Hello:

As a screenwriter wannabe I have a general question. Is formatting software worth the price? Can't a word program do the same?
Formatting is important, but considering the time necessary to generate a script, saving a few minutes per page seems unimportant.
Any thoughts?

Superdave, scriptware does much more than help you formatting a script correctly. It is too much to list it all here. You can donwload totally free a trial version of Sophocles. You get a full version of the program for as long as you want. The only trhing that makes it a trial id the fact that you csn not print your script. You can try all the functions and see if it is worth the $ 120. You can regioster it with a creditcard online tyou get a acces code that will actibvate ryhe rpintign abilit7y right away. You don't have tow ait for a install cd rom. You can ask for the ascces key three times.
http://www.sophocles.com try it and see for yourself is the best advice I can give you. remenber it is the full version but you can not print your script. If yopu want to register you keep everything you have already written it is the same program.

MS Word can do the same thing.
In fact, I know people that have written their own Macros that supposedly allows Word to function as if it were a Movie Magic or Final Draft... but I've never seen it in action, so I can't speak first hand.

I've seen ads for Dr. Format's screenwriting program that's a lot cheaper than the name-brands, but REQUIRES MSWord to function...

In my opinion, there are 3 clear advantages to getting a screenwriting formatting software.
1) If you want to be a pro, get a pro's tool. There's something to be said for behaving like a someone's who's serious.

2) Although Word may be great for the first draft, I feel editing is easier with formatting software. Major things like substantial rewrites and monir things like making sure the same scene is slugged the same way (Andy's Room v. Andy's Bedroom) is easier to catch when you're using a formatting software.

3) When converting a spec script to a shooting script (as I put the cart before the horse) is FAR easier with screenwriting software... this is important if you're shooting your own script, but probably not something you'd have to deal with as purely a spec writer.

Bottom Line, Word is fine if you're not ready to take the plunge. Heck, it's supposed to look like it came out of a typewriter. And getting software does not make you a better writer or prove anything.
The proof is merely the words on the page.

Good Lcuk.

Hey this is an article on software that can be used for screenwriting.

The Best Screenwriting Programs

I tried to post a new thread on this subject the other day but it seems to take quite awhile for it to get cleared so I thought I'd try to update this one.

I've seen several discussions on different screenwriting programs here but none that are recent. Here's my question: Which program do you use and how do you like it?

I've been using Celtx for awhile now with no major complaints. But have decided to upgrade to something with more options. Have it narrowed down to the big two Movie Magic Screenwriter and Final Draft. Leaning more towards MM Screenwriter as I've heard that Final Draft charges for tech support and is prone to bugs of one sort or another. Would like to hear opinions from people regarding either program. Likes, dislikes, anything you might want to share.

I apologize in advance for the other thread when/if it pops up.

I use FD7 and have never had to call tech support. So I don't know if they charge or not. I have used a trail ver of MM and it worked great. I liked it but I'm just used to FD. I think you could go wrong with either.

Another plug here for FD7. I got my first Final Draft program in 1999 (before that I formatted on my own using whatever) and I haven't ever felt a need to switch to anything else. I've never even tried any of the other programs, though I do know one or two kooks who swear by Movie Magic.

Thanks much for the input guys. My dilemma has actually come to a close. I bought Movie Magic Screenwriter and then... a friend gave me an older version of Final Draft she didn't use anymore. (She couldn't have done that BEFORE I bought MM? But, I kid) So now I have an embarrassment of riches.

I suspect there may be future postings with questions about using my "new" Final Draft.