over dialog (speaker) have a left margin of 4.1" Parenthetical direction within dialog has a left margin of 3.4" and a right margin of 3.1" Scenes transitions such as CUT TO: and FADE OUT. have a left margin of 6.0"
I copied and pasted these right from the Simply Scripts Script Formatting page, and none of these match yours. This is the part which confuses most people, myself included. Each site which gives this information touts it as 'the way to do it', yet they are different. This is why no one seems to know the true way to format a script, and why so many threads get lost in this kind of discussion. It's like having a different speed limit sign every 20 feet or so on the highway. Which freaking one is the right one?
Thank you, however, for your clear, concise, and in no way demeaning dissemination of this information.
But you see, therein lies the rub. I can find several sites on the web and books which give dimensions such as you just gave, and they are all different. For instance, here are the dims given right here on the Simply Scripts site:
Stage direction and shot headings: a margin of 1.7" of the left and 1.1" on the right. Dialog has a left margin of 2.7" and a right margin of 2.4". Character names over dialog (speaker) have a left margin of 4.1" Parenthetical direction within dialog has a left margin of 3.4" and a right margin of 3.1" Scenes transitions such as CUT TO: and FADE OUT. have a left margin of 6.0"
I copied and pasted these right from the Simply Scripts Script Formatting page, and none of these match yours. This is the part which confuses most people, myself included. Each site which gives this information touts it as 'the way to do it', yet they are different. This is why no one seems to know the true way to format a script, and why so many threads get lost in this kind of discussion. It's like having a different speed limit sign every 20 feet or so on the highway. Which freaking one is the right one?
Thank you, however, for your clear, concise, and in no way demeaning dissemination of this information.
The ledgers I gave are 100% spot on and acurate. You can deveate them by .01 in one way eitherway, but never anything more. That is proper STANDARD HOLLYWOOD formatting. The industry hasn't changed and you only sacrifice your own chances by not adhearing to the above. These people are pro's. They've read more screenplays than I've written or read combined. They know what to look for, when to look for it. They've seen it all... Reguardless if we agree on their taste.
They are the rule. Go ahead and write how you like. Adjust them how you feel... But make sure you know the difference. Celtix isn't industry standard software. I don't care how much tacked on shit they throw at you that deviates away from actually writing. A diversion is a diversion.
I just plain do not have the cash to get the big time programs we all talk about. However, I do have a free program called Scriptwriter, which allows for the total manual setting of margins and allows you to pick your own font. I've got the Final Draft Courier font. I have used Scriptwriter to write with before, but abandoned it for celtx. I've gone in and changed the settings more than once, because I keep finding different dims as I mentioned before, but got frustrated and decided to let celtx make those decisions for me. Maybe I should just stick to Scriptwriter.
Balt, the way you present your ability to 'fix people up' with real software really does come off sounding as though you're getting pirated software. I have known people who deal in pirated software, so I'm always on the alert for it. It sounds as though you're getting only Sophocles, and it is totally legit, since it is coming from the developer. I apologize for any misconception. I have never even bothered trying demos of FD, or any other script software, because I hate the idea of getting excited about something I can't get. Seeing as how this is a legit situation, I'd like very much to try Sophocles if you could PM me the info. Thanks.
I just plain do not have the cash to get the big time programs we all talk about. However, I do have a free program called Scriptwriter, which allows for the total manual setting of margins and allows you to pick your own font. I've got the Final Draft Courier font. I have used Scriptwriter to write with before, but abandoned it for celtx. I've gone in and changed the settings more than once, because I keep finding different dims as I mentioned before, but got frustrated and decided to let celtx make those decisions for me. Maybe I should just stick to Scriptwriter.
Balt, the way you present your ability to 'fix people up' with real software really does come off sounding as though you're getting pirated software. I have known people who deal in pirated software, so I'm always on the alert for it. It sounds as though you're getting only Sophocles, and it is totally legit, since it is coming from the developer. I apologize for any misconception. I have never even bothered trying demos of FD, or any other script software, because I hate the idea of getting excited about something I can't get. Seeing as how this is a legit situation, I'd like very much to try Sophocles if you could PM me the info. Thanks.
