I’m sometimes asked my advice on what screenwriting software to use, so I thought I’d jot down a list of my faves…
- Pad and pen – never underestimate the usefulness of the simple pad and pen for ideas/dialogue etc. No one has so far invented any software that allows for as much creative freedom. Also, it beats sitting in a cafe with a laptop in front of you; no one wants to be that guy/girl!
- Evernote – This is really handy for jotting down an idea, or clipping something off the web, and having it sync across desktop, laptop and iPhone instantly.
- Scrivener – A truly brilliant (and cheap) bit of kit. I use Scrivener to outline all my ideas in as much detail as is required. It’s really easy to then turn that outline into a treatment or pitch if you need to get your idea approved before starting the first draft. Everything goes in here; characters, plot points, ideas for sequences/scenes/beats etc. The software also allows you to write in screenplay format but for that I prefer…
- Movie Magic Screenwriter – For years and years I put up with the poor presentation and usability of Final Draft because it was the industry standard. Now, with Screenwriter 6, that is starting to change. The software is infinitely better and more adaptable than FD and the industry is starting to use it more and more. I still have to deliver most TV scripts in FD format, but I tend to at least write the first draft in Screenwriter and then port it across for revisions.
Lastly, I want to mention a new site I found recently that is BRILLIANT for dealing with those moments where inspiration seems elusive and we’re just staring at a blank page. Write Or Die provides the ultimate stimulus to get writing; you set a target time or number of words, hit “Go” and start writing. If you pause for more than a few seconds, the site plays horrific noises at you or, on a higher setting, actually starts to delete what you’ve already written. I didn’t think it would work, then cranked out 1000 words in just a few minutes on my first try. Highly recommended!
I’m always keen to try new writing software out, so if you have any recommendations, let me know.
