I am a poor 18 year old without a job and a passion to write...is it really needed to have a program to write scripts, or can I do with just with the normal stuff, if I put everything in the right place?

You absolutely, positively do not need it.  It's nice, sure, but it's a luxury.

Without it, you just need to invest a little extra time (and research) to make sure things look right.

thanx a lot man, makes me able to sleep easy and work harder.

Here's a free MSWord Add-on that will format scipts, which might be of use to you... I've never used it myself so can't testify to what it's like.

Assuming a poor 18-year-old has Word! Script Smart is PC only so I haven't tried it either but there are a few templates around which use Styles, it's easy enough to set these yourself using Help.

TC, what are you using at the moment? I think you can write with any word processor (easier than a typewriter) as the software really only comes into play when you need to output it. Second-hand copies of Final Draft 5 or 6 go on eBay for the cost of a few CDs.

If you have even a simple word processor:

 Set Font to Courier 12-point.
 Document margins 1" all round but 1.5" left (for the hole punch).
 Set TAB to half inch.

 CAPS LOCK: type scene heading.

   Return-return

 Type action lines.

   Return-return

 TAB-TAB-TAB-TAB, CAPS LOCK: type character name.

   Return

 TAB-TAB-TAB type (wryly)

   Return

 TAB-TAB type dialogue.

 Repeat to FADE OUT.

You'll be done in no time. The late Paul Getty III (American Anglophile billionaire philanthropist) told of a young writer who wrote a begging letter pleading the necessity of a computer/printer to write with. He sent her a pencil and a note that if she had talent, that's all she needed.

Quoted from NW3 Assuming a poor 18-year-old has Word!

Hence my use of the word 'might.' ;) ;D

There are, of course, 'other' ways to get hold of programs such as Final Draft and Movie Magic - they are out there in the usual places where you get 'free stuff'... I leave it to your own conscience as to whether or not you wish to go down that route!

By which I don't mean the format, but the software.  Even once I figured out the format, it's still a pain to do manually in Word.  I won't spend money on software, and I can't find good freeware.  The best I've found is something called scriptBuddy, which is completely online and so is not only a pain but cannot be moved to an RTF or similar file (it's only good for printing).

Does anyone have suggestions for freeware I can use, or failing that, a way to do screenplays in Word without going insane?

Write it in Word in a rough, easy format. Then, once you've finished, go through the entire script formatting and editing as you go. You'll have to go through it with a fine-tooth comb anyway so leave the formatting until then.

Find somebody to give you a program that has been cracked already... I know it's wrong in some people's mind but we call those people the Government and since they've been screwing us in the anal region for many years it's about time we take a couple shots at theirs... Don't you think?

Anyway yeah, ask around you might find some people who are nice enough to share it.

I'm going to play Devil's advocate here, Wes.  You mention getting back at the government for screwing us, but aren't you screwing the software companies by pirating their software?


Phil

Personally, I've always done my scripts in Word. After awhile of doing this (and of course, setting the tabs appropriately), the fingers tend to do the walking and you just know when to hit enter while doing the dialogue...

Unlike a lot of people I've decided not to be taken advantage of by useless rich people who jack up prices especially when you live outside the U.S. we’re all puppets with a hand or two up our asses, I’m sorry I can’t pay 200 bucks for writing software but I have better things to do with my money.

I used to know a lot of Jay's but I doubt we know the same people, the distance between us is too great to actually know the same people but you never know.

Wow, I just found this great website:

http://www.online-communicator.com/spmacros.html

Which explained how to format a regular word processor for screenwriting.  The biggest part of the help was when I discovered Macros, which are great.  I now have no problem using Word.  Thanks for all you suggestions anyway, everyone.

Although progams like final draft and movie magic screenwriter, always helps save time with formatting, and I think, at least, worth investing in.

The other good thing about Final Draft and Movie Magic (which I haven't used) is that when the script is optioned, often times (moreso with independant producers), they may ask for the Final Draft file or Movie Magic file to be sent to them.

They both can be used to break down the budget, which is very handy for indie producers.

I love Final Draft. Though it was an expensive buy, it's well worth it.

Final draft is easily the best program for script writing.  I downloaded it years ago and have never looked back.

