Screenplay writing software

stuh505 · Sat 21/05/2005 21:59:02

I've written some short screenplays in the past and spent a lot of my time getting bogged down with the typesetting...I remember hearing from my old teacher that there is some nice software out there to make this easier. I'd rather spend my time with the writing, and I do find it easier to write if I'm following a specific format WHILE I'm writing rather than formatting it later on. So I was wondering...anyone know of any good free programs for doing this? I'm sure LGM will have something to say

Ishmael · Sat 21/05/2005 23:27:01

FinalDraft. I'm not sure where to get it, and it's commercial, but good.

LGM · Sat 21/05/2005 23:43:37

You won't really find a good one for free..

There is a template for OpenOffice.org that is the best I could find.

Once I wrap my head around Java, I plan on starting an open source multi-platform screenwriting word processor.

Vince Twelve · Sun 22/05/2005 01:27:23

I'm a fan of Sophocles myself. You can download a free trial and when that runs out, if you'd like to register the full version it costs about half of what the others do.

and if you want to just skip the "paying" part... it's a lot easier to do with this software as well... not that I advocate that in any way.

Ali · Mon 23/05/2005 10:00:37

This website will tell you the standard format for all kinds of script including screenplay, sit-com and sketch show:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/writersroom/scriptsmart/formats.shtml

And it also offers what seems to be a free plugin for Word that helps you format screenplays:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/writersroom/scriptsmart/

Gor' bless ya BBC.

simulacra · Mon 23/05/2005 14:13:55

I developed such a module for the Swedish Broadcasting Corporation - in VBScript, integrated with Microsoft Word. But they haven't released it, unfortunately. And I have seem to lost my copy.

Mr Flibble · Mon 23/05/2005 18:04:50

I'm a fan of RoughDraft myself.
Completely free, supports screenplay, radioplay and novel formats.

Evil · Mon 23/05/2005 21:33:03

Yes, RoughDraft is great. It's very simple and easy. There's no real point in buying something unless you are going to try to get yourstories published or something.

LGM · Mon 23/05/2005 21:47:05

Roughdraft lacks in some standards in screenwriting software and makes it much less efficient to work with. (I.E. Tabbing hardly works) It's nice, but I personally don't like it. I'm going to try this BBC one out, though.

Blackthorne · Tue 24/05/2005 01:53:13

Try Sophocles,

www.sophocles.net .

I reccomend it. Great buy for the price.

Bt