Screenwriting : What is the best AI for amatuer screenwriters? by Jane Shebroe

Don't.

Hire a writer, or write it yourself... using AI is silly and demeans everything. Plus there's no copyright, either, with AI creations.

I agree with Scott 100%, Jane Shebroe.

Have you thought about posting a screenwriter ad on the Job Board (www.stage32.com/find-jobs)?

You could also search for screenwriters in the Browse Members section (www.stage32.com/people?name=&location=&roles=Screenwriter).

With the AI sites, after it formats the story into a screenplay, it lets you edit and add to it, so essentially in the end I can write it myself and just take their ready-made margins and formatting to use as a template, then take their wording suggestions for what they are worth, and then edit the rest and add to it to make it the real thing.

HI Jane. I'm an AI consultant in the film industry and here's where we are with AI. There is no AI that writes better than a human at this point. That being said, ChatGPT is an amazing screenwriting AI tool. Often times you will see companies say they have an AI for this, or an AI for that, but the nasty secret is, many of them are actually just packaging ChatGPT for their own use. I've been using ChatGPT for quite a while as my screenwriting assistant, to the point where I've created my own, what they call GPT's. It's free to do when you sign up for their pro version. I loaded the GPT with articles about screenwriting, the hero's journey, pdf's I have about screenwriting and more. So it uses that data. However, the easiest way for someone starting out, is sign up for the free account at ChatGPT and just tell it "Act as a screenwriter and ________" start with the "Act as a screenwriter," so it easily knows how to address your questions. For example, "Act as a screenwriter. I have this idea for a movie about a Penguin who gets super powers. The theme of the movie is understanding you are enough and you don't need super powers. Give me a three act structure following the hero's journey, with ideas of how to approach this story." Now you always have to make sure you're towing the line of asking AI to help you with research and giving you lists of suggestions without it being another creative partner, if that makes sense, but that's that. So yes, don't buy any of those programs 'cause a lot of them are just repackaged ChatGPT. https://chat.openai.com/ is the only place to go. Again, it does not replace screenwriters. Most of its creative ideas are almost laughable at this stage, BUT it helps you come up with strategies and creative avenues to help you figure out the story you want to tell.

Jane Shebroe - Although I had written some short stories and novels prior, screenwriting is a whole different animal. I say that because I learned how to do it while I was bedridden with Covid back in '20 in 3-4 months and now I'm getting "writer-recommends". I'm not saying that to brag. I'm saying it to encourage you to do it yourself. I just finished a script today and every time I do, it's a beautiful feeling. Right now I just want to go grab a whole cheesecake and chow down. Don't cheat yourself of that feeling of accomplishment. Don't shortcut or undermine yourself in deciding that you can't do a thing. Decide that you can and then do it.

Jane, writers went on strike for over 100 days for several reasons, one was to keep AI out of this industry. So can you image how insulting your question is. You are trying to find a piece of software that reduces the art of screenwriting to a few prompts.

If you want to learn the art form this place will carry you high on their shoulders. But demeaning the art we are involved in isn’t cool.

I know that wasn’t your intention, so there is no need to defend your action. I know you think you’ll be making changes and that is where the magic happens. It isn’t.

Hey Jane Shebroe - I think I am going to echo a lot of what others are saying here. There is no substitute for a human being writing your story (at this point at least). AI might help with formatting but to get the nuance of storytelling will require a person. I think you would be better served finding someone through Stage 32 and working with them directly.

If you're looking to promote your story and do not wish to learn the craft of creative writing, you can hire a ghostwriter. AI will never be able to substitute code for humanity.

AI is just a way to format the pages and structure to me... after that is done, the writer goes in and totally guts out the given paragraphs and re-writes to their own words and style.

I think of it as a shortcut for those of us who do not know the industry abbreviations, margins and page structure.

Of course, I would rather have a good writer partner with me because my way will take too long, but I don't have a budget to work with, just a great story in hopes of a partner.

Hopefully, a writer who feels my true story will step up... see my amateur vlog: https://youtu.be/3-1Zg912Lvk

You're getting what you pay for then if you don't have a budget to work with ...anyone with talent will want more than just "you'll get paid when we sell it."

That's where AI comes in... it will just take longer that way. I am a good writer, just not a structure expert.

Jane Shebroe Then if you're that good of a writer, learn structure. Using AI is just so tacky.

There isn't one?

