Screenwriting : Advice For the Tech Challenged by Jenean McBrearty

I use Final Draft. There's tutorials abound and You-Tube has tons of how to for Final Draft. It's pretty easy after a few tries.

I use WriterDuet. Its simple and has a free version you can try.

Final Draft $250, Fade In mobile $4.99, Celtex free. The last two are free on your phone, but it's around $70 for Fade In and $99 a year for Celtex on the computer. I go with Fade In Mobile, and Final Draft 11.

I use WriterDuet, if I can use it, anyone can, it's brilliant.

Hi Jenean, don't do your own formatting as there are small subtleties that professional readers will spot and use as a reason to reject your script. And the argument will be if you don't know 1 page script = 1 min then you won't be helpful in estimating costs. I've used Celtx in the past but now use Final Draft. You don't have to have a phd to use it and if you don't have to format everything, it will free up your energy to writing. Now and then it goes on sale.

Screenwriting software is not that difficult. I haven't tried the two that you mentioned but the professional ones are a breeze to use. Enter and Tabs is all that's required to format your script, it's not hard. As for the advice of knowing 1 page of script = 1 minute of film -- absolute garbage. You do not need to know that and it's not your job to estimate the cost of a film. It's easy to write it yourself but if you'd prefer to hire someone to put it into the correct format for you then connect with me and I'd be more than happy to discuss that with you.

Hi Jenean. It can be quite daunting when you first open up screenwriting software. But the best ones are pretty simple to use once you start. There's no need to be overwhelmed by all the bells and whistles. I've been a professional screenwriter for many years, use Final Draft and there are functions and options and tools I've never used. Just use the software for what it does best: formats your script.

That said, I do perform Format Edits for those who struggle to nail the finer layout elements as it's still possible to make format mistakes using screenwriting software.

WOW! I'm impressed with the feedback! I will try Final Draft first. I don't mind paying reasonable prices for things and services. Nobody should work for free, I always say. Heck, we're great writers, but not entitled. :) (I have, "It's you sister's big, fat finger!" syndrome ... meaning I can't type worth a dill pickle. Thanks all.

Jenean McBrearty If you are going to buy Final Draft after the 30-day trial, come talk to me. ;-)

Jenean, I think you'll FD to be very easy once you start using it - it'll become second nature. I've used it professionally for at least two decades (I started when FD 6 first came out).

I'd recommend Fade In. Cheaper than FD. And I'm quite pleased with it...but FD is the industry standard.

Have you tried Celtx?

Jenean. Since you said money is not an issue I'd definitely go with Final Draft. that is what most people in the industry uses.

Celtx changed - they used to have a desktop free version that was great - now it's online and only allows up to 3 screenplays but you can remove one screenplay and upload another to get around it if needed. Final Draft is the best if you have the money to purchase.

if you have some money. Writerduet is my chosen poison. I find it super easy. It just know what I want.

Highland is a great cheap platform but lacks the multiple devices idea I like.

Didn’t know that about WD. I use it to collaborate with myself. I’ll write in my phone on the train, iPad on the sofa and PC in my studio. It brings all my efforts together and stitches it into a coherent mess.

Fade In is terrific. Highly recommended!