I would never condone pirating software for the intent to harm a company out of their rightful earnings. However, Sophocles went belly up, leaving me one pissed off sonuvabitch when I reformatted my computer and went to re download it from the website and it was no longer viable. I did a lot of foot work to come across it again, being one of the only people to hear from Ol'buddy and becoming a sort of spokes person for all of us who lost our scripts to the SCP file format. And not just on Simplyscripts... I advocated for months for the software just to find out when you do download it it is set to trial and you cannot export or import with it. Needless to say I took action.
I studied the laws regarding digital distributed content without physical media too. It's like all them games you download for Ps3 and xbox 360... with no media they are forced to include compatibility within their next units or offer a boot load solution to the problem. Trust me, many people will see what I mean in the years to come when they try to obtain the actual rights to the software via actual media.
Anyways, back to track... Sophocles is gone. Lose talk from ol'buddy says it's coming back with a 2010 revamp, but we'll see. One with actual physical media, but again... We'll see. As of now, though... anyone who had Sophocles and feels they are intitled to it to re obtain their scripts... I am 100% for it. It's the law.
I spent my money to obtain it. I wrote nearly all of my 124 screenplays with it. And to lose that catalog of work to a SCP format that isn't convertable... Please. you're crazy as hell. As I said, I did a lot of foot work and talked to him again and again until he listened to me.
I would never condone pirating software for the intent to harm a company out of their rightful earnings. However, Sophocles went belly up, leaving me one pissed off sonuvabitch when I reformatted my computer and went to re download it from the website and it was no longer viable. I did a lot of foot work to come across it again, being one of the only people to hear from Ol'buddy and becoming a sort of spokes person for all of us who lost our scripts to the SCP file format. And not just on Simplyscripts... I advocated for months for the software just to find out when you do download it it is set to trial and you cannot export or import with it. Needless to say I took action.
I studied the laws regarding digital distributed content without physical media too. It's like all them games you download for Ps3 and xbox 360... with no media they are forced to include compatibility within their next units or offer a boot load solution to the problem. Trust me, many people will see what I mean in the years to come when they try to obtain the actual rights to the software via actual media.
Anyways, back to track... Sophocles is gone. Lose talk from ol'buddy says it's coming back with a 2010 revamp, but we'll see. One with actual physical media, but again... We'll see. As of now, though... anyone who had Sophocles and feels they are intitled to it to re obtain their scripts... I am 100% for it. It's the law.
I spent my money to obtain it. I wrote nearly all of my 124 screenplays with it. And to lose that catalog of work to a SCP format that isn't convertable... Please. you're crazy as hell. As I said, I did a lot of foot work and talked to him again and again until he listened to me.
Oh geez. That would totally suck. I don't blame you one bit for chasing that guy down. No note, no nothing about sheehan software going under. 124 scripts lost. Damn. Half the price of Final Draft, too.
I'm gonna put in your specs and set Scriptmaker (Not scriptwriter, I was thinking wrong), and rewrite Uncle Harry. I'll check out how different it looks!
Slightly off point here, but I read somewhere that Scripped, the online writing software, had linked up with Move Magic, so their formatting is actually the right industry standard model that is so often talked about.
I have never tried Scripped - I tend to have internet connection problems, so the thought of having to be online for hours while I write put me off - but has anyone here ever tried it out? Is it any use?
I used Scripped for a while. It was okay...but in the end I abandoned it for Celtx. You have to be logged onto their website to use it, and I quite often had problems where the programme seemed to crash/freeze/fail to save and I'd lose the past five minutes of work.
Also, you store and access your scripts on their website...don't want to sound paranoid, but I'd rather have my works on my hard-drive than on their server!
It was the first software I used, but I wouldn't go back to it.
I have looked at their website a couple of times - and would agree with what you say Jonny - especially about online storage. If I write something, I want it in my hands (so to speak), not stored god knows where!
I have said this in other threads - my belief is this: If a producer/director looks at your work and throws it in the bin unread because it is written on Celtx (if they can tell) or someother software they don't like, or because it has CONTINUED at the bottom of the page, or whatever other stupid reason - then they are obviously wankers and I take the attitude that I would not want to work with them!
What matters is what you write - the story, the characters - not what you write it with - be it Final Draft Platinum Plated 9 or a battered old manual typewriter. The tool is not what makes you a writer. What is in your heart makes you that.
