SCREENWRITING SOFTWARE – A REVIEW
The best screenwriting software are those that combine flawless screenplay formatting with user-friendly functionality. Screenwriters, don’t want the process of actually writing their screenplay to be interrupted. Writer’s block does a fine job of that! Here, we review and compare screenwriting software against these necessities to ensure that you select the best screenwriting software for you.
The industry leader for the last several years, FINAL DRAFT is an easy to use (user-friendly!) screenwriting software program. Is Final Draft the industry standard? We think so. It’s the “Hollywood standard.” Consider that when advanced screenwriters think of screenwriting software, Final Draft is the first thought. Also, most other screenwriting software have derived their functionality from Final Draft. Does that mean that Final Draft is the best? We think so. HOWEVER, we think that you not stop at Final Draft; continue reading to get a sense of what screenwriting software works for you.
KEY FEATURES USEFUL TO SCREENWRITERS:
Based on industry standard formatting guidelines, Final Draft uses smart technology to anticipate what you’d like to next in the process of writing your screenplay.
“CollaboWriter” allows screenwriting partners to work on their scripts simultaneously online. Combine this with SKYPE technology and you can work with another writer who’s on the other side of the world!
Set screenwriting timeline goals; view your screenplay in index card mode to get a general sense of where your screenplay is in its development.
As with all screenwriting software, there’s are multiple file formats that can be output, notably PDF and .TXT files.
MOVIE MAGIC SCREENWRITER is the “Pepsi” of screenwriting software (Final Draft being the “Coke”), and depending on taste, it may be exactly what you need – for a lower price. It’s the official screenwriting software of the Writer’s Guild of America East (WGA). Impressive! – and it’s even won an Academy Technical Achievement Award.
So what’s the difference between Final Draft and Movie Magic? Well, we feel that Movie Magic is a bit less user-friendly that Final Draft. Movie Magic has tried to add a bit more “tech” into the software as it relates to production screenplays (color coding for drafts and add-ons, etc.). It does, though, help the screenwriter to stay focused on the story. If you’ve written a screenplay in Word, for example, then you’re aware of how stopping your thought pattern to tab to the next aspect of your screenplay, then if you make a mistake, you have to backspace. Then you have to ensure that your formatting is consistent against the desire for Word to autoformat as you type! It’s a bit of a nuisance…
Movie Magic’s formatting anticipation is great as well. Much like Final Draft, if you hit enter twice after entering a specific formatting aspect of your screenplay, it correctly anticipates what should come next.
So what’s the skinny on Movie Magic Screenwriter? It’s a good bet… We feel that using it is vs. Final Draft is a matter of feel/preference. We’d lean more towards the user-friendly functions of Final Draft, but you may like Movie Magic’s feel much more. Plus, if you can save $50.00 on price in this industry to get the same result then GO FOR IT!
KEY FEATURES USEFUL TO SCREENWRITERS:
Detailed examples that will help writing your screenplay using this software more intuitive.
Screenwriters notes option that help the screenwriter to keep notes on scenes that they’re iffy about or that have a major impact on another scene or sequence in the screenplay.
This is neat: NaviDocs, an outline column that helps you keep track of scenes so that you won’t have to scroll back into your screenplay for more information.
Another cool thing is their free customer support.
When it comes to screenwriting, the biggest hurdle to getting it completed is coming up with a solid plotline that takes your story from a strong beginning to a compelling middle and finally, to a rewarding end. So, using a screenwriting software that adds an element for those screenwriters still developing or tweaking their story outline is a good thing. MOVIE OUTLINE is a robust screenwriting softward developed by a produced screenwriter. What sets it apart from Final Draft and Movie Magic is it’s tools that help you to develop your plot and/or your characters. We feel that this software is a GEM of a program. This feature-rich software is indeed a great value. The downside is that all of the great features of this software may be a bit complicated for the screenwriter to utilize. This also disrupts the screenwriter’s ability to be intuitive in using the program. However, once mastered, this software is EXCELLENT.
This video explains it all…
KEY FEATURES USEFUL TO SCREENWRITERS:
Outlining allows the screenwriter to keep track of the plot which helps the screenwriter to stay the course.
A Reference feature allows you to compare your screenplay to similar, popular screenplays.
Dialogue spotlight allows the screenwriter to isolate specific character dialogue; this is invaluable if you’d like your characters to have their own distinct voice.
A GEM of a program!
MONTAGE SCREENWRITING SOFTWARE certainly has it’s limitations. The most glaring one is the fact that it’s for the MAC (not supported by Microsoft Windows). This limits is use for sure. However if you do use the Mac for your computing, then this program may suit your needs. It’s basically a watered-down version of Final Draft – which may be all you need. Especially if you’re not in need of all the bells and whistles. It is affordable, and the end result is a properly formatted screenplay…
Also, a definite feather in this screenwriting software’s cap is the fact the listings of production studio and agency contacts for the screenwriter and/or Director-Screenwriter. Quick note: this software is not One of the benefits of this no-frills software is that it isn’t cumbersome, what you see is what you get.
KEY FEATURES USEFUL TO SCREENWRITERS:
The software’s templates are a nice feature and include templates for film (including a Final Draft template) and television.
No frills, basice screenwriting software program – which may be what the screenwriter wants.
Read more HERE.
STORYIST is also an affordable screenwriting software. Like Movie Magic, this software has story development tools. The software is limited to the Mac operating system. It’s also another no-frills screenwriting software program. But it doesn’t have to be “no fun!” – actually, that’s the screenwriter’s job. Happy writing! Actually, this program is not particularly user-friendly because the view options can clutter the workspace pretty quickly. Finally, this software seems ideal for novel writers…
Thanks for reading our reviews. Don’t forget to check out our review of the BEST SCREENWRITING BOOKS
Source: http://bestscreenwritingbooks.com/screenwriting-software-reviews/
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