If you can't afford stuff like Final Draft, use Word. I hear they've got a "script template" for it, so go for that. I've used it once or twice, and it's not bad.

I just downloaded this free software and, at first glance, it looks very impressive. Similar to FD or MMS but absolutely free. I need to play around with it a little more, but what I've seen so far looks promising.

Download it here:

http://www.celtx.com/

You need Firefox

Yeah

I've had ths program for a while, myself.. Not registered it though..

It does look quiet good and it will import ASCII text and RFT if I'm not mistaken..

Once registered with the server for the community who use this program then CelTx will print screenplays to PDF format, not before..

It is pretty reasonable..

I've had a play around with it and it's quite tricky to import files unless they are in text format. Copy/paste messes everything up. It does print to PDF though and registration is free (as far as I can tell)

I like it. I reckon it's the best freebie software I've tried.

Anybody know anything about Cinergy Script Editor?

If anybody needs access to free screenwriting software, check this out:
http://www.asdafilm.org.au/Web%20Postings%202005/LesterCrombie.htm

So is screenwriting software required, recommended, or do you even need it at all? How many people actually use it?

Unless you enjoy resetting your margins every other line, you should go with some software package.


Phil

I don't use or intend to use screenwriting software. I'm too used to resetting margins and what not. I feel like it's a part of my writing technique... except it's not... really. Anyway, basic Microsoft Word will do me.

Yeah, like GBM said, I've gotten used to setting my margins back and forth so I'm used to using Microsoft word.

Sean

I've been using Word since I started, and no one complains about my formatting. My fingers are actually attuned to hitting enter and then tab when writing dialogue. I don't reset margins or anything, I go with a handful of tabsets (1", 1.6", and 2.2"). For dialogue, I watch the ruler at the top of the screen and hit enter when I'm between the 4 and 4.5" marks. It's a tad more work than software (which I do have, but can't use at work), but not much one you get used to it.

But software does not negate the need to actually learn screenplay formatting.

Professional indy filmmakers use Movie Magic Screenwriter.

I used it myself. It wasn't bad but like word you basically have the same amount of work either way.

At the end of the day whatever you choose to do is up to you. I write my stuff in word and transplant it into FD6. The margins are off if you just copy and paste it so you have to go over it and do it all over again anyway.

I've grown use to Word as well but I like to give things a try so I've recently downloaded celtx which is also free. Just thought u ought to know.

Quoted from George Willson I've been using Word since I started, and no one complains about my formatting. My fingers are actually attuned to hitting enter and then tab when writing dialogue. I don't reset margins or anything, I go with a handful of tabsets (1", 1.6", and 2.2"). For dialogue, I watch the ruler at the top of the screen and hit enter when I'm between the 4 and 4.5" marks. It's a tad more work than software (which I do have, but can't use at work), but not much one you get used to it. But software does not negate the need to actually learn screenplay formatting.

yeah the only headache about that is when im writing dialoge and i hit enter for the next line... it will automatically capitolize the first word in the line before. so if i;'m not on top of things... it will look like this...


             STEVE
Hey, what the heck is
Going on here? Where
Is Mike?

Turn off the "capitalize the first letter of every sentence" function in Options>Autocorrect. One of the first things I do when I hit a new computer. And if those instructions are wrongs, I'll fix'em later when I get Word in front of me.

Macros in Word to change margins work great for me.  I don't need to press enter for each new line of dialogue, and it's only one compound keystroke to add new speeches or switch to action (I use Alt-D for dialogue, Ctr-Shft-A for action).
I downloaded the trial version of some software a while back, and it wasn't any easier than macros.  And macros allow me to write it in Word, which means everyone here can read it (I can't read scripts I've seen posted as Final Draft docs).

I've used Sophocles for years.  It's simple to use!

I am currently writing my first script with Hollywood screenplay.  My problem is that when I open my script as a word file it is at least 20 pages more than what it is supposed to be.  I have tried formatting different things but it always comes out differently.  My script is at 100 pages and not finished and I don't really know how long it really is.  What do I do?

Rewrite.