And anyway - most Hollywood pros use FD, and look at the crap they turn out!
Came across this online - thought it might be of interest, especially as it may cast some light on the differences between UK and US writers regarding formatting, and thus the uses of software such as Celtx:
Danny Stack Screenwriter, script editor. Writing credits include EastEnders, Doctors, Sofia's Diary, CBBC's Roy and CiTV's BAFTA-winning Amazing Adrenalini Brothers. Set up the Red Planet Prize with Tony Jordan in 2007 to find and encourage new writers. Former script reader for UK Film Council, Working Title Films, Pathe, Miramax, amongst others. Writer/director of Origin, short film starring Katy Carmichael and Lee Ross.
Everyone knows screenplay format and everyone knows how they should lay out their script. Final Draft, Movie Magic, etc - all the available screenplay software is endless. But there are still a few that fall through the cracks. In my experience, these tend to be European scripts, who format their screenplays in any way the writer feels comfortable. And good luck to them. But generally, it's not a good idea to turn your nose up at the basics of what a screenplay should look like.
By and large, spec scripts in the UK are decently formatted and presented. The US are sticklers for format but here in the UK, writers are probably a bit less concerned (and us readers probably a bit bit more lenient) if a script is written Time Roman pt 12 rather than the standard font of Courier pt 12. Of course, there are those who would argue that it doesn't matter what font or margin they use, it's the story that matters, but it would help greatly if the UK spec pile was as efficient and professional as our US counterparts.
...
There are people who could tell you immediately what the left and right margin should be but I'm not that anal. Thankfully, Final Draft does it automatically for me but if you don't have the benefit of screenplay software and are unsure of the margins, just use your common sense. About an inch to two inches either side would probably look okay. Writers occasionally get hung up on screen format issues too, like what to do when characters speak at the same time or how to do a phone call, but for me, as long as I can read it and not be confused, then it works. Use whatever you feel comfortable with in terms of relaying the story and the reader shouldn't have any complaints.
Now I'm contradicting myself with my earlier remark that the UK should be as professional as the US but if looks like a script and reads like a script, hell it's a script. The rest is down to content. What your story is like and how well you tell it. If you're sending your script to the US, and not via an agent, then it's best to make sure that you have all the exact details regarding format and how they like it but while all of this is important, it's just side-salad to what the script actually has to say. I read a script today that was full of spelling mistakes, bad grammar and questionable format but the dialogue was very funny which in turn made the characters more appealing, and the story bobbed along regardless of its format flaws. So yes, get the format right, be as professional as possible, but the story's the thing that will really catch the eye.
My hang ups on format are simple... I've written a ton of scripts. Some so good I'm holding onto them for when I'm actually serious about the business, rather care enough about the business to want to try it out. With that said, I've had "some" of my scripts, professionally critiqued by actual pro's in the industry for shit tons of money a pop...
I did this because at one time I was stupid enough to think I had a shot... As good as I feel I am at writing screenplays doesn't matter. What matters is what the guy and gal sitting in the position of power thinks. I've had my scripts sent back to me after spending 300 and 400 dollars with red marks all over. A shell of my former idea. I've had some of my scripts sent off with 120 pages, only to get back 40 pages of solid material. All of this at the expense of wonder.
So, you don't have to listen to me. You don't have to like me... I'm sure you don't. I'm a prick and an abrasive Dick Rip a lot of times. I know this. But I am trying to help you from my past experiences...
Now, I know standard format... I've taken classes. I've read all the books. I've done workshops... I've talked to people inside and out about my material. But regardless of how ready you think you are... how ready is the material you're selling?
Put it this way... I've been through the ringer so many times that I've learned not to produce anything to anyone that isn't 95% to you and the 3 people you let read it before you do.
I'm not as passionate about the industry as half of you people here. I could care less, at this stage, if any of my work gets made or not. I know what I've got and a lot of people I interact and net work with do aswell. That's what matters. I'm just not ready and might never be... but I do know one thing, I can write a damn good script regardless of how any one person feels about me.
And do you know why? Because I took the time to learn the format. Took the time to listen to others. Took the time to read scripts and took the time to breath. Life is life and we can spend all day here crying about this and that, but what's the point?