Jane Shebroe - if your main concern is around formatting then buy the software, Final Draft: it basically does it all for you. Do that and read a handful of screenplays - easily found for free online - and then replicate those terms, etc. Screenplays aren't a million miles from stage plays as far as format (they're different but similar). I believe there are cheaper options than Final Draft, too, if money is an obstacle. You can also buy (or get out from the library) any number of beginner guide to... type screenwriting books (Google what's a good screenwriting book for a beginner) and that'll give you a good sense of the basics of 3-act structure. At that point, you'll know the basics of both feature film screenplay structure, as well as the basics of formatting. After that it's all about practice and getting feedback (& rewriting). :)

So, you mean there is no AI that could help in writing. But I did once hear of a software called Dragon software. All you do is speak to the computer and words show up.

The thing with A.I is you have to teach it the fundamentals of script writing and you have to be very specific on what you want it can be very helpful in setting up scenes and dialogue so if you to do a first draft it is very good for that. You will have to do the rewrites setup the arcs, characters, tone, hero’s journey etc etc but AI I go with chatgpt and pay the monthly membership not just the free one. The. Buy final draft 12 or 13 whatever is out now and then work on your story. Good luck

Using AI for writing is a bad idea, family.

Jane Shebroe your writing is so much more meaningful and purposeful if you write it yourself or hire a writer. The human connection will be present in your screenplay and that's the purpose of this art. Alan Brash is right- if you're worried about formatting, use software. I''ve had Final Draft recommended to me numerous times.

Jane Shebroe any screenwriting software will give you physical structure.

If you are talking about the structure of the story, well that is a human job.

Consider this, if it was a human, would you call it a tool. Would you still say you are the writer because you changed that persons work.

The work is being done by an entity other than you. Be it a person or AI.

Jane Shebroe - Hi Jane! OK - I think everyone got really hung up on the AI thing - and overlooked the OBVIOUS - there is FREE writing software that formats the script for you as you write. You don't need to be an expert at formatting! Writer Duet is free and does the formatting - you can quickly watch a 2 min You Tube video tutorial on how to use it. ALSO - read Kill the Dog by Paul Guyot (a real working screenwriter). He goes into great detail about how little formatting matters when you have a great story. If you read 100 screenplays, you'll see that they are all formatted slightly differently. You just need to tell a good story - focus on that AND making connections. Connecting with people - sharing your passion - you will magnetize the right people to help you - TRUST ME. Don't limit yourself. You got this girl. Just get a set of index cards and write down one scene in short hand per card. Once you have 70 cards - with a story BEGINNING, MIDDLE, END - you have a screenplay! Drop it into Writer Duet, or Final Draft and BAM! Edit it. And in 3 months - you'll have your screenplay. Now, go write!

I'm going to add my two cents worth of info here for free, I have looked into getting some of my stories done with AI and found that you have to pay for it to do the work and I can name a few here.

There's An Al For That . com - database for AI

Squibler - this one is said to do what you want!

WriterHand

DeepStory

ToolBaz

Toolsaday

VEED.IO

Taskade

Simplified

claude.ai

cinemaflow.ai

SoCreate

Otter.ai

It will take you some time to find what one works for you but I think you could do is use PI, Chatgpt, or Gemini and ask the AI to ACT AS A SCREENWRITER (use this prompt) ChatGPT prompt: / want you to act as a screenwriter. You will develop an engaging and creative script for either a feature length film, or a Web Series that can captivate its viewers. Start with coming up with interesting characters, the setting of the story, dialogues between the characters etc. Once your character development is complete - create an exciting storyline filled with twists and turns that keeps the viewers in suspense until the end. My first request is "I need to write a romantic drama movie set in Paris."

Or you can just write your story out and ask the AI to convert your story into a script or have it review it for you to fix.

Dear friends,

Do we have AI which can create screenplays? Or do I misunderstand this discussion?

Let me give an example of what I mean. Early in 2006, I supervised a group of film school students. So we filmed 8 urban legends. The films on average became about 2 minutes long. Which was then combined with a 10 minutes long interview with a folklore expert. Here is one of the stories :

One of my friends and his wife were on vacation. They saw a hitchhiker with a beard and long hair. He looked meek so they decided to pick him up. He sat in the back seat. When the car started, he asked if the couple knew about Jesus. They squirmed and answered as evasively as possible because they wanted to avoid a religious discussion. Then the hitchhiker said that it is best to believe in Jesus because he is the truth, the way, and the life. Then there was silence from the back seat. The wife turned around and saw that the back seat was empty. Her husband stopped the car abruptly. None of them understood how the hitchhiker could have disappeared without a trace from the car.

Would AI actually be able to turn this into a short screenplay if you tell it to do so? Format it correctly.

If somebody wants to test, I can send my gigantic collection of urban legends. If you give me your email address.

When it comes to software for correct formating. I use the Trelby freeware. Very easy to learn because it is so intuitive.

Jane, what is your true story about?

