I'm trying to decide on what screenwriting software to use. I've heard a lot about Final Draft but, I have also seen others. Does anyone have any suggestions for someone new to screenwriting?
You're new to screenwriting... any of the free versions of script writing programs will do for now. If you pursue screenwriting seriously, then Final Draft is the way to go for multiple reasons.
I use Final Draft and I really like the Beat Board and the fact you can save formatted dialogue on it. Speaking of final draft, has any one used revision mode? I should probably play around with it, but my question is: can you do revisions and not get those star/dots, blue version? How can you use versions? I usually just save an entirely new document every time I make any changes (mostly because I'm paranoid - I've had a lot of baffling technological mishaps). Thoughts?
This is "in my case", so "your experience may differ". I say that because someone will always say, "That' didn't happen to me!" So, again, in my experience, anything will work when you are just writing. However, (there is always a however), when you want to submit the screenplay for pre-production and shooting schedule, such as but not limited to: tagging, budget, set counts, shot sheet, etc., it's best if it's in Final Draft. But then, you can always "Save As" the perfectly formatted screenplay into an RTF file. The reason I say "perfectly formatted" is because it would be easier for Final Draft to import the contents of an RTF file if it's formatted correctly. You can get PDFs of their output; however, you'll miss out on the notes that would have been in the Final Draft copy. But you may say, "I am just a writer, who cares about all that..." Um no, because the first thing they ask after they say, "I like it" (drum roll please), is: "What's the shooting budget?"
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Fade In is very good if you're on a budget and it can export your script in Final Draft very easily. As well as you can import Final Draft files.
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I recommend Fade In as well. Very user friendly and customer support responds promptly to questions. And more affordable.
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I like writing duet.
Thank you all for feed back
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You're new to screenwriting... any of the free versions of script writing programs will do for now. If you pursue screenwriting seriously, then Final Draft is the way to go for multiple reasons.
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Like Doug said because you might discover screenwriting is not something you wish to pursue.
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I use Final Draft and I really like the Beat Board and the fact you can save formatted dialogue on it. Speaking of final draft, has any one used revision mode? I should probably play around with it, but my question is: can you do revisions and not get those star/dots, blue version? How can you use versions? I usually just save an entirely new document every time I make any changes (mostly because I'm paranoid - I've had a lot of baffling technological mishaps). Thoughts?
I prefer microsoft word with basic templates. Been doing it that way for years. Hate bells and whistles.
This is "in my case", so "your experience may differ". I say that because someone will always say, "That' didn't happen to me!" So, again, in my experience, anything will work when you are just writing. However, (there is always a however), when you want to submit the screenplay for pre-production and shooting schedule, such as but not limited to: tagging, budget, set counts, shot sheet, etc., it's best if it's in Final Draft. But then, you can always "Save As" the perfectly formatted screenplay into an RTF file. The reason I say "perfectly formatted" is because it would be easier for Final Draft to import the contents of an RTF file if it's formatted correctly. You can get PDFs of their output; however, you'll miss out on the notes that would have been in the Final Draft copy. But you may say, "I am just a writer, who cares about all that..." Um no, because the first thing they ask after they say, "I like it" (drum roll please), is: "What's the shooting budget?"
I use WriterDuet and like it quite well. The experience is pretty customizable and very user friendly. I think they have a free option as well.
If you have a MAC, try Highland. It's free.