This is the first in a multi-part series breaking down the screenwriting process so you can get started writing your next great idea.
First, let’s talk where you write the script. I don’t care if you start in a paper notebook or scribble outlines on napkins, at some point you’re going to have to type this into proper screenwriting format on a computer.
Professional screenwriting programs like Movie Magic Screenwriter or Final Draft are a major investment. Screenwriter 6 is currently at the sale price of $169. It’s usually $249. Final Draft 12 is on sale for $185 (again, usually $249).
That’s a hefty price tag for someone who is just starting out. Luckily, there’s some really good free and cheap options out there too:
- YouMeScript – a Google Drive extension. Features the ability to have multiple writers working at the same time from different computers. Great for collaboration but make sure you save often. It does not automatically save for you.
- Fade In – Fade in provides a free trial to get you started. It is only $80 for the full version.
- Writer Duet – a Cloud based software that has a lot of nifty features. The free trial lets you write your first 3 scripts on the program for free.
- Celtx – This used to be free but it seems it’s gone through some updates and is now $15/mo for the most basic package.
The free options are fine for when you are learning to write or if you are simply writing for your own short films, but if you decide to go big time and start submitting to agents or contests or major production houses — get Final Draft or Screenwriter. There can be little formatting issues with the free programs that the pricey programs would sort out.
Study the Craft
You can’t expect to grow as a writer unless you work at it, study it and see what’s been done before.
You can see my list of recommended screenwriting books here: Reading List: Screenwriting.
How do you expect to write a script if you don’t read them first? The following link gives resources to the best screenplays to read in each genre.
You can also check out a lot more scripts on Simply Scripts and Drew’s Script-o-Rama. Just keep in mind some are transcripts written by a fan watching a show, which makes them not worth studying. You may also have to click through a few, especially on Drew’s site — some links are broken.
“So what’s all this I hear about formatting?” We’ll talk about that in the next Screenwriting Basics post.
Bridget LaMonica 