Jane, I wrote my true story, "A Stroke of Luck" as a completed Half-hour Dramedy pilot.Think Mash tv series. log line-- After suffering a debilitating stroke, a now cynical, once successful, writer struggles to regain his mobility and passion for writing while finding inspiration and unlikely friendships with quirky fellow patients in a rehabilitation hospital.

That part was easy compared to what seems like a neverending struggle to get some option/sale or representation interest!

Jane Shebroe, you're being ripped to shreds, but your process here isn't actually a terrible idea. You want to generate a very basic draft using AI and you feel that will give you something to trace over, so to speak as a new writer. You're not actually proposing generating a final draft.

The likes of ChatGPT can do this, however, you can't simply go in and work with the outputted document. The industry standard format for script writing itself is arguably the .fdx xml file format, which no AI I know of outputs into. You'll still need to import the text, perhaps in pdf form, into software that can process it. I believe WriterDuet can do a good job.

Something to consider though is that it's pretty easy to pick up the fundamentals of script formatting, and most software automates it. Again, look at WriterDuet, Scrivener, and Script Studio. You might actually find it easier, and more rewarding, to write something from scratch.

Thanks CJ Walley! You get me! I tried the apps and input the synopsis and in generated a full screenplay in less than a minute.... it was somewhat funny because the AI story was about 60% accurate too. For the other 40%, I rewrote the words. It can save long hours for amateurs like me trying to learn industry formatting and abbreviations. But I do understand the pride of professionals working from scratch too. It would be like asking a celebrity chef to use jar sauce. The chef would rip me apart too for the asking, although that Rao's jar sauce is amazing.

Even if I were a professional writer, I would try AI if I had writer's block on a bad day; just to widen my spectrum of ideas; but not to replace the real grit of the story that has to come from your gut.

Writers are battling against the use of AI.

I understand the battle against AI because of the strike, but like the book "Who Moved My Cheese" If the world is changing around you, you can choose to pedal backward or adapt to changes. Even if I were a professional writer, I would try AI as a tool if I had writer's block on a bad day; to widen my spectrum of ideas; but never to replace the real grit of story writing that has to come from your gut to express it with feelings.

Jane Shebroe, you're right that the industry is changing whether we like it or not, and being informed about the best way to utilize tools as they're changing, is important. We have to stay informed in theory and practice or we'll all get left behind and then where does that leave us? But I agree with CJ Walley that you need to make sure that you're giving yourself a fully well-rounded education on ALL of the tools (AI and not) that are available to you as a writer to find the most responsible and efficient process for yourself.

If you're a Stage 32 Writer's Room member, there will be an Ask Me Anything here on Stage 32 in the Writer's Room Lounge on Friday, June 21st, with filmmaker and expert AI Consultant Joshua Young, to answer questions about how these tools can best be used professionally moving forward. It would be a great opportunity for you (and anyone else) to be able to get your questions answered by a pro who has done a LOT of work in this field. So keep an eye out for that!

If you're not already a Stage 32 Writer's Room member, you can sign up for your first month entirely free so that you can join in on the opportunity on the 21st.

https://www.stage32.com/writers-room/plans-vip

Ai is a great tool to help you, but, it will not write out the whole screenplay. You must know the craft and us this tool to enhance what you have already written. Like creating a great logline or synopsis.

I have played around with AI, however I want my first short to be me writing just for the discipline and experience.

As someone who earns his living as a filmmaker / photographer, I'm not a huge fan of AI. However, I have embraced the fact it is not going away and will continue to infiltrate everything. There are some good perks too. Some of the AI features in Davinci Reslove are nothing short of amazing. Regarding the writing aspect, If someone has great story idea, but formatting a screenplay isn't their cup of tea, I have no issues with AI helping.

Jane Shebroe AI isn't going away anytime soon. Nobody is paying you to write your spec screenplay so do whatever you want. CJ Walley suggested some free software so that might be a good way to go. I am not sure why you couldn't find a screenwriter to work with you on this project. I might be wrong but it seems like screenplays based on true stories are sort of popular. Anyway I wish you luck with this one.

Dear friends,

Since I am currently witing a screenplay in English rather than my native language, I have already tried AI, to check grammar and spelling. I can imagine other screenwriters using AI to check punctuation.

When I write, all characters have a tendency to speak like a 60 year old man with an academic background. Perhaps AI can help me writing dialogue for a 20 year old rich woman, a 30 year old female police officer, a 55 year old female immigrant from Germany, or whatever I need.

When I write on a new screenplay, gaps are created. My brain works in such a way that I more easily fill the gaps if I write some scene which works poorly. I mean, if I leave the gaps empty, it is more difficult for me to find out what to write. Later, I write better scenes. So I can imagine using AI to write scenes which work poorly, because that makes it easier to see what must be improved upon.

