Screenwriters software

[bluevac]

Hi

Can anyone suggest any screenwriting software to use that's easy and not too expensive to use for writing a film script for first time writer.

 

Thanks for reading.

[ETLerwick]

Hello -- screenwriting software can help you with formatting issues, and still it's important to understand the formatting rules. You can find them online with reference to all the basics.

 

For your first script, you can use a free Microsoft Word template -- there may be one on their site if you have a registered copy of Microsoft Word.

 

Otherwise, it's strongly suggested that you work with the industry standard -- Final Draft. Keep your eyes open for sales -- their listed price is often discounted. 

 

Key here is the willingness to re-write. Get your characters, story, structure, and plot points finalized, and then you can begin to consider your options for screenwriting software. 

 

Good luck!

Edited January 1, 2018 by ETLerwick

[Ghost Town]

My son is a 2017 Bruntwood Play prize winner, and has a number of plays on in Manchester and London, but he just uses Microsoft Word after using a notebook for keeping details of characters, events and so forth! Though I guess it is slightly different to screen writing? Though I remember he did the same for something to do with Holby City. Final Draft as suggested is a great piece of software, and they sometimes do deals on this. I think at the moment it's around £200? Another alternative is Scrivener which allows you to storyboard and keep check on characters and lots of other stuff. You can get a trial for 30 days I think it's £50 or so, you can get the trial at https://www.literatureandlatte.com/scrivener/overviewI used it for some essays and a history book, but it also puts out documents in screen play format and so on.

[lastpubrunner]

Hi

Can anyone suggest any screenwriting software to use that's easy and not too expensive to use for writing a film script for first time writer.

 

Thanks for reading.

 

I'd recommend 'Writer's Café (£24) and/or 'Jutoh' (£24); with these two pieces of software, you should be able to produce just about any sort of written output - and in any format that you require.

 

'Writer's Café :

 

http://www.writerscafe.co.uk/explore.htm

 

'Jutoh' :

 

http://www.jutoh.com/benefits.htm

 

I have both of the above and at £24 each, they aren't expensive; of course, with any piece of software, it is always wise to check that it suits your specific needs.  Oh yes, I might mention, that with regard to Jutoh, I contacted the director of Anthemion Software (Julian Smart) regarding a query that I had and he was very helpful indeed.  I'm certain, that should you contact him, Julian would offer unbiased advice regarding the suitability of his software for what you require.

[Guest Fetlar Writer]

For free and easy screenwriting software, you can try out Trelby.

[ETLerwick]

Again, screenwriting is a particular discipline, requiring a rather stringent format. Margins, font, font size, tab stops: everything is pre-determined.

 

The purpose of a screenplay is to educate all the people who work on a film. (Stay after a movie and look at the list.) Their jobs focus on your words. Lighting, sound, costume, set designer, camera angles, director and actors. And a producer must decide that your story is worth paying for -- i.e., funding a film.

 

Take a look at this format sample, so that if you choose a free writing software product, be mindful of what's required in terms of format.

 

    http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/writersroom/scripts/screenplay.pdf

 

Each page of a screenplay is rumoured to last about one minute in real time, so your length should be between 90 and 120 pages.

 

Good luck!

Edited February 2, 2018 by ETLerwick

[bluevac]

Thanks to everyone who replied.

It is very much appreciated and very helpful!

 

Thank you!