Listen, don't listen... it's subjective anymore because this is a teeter totter affair. Just one last question, how many times do you double space after a period when writing your scripts? Celtix doesn't do that for ya. Ya know that right? That is just one hang up you're gonna get flagged for if you send it off for review.
I emailed Celtx the other day and asked them if Celtx was industry standard. I also sent them the link to this thread and this what they said:
Quoted Text
Hi Chris,
Thanks for your email. Well I guess everyone is entitled to their opinion. I would hazard to say though that Mr. 'Baltis' may suffer from a bit of misinformation, and /or simply has a strong preference for other software, which of course is cool with us. To answer your question, Celtx formatting is based on the industry standard guidelines recommended by the AMPAS Nicholl Fellowship.
As per Baltis's comment below, it would be nice to know what exactly he's referring to so we can address these concerns, if in fact they are items that require fixing:
"...Celtix is not industry standard... A script done on Celtix is easy to discern from the crowd and it looks unprofessional. This is the sad case... Try to write a script with it and send it my way, but don't tell me you wrote it on Celtix... I will bet my fingers on the fact I will know it was done on Celtix by 6 thigns Celtix does that no other software does... Things you can't change or alter and things that anyone who actually knows the proper format of a screenplay are...."
I hope this helps, Chris. Let me know if there's anything else we can assist you with.
I emailed Celtx the other day and asked them if Celtx was industry standard. I also sent them the link to this thread and this what they said:
But I did... I listed the Hollywood absolutes in standards. All of them. Why didn't they address those standards? You sent them this thread, right? Well, I gave the proper format of a screenplay and they said nothing about it? Ha, address that Celtix. Address my stats and give us all of yours.
Please... Movie Outline ---> Celtix. Movie Outline = Industry Standard. Celtix = not so much.
Simple as that. I backed up my claims and they didn't address those claims by giving their own stats and ledgers. So, yeah... Case closed. I hope they did look at this thread... I hope they also read my stats and they adjust their software to them, cos that's what's important. That they get on track with the industry. Maybe this thread came in time for them to include my advice into this "NEW & EXCITING" update for Celtix.
But I did... I listed the Hollywood absolutes in standards. All of them. Why didn't they address those standards? You sent them this thread, right? Well, I gave the proper format of a screenplay and they said nothing about it? Ha, address that Celtix. Address my stats and give us all of yours.
Please... Movie Outline ---> Celtix. Movie Outline = Industry Standard. Celtix = not so much.
Simple as that. I backed up my claims and they didn't address those claims by giving their own stats and ledgers. So, yeah... Case closed. I hope they did look at this thread... I hope they also read my stats and they adjust their software to them, cos that's what's important. That they get on track with the industry. Maybe this thread came in time for them to include my advice into this "NEW & EXCITING" update for Celtix.
“Celtx formatting is based on the industry standard guidelines recommended by the AMPAS Nicholl Fellowship.”
I typed AMPAS Nicholl Fellowship into Google and The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences site came up. Here’s the page for Nicholls Fellowship in Screenwriting: http://www.oscars.org/awards/nicholl/index.html
I also clicked on the Screenwriting Resources title on the website and this came up:
There is no absolute “standard” format used by all professional screenwriters working in the American film industry. Slight variations abound in scripts written by professionals. That said, professional scripts will invariably resemble the formatting guide that follows. Nuances may vary – margins slightly different, a dash here or there, parentheticals used this way or that – but overall, professional screenplays fit these guidelines.
Realize that “shooting scripts,” the form in which scripts are most often available at libraries and elsewhere, are not the form in which most professional writers submit their scripts. Submission scripts, sales scripts, first draft scripts – all share certain characteristics: no scene numbers, few if any camera shots designated and sequences written in master scenes.
Your script does not have to mimic the following pages exactly, but it should closely resemble them. If you’re confused about which nuances are acceptable and which would push your script into an “out-of-format” category, you would do well to follow these guidelines and eliminate those questionable nuances.
