Screenwriting software question.

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I was wondering if anyone here could recommend a good screenwriting software in the $150-$200 range. (or less) I am a freelance writer in Rochester, NY and am contemplating writing a screenplay with a friend, and would appreciate any help with this.

Usenet · Accepted Answer

[nq:1]I was wondering if anyone here could recommend a good screenwriting software in the $150-$200 range. (or less) I am a freelance writer in Rochester, NY and am contemplating writing a screenplay with a friend, and would appreciate any help with this.[/nq]

Is a decent piece of software for a good price.
cd

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Usenet · Answer

[nq:1]I was wondering if anyone here could recommend a good screenwriting software in the $150-$200 range. (or less) I am a freelance writer in Rochester, NY and am contemplating writing a screenplay with a friend, and would appreciate any help with this.[/nq]
Since you have a PC try the $20 (last time I checked) software at http://www.virtualamnesia.com - gets nothing but raves from folks on my Yahoo group who use it.

You give but little when you give of your possessions. It is when you give of yourself that you truly give.
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Usenet · Answer

[nq:1]I was wondering if anyone here could recommend a good screenwriting software in the $150-$200 range. (or less) I am a freelance writer in Rochester, NY and am contemplating writing a screenplay with a friend, and would appreciate any help with this.[/nq]
The two to consider in that price range are Final Draft and Movie Magic Screenwriter 2000.
They're both very good.
Download the demos from their developers' sites and try them out.

I know that Screenwriter has a feature that allows two writers to work on the same script at the same time via the web. Not 100% sure about FD.
However... before you plunk down that kind of cash I'd suggest you start off with simple word processing software. There are many free templates available that work with Word. You say you're doing this for the first time. If you discover it's not working out after a couple of weeks or months you won't have wasted all that loot.

"Life is sweet and small. The rest is just talking. Let everyone live."
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Usenet · Answer

[nq:1]I was wondering if anyone here could recommend a good screenwriting software in the $150-$200 range. (or less) I am a freelance writer in Rochester, NY and am contemplating writing a screenplay with a friend, and would appreciate any help with this.[/nq]
In that price range you can afford any of the screenplay formatting programs. The "big two" are "Movie Magic Screenwriter" and "Final Draft." I prefer MMS and it can be bought for $165 at Chumbo (www.chumbo.com), or for $169 at Amazon.com if you're more comfortable with a better-known online company. Both Chumbo and Amazon ship for free. You can download the trial version of MMS at Write Brothers (www.write-bros.com). Final Draft costs about $190 at Amazon and a trial version can be downloaded at finaldraft.com.
You have other choices. At one time there was a "big three." Along with the two programs (above) you could buy "Scriptware." It's still sold at www.scriptware.com for $199, but I don't think they've upgraded the program or really promoted it in about three or four years.
If you want to save money there are "lower tier" choices and some of them are pretty good. "Sophocles" sells for $120, has a bit of a different "feel" to it, but it's compact and clean and some swear by it. A trial version is available at www.sophocles.net. "Scenewriter Pro" (trial version available at www.virtualamnesia.com) is popular with some folks and (in some ways) is similar to Sophocles and it is currently selling for just $20.

Or you can buy "Hollywood Screenwriter," MMS's "work-alike" but cut down, little brother for about $35 on Chumbo or Amazon (no trial version available). For spec scripts it probably has all you currently need and, should you find that you are missing the features available only in MMS, you can "powergrade" to MMS for about $140 so it cost about the same buying "Hollywood Screenwriter" and upgrading, as it does starting out with MMS.
Good luck. I would definitely download the trial versions and see what you like best before buying any of them.

RonB
"There's a story there...somewhere"

Usenet · Answer

[nq:2]I was wondering if anyone here could recommend a good ... with a friend, and would appreciate any help with this.[/nq]
[nq:1]In that price range you can afford any of the screenplay formatting programs. The "big two" are "Movie Magic Screenwriter" ... at Write Brothers (www.write-bros.com). Final Draft costs about $190 at Amazon and a trial version can be downloaded at finaldraft.com.[/nq]

First, thanks to all for your suggestions. I have heard of Final Draft, but not the others. I personally would rather spend the money for something that will give me the proper tools to write with, but I will make an in-depth check of my MS Word to see if there is anything useful first.

Usenet · Answer

[nq:1]First, thanks to all for your suggestions. I have heard of Final Draft, but not the others. I personally would ... with, but I will make an in-depth check of my MS Word to see if there is anything useful first.[/nq]
If you use MS word there is a free template at
http://www.dwacon.com/ein/screenwriter.html
It isn't as full-featured as Final Draft, but it is free...

The Entertainment Industry Network
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Usenet · Answer

[nq:1]I was wondering if anyone here could recommend a good screenwriting software in the $150-$200 range. (or less) I am a freelance writer in Rochester, NY and am contemplating writing a screenplay with a friend, and would appreciate any help with this.[/nq]
I live by Sophocles.
http://www.sophocles.net/
$120 and well worth the money. It's the dog's bollocks. .

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[nq:2]I was wondering if anyone here could recommend a good ... with a friend, and would appreciate any help with this.[/nq]
[nq:1]I live by Sophocles. http://www.sophocles.net/ $120 and well worth the money. It's the dog's bollocks. .[/nq]
Doesn't that make it a little slimy when you type?

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[nq:1]$120 and well worth the money. It's the dog's bollocks.[/nq]
I'm assuming that's a good thing?

RonB
"There's a story there...somewhere"

Usenet · Answer

[nq:1]It's the dog's bollocks.[/nq]
I think, on this side of the pond, we'd say "It's the cat's pajamas..."

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