Free Screenwriting Software
So I’ve been trying to write some scripts for various projects, but have been procrastinating because I have to dig up my copy of Final Draft. If you’re not familiar, Final Draft is basically just a simple word processing software but explicitly for writing screenplays. It does all the movie formatting for you. I love, love, writing scripts and formatting them and all that, it’s such a stupid simple pleasure.
I kept saying, why the hell hasn’t Google Docs made formatting template stuff, where you can format screenplays in it and collaborate. The issue being I can write in my Final Draft formats but the file format can only be opened with a Final Draft program or viewer.
Well I don’t remember how I stumbled upon this, but:
Scripped Writer is a free web-based script writing software application you can use right in your web browser. Unlike other screenwriting software, Scripped Writer is built specifically with the needs of the writer in mind. That means it has all the functionality you need without the clutter of features you’ll never use.
Scripped Writer is a Free Screenwriting Software
I showed this to my friends in shock, and one actually replied saying this one was better:
Zhura provides the most advanced online screenwriting tool in the industry, plus the ability to connect with writers around the globe. On Zhura you can work on your own projects, work with friends in private groups, or collaborate with other writers in the public community.
Because it has collaboration! So it’s basically google screenplays :3
I can’t wait to try it. Anyone else use these or have any experience with them?
Venkat wrote:
Zhura is ok, but it slows down quite a lot if you’re writing long screenplays. Their policies on collaboration and using a creative commons license make me pretty nervous. Overall, both are great apps, but I prefer Scripped.
Posted on 06-May-08 at 11:17 pm | Permalink
evilzug wrote:
Interesting, I’ve not used it for more then a page or two at a time.
Can you collaborate with scripped? that’s the main feature I’m interested in…
Posted on 07-May-08 at 1:40 am | Permalink
Venkat wrote:
Yeah, you can - I share an account with a guy and we just use their draft system to keep track of who did what. Google-docs like collaboration is a bit overrated in my opinion.
Posted on 07-May-08 at 2:28 pm | Permalink
evilzug wrote:
Fair enough. I tend to use google dox style collab quite a bit, lots of discussion on aim but then we tweak the document while we’re looking at it together. For extended collaboration stuff I’m sure the writing parter concept works better.
Posted on 07-May-08 at 4:18 pm | Permalink
Orion wrote:
Hi Tom/Evilzug. I’m one of the guys over at Zhura who’s been trying to get all these bits of software working and “Google Screenplays” is exactly what we had in mind. Full collaboration, revision control, auto-suggest of characters and scene headings - the works. The whole goal is to get these tools people have been using in Hollywood out to the web 2.0 community. Thank your friend for his recommendation - we appreciate it. Best, Orion
Posted on 16-May-08 at 11:49 am | Permalink
evilzug wrote:
Mister Orion,
Good stuff! Keep up the good work!
Posted on 19-May-08 at 10:24 am | Permalink