Screenplay Format Sample (PDF)
Script Problems to Avoid
Can your script give a reader a negative impression before the reader starts reading? The answer is “possibly,” and whether it does will vary from reader to reader. Does a negative first impression mean that a script will be automatically dismissed? Of course not. If a script is good enough, no minor “fault” is going to stop it. But why cause a reader to have a negative first impression of your script if you can easily avoid it? Writers who entered scripts with one or several of these “faults” (variant covers and brads are the most obvious) have won Nicholl Fellowships. Undoubtedly, many scripts with some such “faults” have sold.
Twelve foibles that might cause a reader to think less of your script before it has been “cracked”:
1. Art on the script cover. 2. Hard, slick Acco covers (with long metal connectors). 3. “Permanently” bound scripts (i.e., plastic spine binding). 4. Commercial, “college paper” covers. 5. Wimpy brads. 6. Long “dangerous” brads. 7. Cut “dangerous” brads. 8. A “clipped” or “rubber-banded” script on non-three hole paper. 9. Overly thick scripts. 10. Thin scripts. 11. Three-ring binding. 12. Color of card stock cover that inadvertently bugs a reader.
(You’ll notice that I did not include the number of brads, though scripts with one brad generally aren’t too good. And once you turn inside a thin script and discover that it’s been copied on both sides of the paper, you forget the thinness [unless you hate having to fold back the pages to read them].)
What about after the cover is turned? Fourteen foibles that might invoke a poor first impression (based only on a script’s title page and page one):
1. Typo/misspelling on the title page. 2. Typo/misspelling in the first scene header. 3. Typos/misspellings in the first sentence or paragraph or page. 4. Triple/double spacing of every/many line(s) on first page. 5. Lack of spacing between scene header and description and/or between description and dialogue and/or between dialogue and dialogue. 6. Use of font other than Courier 12-point, ten-pitch, non-proportional. 7. Extensive use of bold print. 8. Dialogue that stretches from the left margin to the right margin. 9. Extra space between character name and dialogue. 10. Description and/or dialogue typed ALL CAPS. 11. Extremely narrow or extremely wide outside margins. 12. Long, long, long descriptive passages. 13. Handwritten or hand-printed script. 14. Other glaring, non-standard format usage.
Writers who entered scripts with one or several of these “faults” (non-Courier and lengthy description being the most obvious) have won Nicholl Fellowships. Remember, these remarks are based on subjective observation of subjective reactions. Not all readers are affected by the same “problems” when picking up a script. And if Shane Black were to have six typos on page one, would anybody care? Probably not. Until you are paid to write scripts, it’s probably more reasonable to be careful about your submissions.
Celtix doesn't work for me, because I don't have the time to go back and re-check THERE WORK.
ouch...
like I said earlier, one of the very few people here that has actually sold a script to Hollywood, uses celtex. I think that puts a lot of this argument to rest...
Okay we get it. If people use celtix, it's fine, as long as you have a good script, it will pass but if it's a bad script, whether it's FD, Movie Magic or any other software, it's going in the shredder.
Thank for posting the Academy info Chris - I found it very interesting indeed. Being British, I never thought of looking there, and it is really interesting reading this from the horse's mouth.
like I said earlier, one of the very few people here that has actually sold a script to Hollywood, uses celtex. I think that puts a lot of this argument to rest...
Well, you would think so, wouldn't you - however, experience has taught me that some people can argue with their own reflections! So I doubt that this, or what the Academy have to say will make a jot of difference to some people.
Sketch Tool - New Features and Improvements! Add your own drawings to a project. The Sketch tool can be used to draw a sketch or setup which can also be added to your storyboard. Custom-designed images can also be purchased from the Celtx website at http://celtx.com/toolbox.html.
Cut/copy/paste individual and multiple images within a sketch and between sketches. Group multiple items in a sketch and cut/copy/paste the group as a single item. Layer images to bottom/raise to top of stack. Color support added to lines, fill of objects, and text. Customize the text font and size and add bolds and italics. Plus more!
Typset/PDF - New Features! TypeSet/PDF provides precise automatic formatting of your script to industry and international standards.
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I use celtx. Not that I'm a great writer or anything, but I always seem to receive praise for good format. Without celtx, I would never have come as far as I have as a writer.
I recently downloaded a trail of MM just to compare it to Celtx. I don't know what anybody's talking about. Both PDF's documents looked nearly identical!
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