Screenwriting Tools Page
There are a lot of things that fall under Tools. Of course, analyzing the screenwriting software that is out there and making important decisions falls under this category.
Charts and checklists and other items that may be floating around the internet are great tools and when I see something I like, I will add it here with the permission of the owner, of course.
But I have some of my own systems. And while I could add these to my Blog section, things like my personal time management for writers system would fall under a screenwriting tool and a nice free resource for me to give away on my site. So that's what I'm going to do. The Time Management System will be up here soon, I promise.
Many of you have made a recent New Year's resolution to write more pages. And good on you! But in order for that dream to become reality, you need the right tool in order to help you become more productive. That is why I decided to add my time management system to the site and give it to you all absolutely free. I have taught this system to students many times, and it absolutely works wonders.
I have literally seen writers who couldn't get more than 1 or 2 pages a week explode to 20 pages a week! Sometimes we get caught up in life's small battles and then the week just evaporates on us. With my system, you will be able to plan ahead and get your writing in.
It is attached below in Microsoft Word format. Enjoy!
Time Management System for Writers
Screenwriting Software Analysis
A lot of people ask me, can I use Microsoft Word or some other tool that comes with my computer with a template? And my answer is: Only if you want the word Amateur plastered on your forehead.
Templates in Microsoft Word might seem great, but as soon as you send off your stuff in an email the formatting goes all to hell! It is not intuitive, and also, it won't be compatible with anybody else's software. And yes, when you translate it to your own .pdf format to send it in that way...I guarantee you won't be happy with the results. Again, your formatting will go all to hell. The templates just don't work correctly, and you will spend countless extra hours trying to get everything right. How much money is your time worth? Trust me, don't use Microsoft Word or other word processors to craft screenplays or teleplays. Just don't.
And, for the most part, industry professionals use Final Draft or perhaps Movie Magic. They are industry standard. If you were a carpenter would you get a cheaper hammer or would you get the best one out there? This is your business enterprise we're talking about.
I personally use Final Draft.
But, if you can't spring for it at this point in time, then the best next alternative is Celtx. I am not a a huge fan of Celtx personally, and it and Final Draft are not compatibile with each other. If you try and cut and paste from one to the other your format goes haywire. But, yes, Celtx is free so use that if you absolutely have to. I use Celtx to collaborate with other people who don't have Final Draft. But I always re-craft it in Final Draft before sending it off to a producer or executive.
Look like a professional to other professionals. If you send something in Final Draft or Movie Magic, they know you are making an investment in your own career. They respect that. So do it right.
While I have never used Movie Magic Screenwriter 6, I have plenty of writing friends who use it. It is definitely industry standard and you shouldn't be afraid of it, if you have the opportunity to acquire it.