I think I don't fully understand the problem. Did you write your screenplay in a particular software and then open it in Word to find it a different length? If so, then that can happen depending on the software you use. Final Draft holds its formatting in Word because it's all about the font.

Word's Courier New, which is as close as you'll get to proper font, has its lines a little wide, but it usually doesn't tack on 20 pages. It's actually about 2 or 3 pages for every 50 in FD.

Now, if you're writing in Word (which I do most of the time anyway), then I would recommend finishing your script first and seeing how long it comes out to be. You might be concerned at 100 pages, but if you're not done, you can't know whether you'll be too long or not. I have one sitting at 160 pages for its early draft.

Finish it first, and then go back over it and tighten it down. Trim the fat. Kill unnecessary dialogue or scenes. But finishing is key. Do that first.

Was that a hit or miss?

I just found another site that has free screenwriting software.

Plus, it has every type of form you'll ever need for making a film, like: Editing log sheets, continuity sheets, release forms etc

http://www.dependentfilms.net/files.html

Chris, that is an excellent site! Thanks for the tip.

I've never written in the script format. I'm not even a newbie yet, yet it does appear to me that there is some sort of formal rules that govern the formating from the few dozen of scripts that I've read. However, I do use Word almost everyday at work and can't imagine fussing with it that much to make the format (or learning the rules). Word is most annoying IMHO. I use EditPad for stories, poems and thoughts. It's a little 500kb exe that works anywhere. Show me the free software... i'm in. (assuming i'll ever write a script)

Quoted from photodrone . Show me the free software... i'm in. (assuming i'll ever write a script)

http://www.celtx.com

I use this myself, and I find it REALLY easy.  I used to be a RoughDraft guy, and that's a good free package as well, but I think Celtx has their margins set a little better, and it doesn't require any additional setup for it to remember locations and character names.

Now, I know a lot of you would roll your eyes and say "Final Draft hands down", and yes, I am a former Final Draft user, but I've rescently had a chance to give Sophocles a pretty thorough test drive, and in my opinion, Sophocles' functionality rivals, if not surpasses Final Draft in format and structure interactivity. Could Sophocles join the ranks beside Final Draft as the "industry standard"? Please post your comments.

I have had limited experience with Sophocles but had a copy when I first started writing and it helped me but at the end of the day at the time it was harder to convert into something people would be able to read.

Mind you, I had the trial version.

Final Draft and I on the other hand have had a documented love/hate relationship. It screwed me out of title pages until they released the patch, it screwed up half my scripts and forced me to revert to older files I had saved and many other things it has done. Plus the people they have to answer questions are stupid and have no answers but the pre-written garbage they spew from the website help forum.

I would say that for me as long as it works, it could be called Grease and I'd still use it. MS Word also has the specs built right into it.

I love my Sophocles.  

My only experience with Sophocles was the trial version. I wrote something with it that I then wanted to use with another piece of software. Problem was it would not let me convert it to something readable by other pieces of software. I couldn't even copy and paste it. I ended up having to retype what I had written into Final Draft - which is where I should have written it in the first place.  This might not be the case with the purchased version of the software but the whole experience soured me on Sophocles.

By the way. Alan. Cool little movie on your signature.

I've never had any experience with Sophocles. In fact, I'd never even heard of it until I read through this thread. But Final Draft rocks the house down. I've been on it for a little bit now and it's just got everything I need. I don't understand why there would be a better program because it just does everything I've ever needed it to do. And the dual dialog feature is just... words simply can't....


Sigh.


Cheers, Chismeister.

Just use Celtx. It's a really good program with quick PDF generation and its free. It used to have a couple of bugs but they've all been fixed now. There are people to help out with troubles and complaints too. Better than paying for either FD or Sophocles.

I used to use Celtx, but I didn't like the way they set out their title pages. There was barely any room, it was very limited in that sense, but its still a pretty good program. I've just moved on to Final Draft and I ain't looking back.


Cheers, Chismeister.

