Hi, my name is Dina. I have one screenplay in the works and about 5 more in my head. I am working to have the first one finished by Christmas. I have a lot of faith in it but the important part now is just completing it. Still planning on purchasing software to help write it-in the final research phase. It is great to meet everyone who has the same goals as me.
Introduce Yourself : Newbie Screenplay Writer by Dina Payne
Other topics in Introduce Yourself:
Check out Trending Discussions
Register / Log In
1 person likes this
Hi, Dina, good luck.
1 person likes this
Best of luck with the projects, Dina! Dig your style!
2 people like this
The key is to keep going and never give up. I'm sure you'll crack it Dina. Software wise, I use Final Draft, but Celtx is free to download and may suit your needs well at this stage? Best of luck with it all :-)
3 people like this
Dina, I write in Microsoft Word 2010 and use a free screenwriting template that has all the basic formatting styles. Send me a message and I'll send you a copy.
1 person likes this
Yeah I use a template in Libre Office Writer, which also has a windows version known as Open Office. There is a free screenwriting template available for that too. I have Celtx, but don't like it.
1 person likes this
I use Adobe Story... it's online based and is free
1 person likes this
Hello Dina, nice to have you with us....
2 people like this
Adobe story looks interesting, but I still prefer working in Word and using a free screenwriting template.
3 people like this
Nice to meet you! I used "Trelby" with my first two screenplays. It was easy to learn and it was free! But I plan to purchase "Final Draft" when my feature film is optioned. Good luck!
1 person likes this
You will get it done, Dina. I use FinalDraft; have since I started. A recent upgrade has been bumpy for one spec, but I feel I have would not have gotten this far without it. I cannot imagine writing w/o formatting software; I have enough on my mind tying together characters and plot. There will come a time when Hollywood will want to see my work, and they do not accept Word doc.. for they will be writing the shooting script based spec written on the acceptable software, whether MovieMagic or FinalDraft.
1 person likes this
No, but they accept .pdf which is easily converted from a word document. You don't need screenwriting software, you just don't. Concentrate on writing.
You should check out Movie Magic Screenwriter ASAP. I think writing in the proper format helps you to visualize your story as a film.
2 people like this
FINAL DRAFT is the industry standard. BTW: In my years of writing I've often found it most difficult for many to actually get through a "first draft", myself included. Please "allow your first draft to have mistakes, types, to be horrible, etc"; Not always the case but give it that margin. The main two elements that have always worked for me in songwriting and am now applying them as I get deeper into the screenwriting process are, 1: Having somewhat of plot in mind that makes sense to you and 2: Get to the End > Finish it!. After that, take a break, go back to it as a reader, the rest will follow. Screenwriters looking to have their scripts professionally translated from English to Spanish and/ or vice-versa, Feel free to contact me for possible collaboration. Contracts will be involved to ensure a professional relationship. "We all learn more as we go."
1 person likes this
Dina, like you, I had a story idea. Completed it in January and submitted it to the Creative World Awards this year and finished as a Quarter Finalist. I did mine on Celtx -- just to see if I could do it. Now, it will be fun to see if it gets picked up anywhere. All the best! Andy
1 person likes this
Celtx is good, I use both... welcome aboard Dina... you can get all the help you need and cheering on here..
1 person likes this
Dina.. Also check out scripped.. it's incredible.. and free
Thank you so much! Just entered two contests, one was just for movie ideas, and that closes in October. Checking out ways to protect my work right now. Don't know if I should trust copyrighting with WGA or go another route.....any suggestions? I am understandably pretty protective!
1 person likes this
well.. there's always the copywright office.. just check it out online what you have to do to protect yourself...I've always gone with WGA .. just so you know.. you can't copywright an idea.. just words.. from what I've heard.. I may be wrong.. ;)
Good advice, Karen. WGAW and the Copyright office.