Screenplay Software

[Flick James]

My wife used to work for a couple of agencies in Hollywood and knows a few people who could potentially get us solicited. We also have an idea for a psychological thriller we think is pretty solid. The problem is, neither of us have ever written a screeplay. What software do you recommend that is simple to use? Cost is not am enormous issue, but we'd prefer not to spend needlessly, but it has to look professional. Any input would be appreciated.

[Rev. Powell]

Microsoft Word.  In all seriousness, I think a google search will bring up some free templates that will help you put the screenplay in the proper format.  I've never heard of anyone using special software to write a script, though I'm sure one exists.  IMO you'd be better off spending the money you would have spent on software on a couple of books about screenwriting.

[Flick James]

Thanks Rev. I already have a decent book on the process, and it does help with the conceptualization and outlining phases, that kind of thing, and I'm not lazy about that. I'm just lazy about the formatting.

Anyway, there are programs out there that a simple Google search reveals:
Final Draft
Montage
Movie Magic Screenwriter

I just figured if anyone here has used any of those or others they might offer some guidance. I get some useful information from this site as well as debates. 

[Vik]

I write screenplays myself and I highly recommend CeltX. It's a totally free program, it works perfectly and helps you write in professional format. It's a lot better then Microsoft Word.
You can download it here: http://celtx.com/
And instead of buying books on screenwriting, I recommend you just read a lot of good screenplays, I learned a lot from that. You can get a whole bunch on this website: http://www.imsdb.com/ And if you don't find it there you'll be able to find it using Google. But if you want a book on screenwriting, I heard Syd Field has written good books on the subject.

[Flick James]

I write screenplays myself and I highly recommend CeltX. It's a totally free program, it works perfectly and helps you write in professional format. It's a lot better then Microsoft Word.
You can download it here: http://celtx.com/
And instead of buying books on screenwriting, I recommend you just read a lot of good screenplays, I learned a lot from that. You can get a whole bunch on this website: http://www.imsdb.com/ And if you don't find it there you'll be able to find it using Google. But if you want a book on screenwriting, I heard Syd Field has written good books on the subject.

Thanks for the tip, and the link. I hadn't really done any research on how to find scripts yet, but I was already thinking that reading some good scripts would be a huge help.

[Jim H]

Microsoft Word.  In all seriousness, I think a google search will bring up some free templates that will help you put the screenplay in the proper format.  I've never heard of anyone using special software to write a script, though I'm sure one exists.  IMO you'd be better off spending the money you would have spent on software on a couple of books about screenwriting.

It's surprisingly annoying doing the formatting in Word or similar programs.  At least, it was for me.  Doing that felt harder than doing it on a typewriter would be.

Final Draft is probably the most widely used piece of specialized software - I find it quite useful.  I'll have to try out CeltX though.

[Skull]

I'm using the Microsoft Word template... its ok and many of the features are accessed by hitting "enter" such as (character to dialogue) although the template does require you to manuaver the mouse around, maybe because I'm using MSWord 2000.

I've tried CeltX but it feels too alien at times, maybe I'm very comfortable with Word.

I do believe CeltX has a better formating system then Word.  You can upload MSWord documents on CeltX. I do remember thinking 2 years ago about using CeltX as a final, final.

[The Burgomaster]

I have an older version of FINAL DRAFT and it's great.  It has a database of names in case you can't think of a name for your character, plus a "voice" feature where you can listen to a computerized voice read your screenplay.

[JayJayM12]

I'm late to the game, but I also highly recommend Final Draft.  Another great feature is that it is compatible with several screenwriting programs available for the IPAD, so I can work on a script on the go OR at home and never miss a beat.  It's a VERY easy program to use once you get used to it.  A bit pricey perhaps, but I find it to be worth it...

[Zombies 2012]

I can only say Final Draft is well worth the money.  If you are a student, even for one class, you can buy the educational version for $99.

[ulthar]

Another vote for Celtx for me.

[akiratubo]

Celtx

[SPazzo]

Yeah, Celtx is good!

[Criswell]

Celtx is great. Its so good it shouldn't be free.