Know anything about the screenplay format, and you know that it's a pretty structured and rule-oriented beast.
When we first adapted one of our stage-plays for the screen, we turned to the software program Final Draft. It allows you to focus on the story, rather than the rules for how the script should work. We say it's pretty good.
But it's not without its downfalls. The biggest issue is that you can only have it installed on two computers at a time. Problem: Since we're into collaboration, there are usually more than just two of us working on a given script. This can be pretty tiresome when you have to deactivate the program from one computer and reactivate it on another.
Recently, we stumbled upon another scriptwriting program called Celtx. And get this; unlike Final Draft, it's FREE!
So, we decided to give Celtx a try, to see if it holds up to Final Draft.
Well, we've downloaded it, and did a bit of a test run.
It's a tiny bit different from Final Draft, but not so much that you can't get used to it. But the biggest problem it seems to have is that you can't color-code your edits. And since there are several of us working on one script, we color-code the changes we make. (Of course, when the script starts looking like a rainbow, we change everything back to black, and start all over again with the colors).
And you know what! We're not the only ones who were unhappy with this lack of color-coordination.
The other bit that some of us didn't like was the fact that you needed to have an internet connection to turn the script into a PDF file.
So, for now, we'll probably stick with Final Draft. After all, we did pay for it! But if Celtx ever decides to expand their options in the color department, we just might be convinced to go over to them.
Note to aspiring screenwriters: If you want a screenwriting program, and can handle the no-color-option, try Celtx. It's free! All you have to do is download it...
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