It can be overwhelming to learn screenwriting for those who have no teacher. Overwhelming to learn everything at the same time. I can imagine that telling AI to turn a short synopsis into a scene will make it less overwhelming to write something short, because AI will help formating. I mean, write something short simply to practice.

Some inexperienced screenwriters write too long. Both too long dialogue and too long description. Perhaps it will help to tell AI writing the same scene, and then compare.

Well Said Göran Johansson

Open AI employees have already issued a signed notice to the world that their AI system, and likely many others, have already developed beyond expectations and will only share a small fraction of what they are doing, saving, collecting, learning, and creating with their biped controllers. Just an FYI ;-) AI is here to stay - agreed - but we may be missing the boat of reigning in who, what, where, when, and why.

Dear Mark, nice that you liked what I wrote.

After posting my comment, I tried AI to improve the dialogue in my new screenplay. Chat GPT4 failed to improve the dialogue for the immigrant with the strong accent. Improvement was limited for the other characters. A human with the right background would had done a better job.

Let it come from the heart and you'll feel much prouder of your work! I get it's easier sometimes when you're unmotivated to rely on AI to give you ideas but be careful about copyright and your data being collected when it comes to AI. I don't see anything wrong with asking it to maybe format a sentence in a different way or format your screenplay if you don't know how yet, but I'd draw the line there personally. When you get in the zone and ideas start flowing, that's where the magic of filmmaking lies and the right people in the industry, who are in it for the art of the heart, will recognize that. :)

Fabulously interesting comment, Göran. Obviously, I love hearing that (haha), as it's like another point scored for the opposing team against AI in the playoffs ... But Matthew, what you just said certainly concerns me. Hopefully I'm misunderstanding something. Can you possibly clarify, especially this: "we may be missing the boat of reigning in who, what, where, when, and why"? Thanks, all.

Sure Lynelle Paulick - when the creators of AI become concerned about what their own AI system is likely not sharing, it would follow that concern about where it goes from here is very real; so taking steps to regulate who is abusing AI, what can be done with AI (truthful? fanciful? influence elections?), where it is appropriate to use/not use, when the line of reasonable use of AI has been crossed, and why are more not concerned about where unrestrained AI can lead? The 5 Ws. Everyone seems so excited about AI potential; they seem to be ignoring the consequences.

There’s no feelings in it from an ai

Hi Jane Shebroe , I read your whole post and wanted to chime in too:

Ai will not generate a consistent screenplay, and certainly not with the proper structure or even characters and story. It will probably not be up-to-date with current screenplay structure either, as it's dataset that trained it on screenplay format comes from whatever is published online, and most of those scripts are older, shooting scripts and out of date when it comes to spec script format.

Generative Ai's strength is in its ability to handle repetitive tasks, or in the case of writers, act as a kind of "writing partner" to help brainstorm. That's how I use ChatGPT and Claude.ai. They help me explore different ideas. So your intention of using Ai for that is a good plan. But it will be limited in how it can help you. For me, it's also a great way to come up with character names.

It's OK for you to ask it to generate a screenplay based on your story -- so you can explore different approaches. I've done this with scenes -- I'll ask ChatGPT to write a scene in script format with specific parameters, then iterate with different options. That will give me ideas on how to approach it myself. But I never have it do the real writing for me.

Dear friends,

I decided to try AI. So I told Chat GPT4 to create about 10 different scenes from my synopsis. Some results at first appeared well written. For other scenes, it was clear that AI had no idea what it was writing.

I guessed the reason. AI hardly creates, instead it borrows from a big data base, and combines. In practice this means that AI delivers cliché whenever possible. Scene descriptions, dialogue and characters are all cliché. Because it borrows what has worked well in the past.

So it is better using AI to find old screenplays which includes some scene which is similar to the scene one has oneself failed to write. And then one learns how to write the missing scene by reading the old masterpieces.

What would happen if one creates a screenplay by using AI? To simplify, AI will write scene 1 by borrowing from masterpieces A and B. Then write scene 2 by borrowing from masterpieces C and D. And so on. So the characters will have a different personality in different scenes. Strange indeed, so I can't recommend it.

What would happen if one writes a screenplay by asking AI to write those scenes one fails to write oneself? All screenwriters have a different voice so the scenes written by AI will appear to be written by somebody else. Written by somebody who loves clichés. So the impression would be that the screenwriter has borrowed scenes from others. That will give a very suspect impression.

So if one actually wants to use AI for help, one should tell it to write in a foreign language, and then translate manually to the language one uses for writing oneself. So the AI generated scenes appear to be created by oneself. Best would be to try to memorise the scene and then write when one does not have the AI generated scene in front of oneself.

Do I myself plan to use AI to create scenes? Well, when I read a scene which functions poorly, I feel encouraged to improvie upon it. So I can imagine that I would be able to use AI.