ASK & DISCUSS INDEX

10 years, 9 months ago - jane foster

Although celtx isn't bad - if you really want to learn good formatting, ask around and try an older version of FD - Then when you upgrade when you have the finance to pay for it, half the battle with layout's won and you've pent your time learning how to rite rather than struggling with format! However, although there are a few free programs out there, FD really is the industry standard, so better learn now rather than later.

10 years, 9 months ago - Peter Spencer

Celtx is decent, if you are going to buy software, don't waste money on Final Draft - at £38 Fade In Pro leaves Final Draft dead in the water and although Final Draft has massive market presence because it has been around 20 years, forget the tired 'industry standard' rubbish as more and more pro writers leave it behind (Gary Whitta, Rian Johnson, Craig Mazin, John August - me:) also, unlike FD, updates are free. Check this comparison: http://www.fadeinpro.com/page.pl?content=comparison

10 years, 9 months ago - Anthony Cawood

I'll third CeltX for the free side of things, has desktop version, IOS app, and can be used in browser online... saves everything to Cloud so you can keep version control sorted... you don't really need most of the features of things like Final Draft for a spec script or when starting out, but it's easy to move files from CeltX to FD if anyone asks for it (I've only ever had one producer request it)... Writers Duet basic version is free too...

10 years, 9 months ago - Brendan O'Neill

Yep Celtx is way to go. Keeps your stuff safe in the cloud too. Has better iphone compatibility in terms of Apps than Android for doing stuff on the go at the moment but that will change

10 years, 8 months ago - Andy Conway

Trelby is an interesting new free screenwriting programme that doesn't come with CeltX's trial period ransom trickery. Worth checking out.

10 years, 8 months ago - John Mc

Best I ever used, and still use is ScriptSmart Gold - its a very flexible, macro based template to cover all formats. It used to be a free download from BBC but they don't do it anymore. I can send you a copy if you contact me with an email address. It's only for Windows however.

10 years, 9 months ago - Lauris Beinerts

Haven't used it in a while, but adobe story seemed quite useful (though I think it is web-based): https://story.adobe.com/en-gb/

10 years, 9 months ago - Ryan Hooper

I'd second Adobe Story, good entry way into FD

10 years, 8 months ago - Euroscript Screenwriters

If you want a very simple Word template, I have one at http://www.charles-harris.co.uk/screenplay-format-guides-cinema-tv/ along with other information on formatting for film and TV.

Charles Harris

10 years, 9 months ago - Peter Ward

I just discovered Fountain the other day. Fountain is a standard, not an application. If you don't mind left-aligned scrips, it's handy because the script will scale for viewing/editing on a range of devices. On the desktop it works as a plugin for Sublime Text, which is available for all operating systems. Final Draft is a great way to flush $200 down the toilet--unless you need to deliver in .FDX, avoid it.

10 years, 8 months ago - Sean McConville

I use Trelby too and find it to be very good, and the most simple/basic of all, which I like as I just want to write into it. I have moviemagic and Final Draft but find myself using Trelby.

10 years, 9 months ago - Paddy Robinson-Griffin

You could try Celtx - free version and helps with story development, script formatting etc.

10 years, 9 months ago - Peter Spencer

Can export in .FDX from FadeIn Pro too.. There's nothing to touch it. A friend of mine emailed FadeIn about the possibility of having a BBC radio play template - 3 days later it was available. Try asking Final Draft for that. Also when you see what Final Draft costs for what is basically a word processor that after 20 years in existence still CANNOT put an accent on cafe.... It is extremely poor value.

10 years, 8 months ago - Tony Brandrick

Just logged in to mention Trelby (http://www.trelby.org/) but Andy Conway beat me to it! A friend uses is, so I downloaded a copy and was impressed for what is free software.

10 years, 9 months ago - Peter Findlay

Thanks Paddy - much appreciated.

10 years, 9 months ago - Peter Findlay

Many thanks everyone for your suggestions.

10 years, 8 months ago - Richelle Fatheree

A few options: screenplay.dot (http://www.writingacademy.com/screenplay.html), celtx (https://www.celtx.com/index.html) and three others (http://www.dependentfilms.net/files.html)

10 years, 8 months ago - Richelle Fatheree

A few options: screenplay.dot (http://www.writingacademy.com/screenplay.html), celtx (https://www.celtx.com/index.html) and three others (http://www.dependentfilms.net/files.html)