;)  Thank you very much,Mike. Although it said that the publisher could not be verified, I took the risk and downloaded it. Fingers crossed although I do not see what harm it can do. I am planning to write a screenplay for Barbara Erskine's novel, House of Echoes.  I am in the preliminary stages at present   Regards jeremycricket

Quoted from Jeremycricket I am planning to write a screenplay for Barbara Erskine's novel, House of Echoes.  I am in the preliminary stages at present   Regards jeremycricket

Jeremy,

I'm curious, are you adapting the material for your own enrichment -- as a kind of exercise? I ask because it's my understanding that unless you've purchased the rights to adapt it, insiders won't look at it.

I could be wrong -- it's just what I've read online. In any case, as many screenwriters are hired to adapt or rewrite material that they, themselves, didn't author, I think it's a good idea.

Still, you may want to keep in mind that, in all likelihood, your hard work won't, in the end, amount to more than a writing exercise.

Seth

lol -- thinking about this, most original screenplays don't amount to much more than a writing exercise, either!  

Whatever the case, I wish you luck.

:)[b][/b][color=blue][/color] Hello Mike
Thank you for your reply to the email, Barbara Erskine seemed very interested in the idea. Even if it is an exercise, you never know what you can succeed unless you try in my opinion. One can be very surprised and only kick oneself for not having a go if one does not have a bash.  Thank all the same at any rate. I am not giving up now

Hmph. Well fair enough, but I personally still recommend Celtx over FD and Sophocles to the O.P

I'm still partial to basic word processors. Almost 100% universal. I can write on any computer, anywhere in the world. If I save it in the right format, the file will transfer between completely different programs, operating systems, configurations, and everything. If there were anything more functional, I've not heard of it.

What, you say? A screenplay in a word processor can't possibly look right? Ok. I have almost 40 scripts on this site. Find the 2 that were saved in Final Draft. (Exclude the Guardians scripts from this since I had nothing to do with saving them.)

I'm going to have to agree with George and say word processors are the way to go. After studying a few scripts, I was able to get the spacing on Microsoft Word to look like an ordinary screenplay and I've never had a problem since. I've never used screenwriting software to write a screenplay start to finish.

Nevertheless, I've done my share of experimenting and I'd have to say Sophocles is the way to go. It's just plain easier to use plus they give you interesting information regarding your story such as the strength of character relationships. Obviously, you can't judge that kind of stuff based on how often characters talk to each other alone but it's kind of cool nevertheless. So yeah, my answer's Sophocles.

I've put a lot of work into my new script with the trial version of Sophocles, and I'm going on 90 days into the evaluation period. I fully intend on purchasing Sophocles next month, but right now, finances are tight and I just can't afford it. Is there a way that I can get a temporary unlock code for another 30 days or so? I don't like the idea of not being able to work on my script, especially since Sophocles trial does not allow you to cut and paste. Can anyone help me?

Is there a way that you can contact the company and ask them for a temporary extension?  Or maybe ask them to convert the script to a format that you can work on with a regular program?  I think just finding a way to contact them is the only way to do it...or maybe download the trial version to another computer and then somehow find a way to transfer.

That's all I got.  Sorry.

Surely you can work on your script in another program (MS Word?) or even a scribble it down in a notebook. Then, when you purchase the software you can paste in from word or type up your notes.

Unless you'll lose all your work if you don't purchase the software right away, in which case you'd better get typing.

Does turning back you computer calendar work? It used to work for some anti virus program i had.

I've contacted Sophocles.com and asked them for a temporary unlock code. Still waiting for an email. The trial version does not allow you to cut and paste to any other writing software, and I really don't feel like rewriting 57 pages down on MS Word, gha. But the good news is, when I finally have the money to buy the software, I get a student discount. 50% off! $60.00! Boo Yaa!

You probably don't want to here this but if I were you, I'd get cracking on rewriting what you've got on some other software. I wouldn't count on Sophocles extending your evaluation period. Sure, there's a chance but it doesn't sound like you've got a lot of time. These guys probably get a ton of email. It might be a while before they get to yours. Don't mean to rain on your parade but the worst case scenario is that you lose your work, which is something you, yourself, can avoid right now. Rewriting 57 pages is a pain but it'll be a whole lot worse if you can't remember what you wrote. Better safe than sorry.

Then again, you might have plenty of time in which case, I'd advice you to just chill out and wait until you can afford the software.

If the software expires, it's okay. My screenplay won't be deleted, just locked down. Besides, I can probably swing $60.00 in eight days...

