Zhura, the online script software is said to be very good (and its free and has some other cool features) but whether it meets UK submission standards or easily lets you import/backup/print your creations I don't know.
If anyone does use it please let me know how you got on (there's a particular reason I'm interested!)
You're being paid to test it and can't be arsed to do it yourself?
Quote: Phill @ August 24 2008, 7:55 PM BSTYou're being paid to test it and can't be arsed to do it yourself?
Nope. I've never even been in contact with the website (they'd certainly not pay me to test it, I've never written a script in my life!). I'm having to be cryptic about why I'm interested in hearing what people think of it... but if it gets good feedback, something writers will be interested in might follow. That's all I'm saying till late September 
I like that site a lot.
It is fun and has a soothing colour scheme.
I'll chuck a vote in for Movie Magic Screenwriter, I prefer it to Final Draft, but only because I'm more used to it. They're as good as each other, great for moving whole scenes around.
Quote: jdubya @ August 25 2008, 2:46 AM BSTI'll chuck a vote in for Movie Magic Screenwriter, I prefer it to Final Draft, but only because I'm more used to it. They're as good as each other, great for moving whole scenes around.
I use Final Draft myself, just because of the ease of use when writing. Also, when it comes to page count/screen time on the BBC sitcom layout it's pretty much spot on. The only problem people complain about it that on the BBC sitcom format the 'w' is a bit wonky and mis-spaced (and I don't thing the FD people have produced a patch to correct that).
A wonky 'w'? The bastards!
Quote: Tim Walker @ August 25 2008, 2:18 PM BSTI use Final Draft myself, just because of the ease of use when writing. Also, when it comes to page count/screen time on the BBC sitcom layout it's pretty much spot on. The only problem people complain about it that on the BBC sitcom format the 'w' is a bit wonky and mis-spaced (and I don't thing the FD people have produced a patch to correct that).
Yeah, I've had people complain about that too. It's very annoying.
what version do you use? I have that same problem with 7, but I think there is a 7.1.3 now. Anyone got that?
7.1.3 has the same problem - although I don't think it comes out when you print it, it's just wobbly on screen.
I think.
Try this if you want something easy. Also, it's backed up somewhere you don't have to worry about it yourself.
Dan
I've got FD 6 and it certainly happens there, although, when you print, not on screen.
If you change the font to Courier FD it sorts it out although most of the BBC scripts I see seem to be in Arial but movies are still Courier I think.
I spoke to an Agent recently who was happy to receive stuff in Final Draft so I wouldn't worry about not having Word. If you're thinking of buying additional software, I'd run with Final Draft as it's designed to do the job.
I'm looking at buying some Script Writing Software.
Final Draft is about £160. Is that reasonable? I know it depends how serious you are about it.
I just saw this other software called Film Writer.
Does anyone know if it's any good?
I'd put in a good word for 'MovieMagic Screenwriter' - now that the new version is out (MMS6).
Being a software junkie I use it in partnership with StoryView, another WriteBrothers product.
If you're into plotting out screenplays or novels it's brilliant.
Neither of them are cheap but they are a genuine pleasure to work with.
Just logged on to the site to ask a tekkie software question and saw this thread. I think what I was about to ask is relevant to this thread and my help others. If people think it isn't relevant apologies ... but ...
I have used ScriptSmart gold for playwriting on Windows XP. I've now upgraded computer and am on Vista. And can't use ScriptSmart Gold now but thought I could still edit the docs.
I've got the latest edition of Word. I've transferred scripts from my old computer. The docs open ok but when I try and edit the footers to change the date etc it types in red and messages about format come up. TBH I'm a bit confused by the new version of Word I have and wish it would back to good old pull down menus. But I'm probably just an old stick-in-the-mud ... Anyway, is this just a setting in Word which can easily be changed and I am just a klutz ... or has Microsoft gone crazy ...?
I'm thinking of trying to come to grips with Celtx but I wish there was an
updated ScriptSmartgold ... So very interested to read this thread.