What is the best software for writing Sitcoms?

I am currently using Scriptsmart, the free template for MSWord that I downloaded from the BBC Writers Room website.

To be honest it's been pretty much ok, but you know...boys and their toys...I have thought about getting something that feels a bit more solid. I have been hearing about a piece of software called 'Final Draft' and wonder if it is worth the purchase.

What are your opinions on this? is something like Final Draft the way to go or is a template like Scriptsmart all I really need?

Out of interest, what do people here use?

EDIT - Doh! I originally put 'first draft' when of course I meant 'final draft'. Obviously I have cut off one of my fingers as punishment...

Def.

There aren't many script writing software kits out there to be honest Deferenz... first draft and I think there is one called final draft are about all you will find that is of any good quality.

I personally can't be bothered to mess around with script smart and write my scripts to a reasonable quality in word.

Final Draft is ace. Does most of it for you.

Except be funny.

Ive never bothered with any software, I just space it all out myself, and its what Im used to now. No production company has ever commented about it, so I assume I must be setting scripts out Ok.

Quote: Matthew Stott @ November 17, 2007, 9:00 PM

Ive never bothered with any software, I just space it all out myself, and its what Im used to now. No production company has ever commented about it, so I assume I must be setting scripts out Ok.

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It's more about ease of writing. I used to do it that way, but found it soul-destroyingly dull to have to do it as I went along (and it would upset the flow) or to do it at the end (it would take ages)

Quote: Seefacts @ November 17, 2007, 9:17 PM

It's more about ease of writing. I used to do it that way, but found it soul-destroyingly dull to have to do it as I went along (and it would upset the flow) or to do it at the end (it would take ages)

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I can understand that, but I actually am so used to doing it myself now that I think i would find it really hard to switch to something else. I have downloaded one from the BBC writers room, but after playing around with it for a bit couldnt be bothered and havent used it since, it probably would be a lot quicker if I got into using one though.

I use ScriptSmart. It's the one program I've had the least issue with. Just click and go. Yep, it throws wobblies but usually it's because there's an unexpected and invisible 'return' throwing the calculations out. Frigging it is a knack but worth it - it's free after all.

Quote: SlagA @ November 17, 2007, 9:37 PM

I use ScriptSmart. It's the one program I've had the least issue with. Just click and go. Yep, it throws wobblies but usually it's because there's an unexpected and invisible 'return' throwing the calculations out. Frigging it is a knack but worth it - it's free after all.

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Yep, I use this as well and get on with it fine. Its not as important as you may think and not too tough to get it to an acceptable format. Before scriptsmart I just did it in Word with the tab button and caps lock.

I just use Word. I find it a breeze. The format is clear and simple.

"Gettin' high all the time
Hope y'all are, too"
---RD

I agree with seefacts - Final Draft is excellent! It does all the formatting for you - there's even a voice allocation option, so you can hear your script read out to you (albeit in a rather strange robotic voice) which helps you to spot errors - how cool is that!? If you can afford it, buy it (or put it on your list to santa) then watch as your writing starts to flow, free from nitty-gritty worries.

What's the problem with Scriptsmart? It works, it's free, and it runs on Word which is pretty much universally understood. As long as you try to format the stuff properly what's the point in shelling out for some software that does stuff you don't need? Better off spending the money on getting some professional critique if you ask me. It's gonna be the words that mean you live or die, not the software.

ScriptSmart works for me too!

MC

Quote: SlagA @ November 17, 2007, 9:37 PM

. Frigging it is a knack but worth it - it's free after all.

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We all need a hobby!

Quote: Badge @ November 18, 2007, 1:13 AM

What's the problem with Scriptsmart? It works, it's free, and it runs on Word which is pretty much universally understood. As long as you try to format the stuff properly what's the point in shelling out for some software that does stuff you don't need? Better off spending the money on getting some professional critique if you ask me. It's gonna be the words that mean you live or die, not the software.

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I've never used ScriptSmart so don't really know much about it, but I also know that I'd never ever pay someone to read my work.

It seems a tremendous waste of money, when people will do it for free. What makes Marc Blake an expert anyway? What people seem to forget is it's just one person's view on a script. I've had varying views from people on a script and the key is to find someone who's on the same wavelength and take their advice, while not sacrificing bits YOU might really like. For every bit he might not think works, you can probably find a producer who really liked it.

One paid for opinion is not the be all and end all.