Hi guys,

I've just written a short using Celtx and I can't find the title page option. Does anyone know how to find it?  :B

In your toolbar up the top, there's a drop-down menu marked 'Script', click on that. Your first tab is 'Edit Title Page'. Open her up and away you go.

I used to use Celtx all the time, until I upgraded to Final Draft. But this is still a good program for the money-conscious or those who just want something smaller and simpler to use. It's a good program, especially for a freebie.


Matt.

Yes, I downloaded it the other day. Free and very easy to use. I love it so far.

Quoted from chism In your toolbar up the top, there's a drop-down menu marked 'Script', click on that. Your first tab is 'Edit Title Page'. Open her up and away you go. Matt.

Thanks Matt. I found it and filled it in. However, when I open the folder it still opens straight on to the first page of the script, not the title page. What I want to do is open the folder so the first page I see is the title page.  

I'm just worried that if I submit it to Simply Scripts my script won't have a title page; it'll just open on to page one of the story.

When you open the script in Celtx it won't show you the title page.

Export the script to PDF (you'll have to do this to submit anyway) then open it up.  The title page will be there.

I'm all sorted now. It looks good in PDF format.

Thanks Mike.      

Another way to export to PDF is print them using PDF creator soft as the printer. But you must print the title separately and put it together later.

This looks like a great Piece of software. I love the Schedule feature.

I wish you could EXPORT a PDF locally as well as an RTF file. I'm not sure I will replace Final Draft, but it is a nice
piece of software especially if you don't want to shell out the cash!

Apologies if this has been covered in a past thread. I am new to the boards. I have never written a screenplay but (like I assume most people here) I am interested in giving it a shot.

My question concerns screenwriting software: Is it necessary? Does it make formatting a script a lot easier? Or are most programs nothing but glorified word processing programs?

I realize that all this is moot if the story is crap (or perhaps not considering the number of crap scripts that get produced each year, ha ha), but I figure I might be willing to make the investment if it might make the task of actually putting a script together much easier.

Thanks in advance.

While not necessary it sure does help a lot.

It means that you can concentrate on the story without having to worry about formatting it all correctly as it is all handled for you. This fact plus another one (being there are many decent free ones out there waiting to be downloaded...CELTX for example) it is highly shocking that I still see so many badly formatted scripts on here.

But I think I answered your question but just to be safe

It is not necessary but it will make the task of actually putting a script together much easier.

It won't make you a better writer.  Just a faster writer.

All that this software does is set margins.  It won't help you with formatting, character development or storytelling.  All this is up to you.


Phil

Hi Darren,

Thanks for the response. Funny thing, I downloaded Celtx about two minutes before I got your message!

Hope all is well in Merry Olde England!

Dogglebe,

Yes, as I addressed in my original post, I realize that the best script software in the world won't make up for a bad story, lame characters, etc. My question was simply whether or not software makes the act of getting it physically put together much easier.

Are you saying that Celtx is not really up to par compared to some other screenplay software? I just downloaded it...

I recently got Final Draft on a thirty day trial, and I while ago it ran out. So my question is, how do you format a script on word?

There's a thread floating around here somewhere with where to set the tabs in word, but if you liked FD while you were using the trial mode, you may want to give Celtx a try.  It's a free program, pretty user friendly, and I hear somewhat similar to FD.

You can get it at http://www.celtx.com

Or you just format manually.

I set the tabs for 1 inch, 1.6 inches, and 2.2 inches and just get used to hitting tab on each line and eyeballing the ruler for the 4 inch width on dialogue. It's not as bad as it sounds after you get used to it. Pretty much all of my scripts on here are formatted in word using this method. I find it gives me total control over the format, and doesn't leave me guessing which facet of Final Draft to use. I do actually have Final Draft, but I never use it, because Word is a lot less work. Sure, you gotta know the rules inside out, but once you know them, you might welcome the control.

This ain't a slight against iScript. In fact, everybody here probably already has it.

Adobe Reader's Read Out Loud function. People may already use it but I just remembered it when proof reading some stuff. Yeah, it sounds like "Fitter, Happier" and has some weird tendencies (DAY or NIGHT in sluglines, it likes to spell it out quickly) but it helped me a lot.

I am very hit or miss on my proof reading. I can go over sentences time and time again and miss stuff. Even if I read it out loud myself my brain will sometimes autocorrect.

Hearing someone (thing) read it makes little errors glare out. I wouldn't recommend it for a feature 'cause the voice is droning but shorts; very much so.

Take it or leave it.

Final Draft has a similar feature but I don't like it.  The voices (there are several IIRC) are too robotic to listen to.


Phil

I hear you. Definetly only good (bearable) for short pieces. But it's a low budget resource.

It sounds like Stephen Hawkins is reading the script.


Phil

My boyfriend and I read the parts out loud in the bath.

You should try it!

Quoted from ABennettWriter My boyfriend and I read the parts out loud in the bath. You should try it!

A capital idea!  I've gone ahead and made the appointment to have my DNA restructured.  Once that's done, I'll ditch the wife and kid, find a man, and then....bubbly time!

Anyway...

I've used the feature in adobe before, and it does get a little cumbersome when it spells out parts of the slugline and character names, but when you get into the curse words it's great fun.

Yeah, or when you adjust spelling for certain dialects, hilarity ensues.

I use the speech function on Final Draft all the time. Even though it doesn't sound fluid, it helps me catch small typos and wording that I didn't catch the first time. I usually just play it as I read along.

I was wondering if anyone has used celtx, an open source formatting software-package which includes templates for theatre, film and TV, and for instance can include short bio's for your characters and save scripts as PDF.

I found it last week, and I thought it looked pretty good while I'm saving to buy my copy of FinalDraft ;)

If you know it, what do you think of it?

Linkie:
http://www.celtx.com/

I haven't used it in a while, so maybe they've upgraded.

I thought it was messy, to say the least. The thing I remember hating most were the page numbers. When I inserted them, they'd be in the middle of the page.

I did like the online PDF option. That was sweet.

I'm under the impression that you don't need fancy software to write a good script. All you need is Word and where to put the tabs.

I use it and I know of a few others here thatb use it. It's not perfect, but it's free. I'd say it's a damn good bargin.

~Zack~

I've been using Final Draft for years, but Zack got me using CeltX - it's a nice free package. A bit messy, a little buggy, but it makes collaboration easy if one doesn't have FD, and overall a nice program. Needs a bit of finesse, but overall it works.

The new version doesn't have bugs anymore (or at least I haven't encountered any). I wouldn't suggest buying final draft if you can download something that does the exact same thing for free.

I used to use it all the time and I thought it was pretty darn useful, till I upgraded to FD like a lot of other people.

It was a good program at the time, it was only in retrospect that I realised how many flaws it has. Now I can't believe I put up with it for so long. I agree with Austin that its a messy program. The complete lack of control over the title page is what I remember hating most.

I bit the bullet and got myself FD and now I'd never use anything else. I still say its the easiest, most creative scriptwriting software there is. Just my opinion.

I've been using Celtx for awhile now, and I recently updated to the latest version. I have to say that it's taking a little bit of getting used to.  

The new typeset feature is just an extreme pain in the ass, but at least it relieves the issues in regards to page count accuracy that were found in previous versions.  Also, the total page count doesn't seem to  display anymore, like it used to in the old version.

I do have a copy of FD, but it's onyl version 5 and doesn't export to pdf.  I can use one of the conversion sites to take care of that problem, but I prefer the look of exporting directly from Celtx.

Also, Celtx doesn't have a revision mode, which will probably be the main reason I'll be picking up the latest FD in the near future.

Thanks for all the replies! Nice to read a few opinions. I must say, I like the fact that celtx combines everything, so that I have some character sketches at hand and not in a different file somewhere... but I anticipate a world of hurt when I want to copy-paste some snippets I've written with a word-template into celtx.

I agree totally with ABSteel that you don't need fancy stuff to write a script, but I hate losing time tabbing/spacing when I'm writing dialogue ;)

Quoted from Shelton I do have a copy of FD, but it's onyl version 5 and doesn't export to pdf.

Mike, download and install CutePDF and then you can print to a PDF file - and you can do that directly from FD. Problem solved .