SCRIPT or CREATIVE SCREENWRITING?

[WinterMuse]

I've decided that in order to more completely morph into an aspiring screenwriter I should subscribe to one of these magazines. But I can't afford both, so which one is better?

[TwoBrad Bradley]

For what it's worth: Some time ago I was down to these two same choices. I compared them side-by-side and I was more impressed with Script and that was the one I went with. (Now, depending on how you like my advice on this board, this is either an endorsement, or it tells you which one to avoid at all costs.)

[GroundlingCom]

I generally read both, but if forced to name a preference, I'd go with "Scr(i)pt".

And not just because Bill Martell has an insightful column there. ;)

[joe44nyc]

If you're new to screenwriting, then you should go with Script. It's strong on teaching the craft.

Creative Screenwriting is strong on interviews of pro screenwriters who have a movie coming out.

[opus]

creative screenwriting is just better. no reason in particular.

[pconsidine]

I agree with joe44. When it comes to immediately useful info, <!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> scr(i)pt<!--EZCODE ITALIC END--> is the winner. I generally get <!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> scr(i)pt<!--EZCODE ITALIC END--> and supplement it with <!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> Creative Screenwriting<!--EZCODE ITALIC END--> if I see an article that interests me. I also toss in <!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> Cineaste<!--EZCODE ITALIC END--> every now and then for a dose of totally esoteric high-brow commentary. You just can't beat reading magazines for procrastination.

[JaneaDahl]

Yes you can. You can log on here. :)

[Lucy 789]

I'm a scr(i)pt gal myself. I think it's got more about the craft of screenwriting.

[HConn]

Two Brad has it right. Buy a copy of each and compare them side by side. You'll know which is the best for you.

[XANDRA CAGE]

I have subscriptions to Written By, Canadian Screenwriter, Screentalk, Scr(i)pt and Creative Screenwriting. If I could only choose one, I would have to go with Scr(i)pt -- but Screentalk is a VERY close second.

XXX

[nickj]

I won a subscription to Script and was surprised to find I actually read it each month. I'll probably renew.

[Vigorish9]

I'm partial to creative.

vig

[WinterMuse]

That settles it vig. I'm going with scr(i)pt. ;)

Except, I can't figure out why the damn "i" is in parentheses like that. Is that supposed to mean something?

[Lucy 789]

ask that, WinterMuse. I happened upon that information by accident when I was researching materials for my editing/writing class. Unfortunately, I left the information at campus, but I'll get it on Wednesday and post it if someone hasn't already by then.

But I think, if I remember right, the blurb said something about the "i" in scr(i)pt stands for honoring the individual screenwriter.

[phantasm]

I find Scr(i)pt to be a lighter (easier) read (I don't mean this as a negative).

CS seems to be deeper, more thorough.

I agree with others who suggest, that if you're faced with choosing, you should decide for yourself. Different mag styles appeal to different folks...thus the various (thankfully) rags.

[WinterMuse]

Okay, I know you're all eager to hear how this turned out.

I got copies of each magazine and read 'em cover to cover. It seems to me they actually compliment each other pretty well; one focuses more on the big picture, theory stuff, while the other focuses on movies coming out and interviews with the writers.

I find both approaches to be extremely helpful, so I decided to splurge and subscribe to both...

Now, I'm twice the screenwriter I was before!

[Lucy 789]

Here's what the (i) means according to Magazines for Libraries 2002:

"the (i) in scr(i)pt is used to honor the screenwriter . . . our message to you is that we recognize you as the genesis of film -- the inspiration."

There. Now we know. :)

[WinterMuse]

That's good to know. I'm going to start a magazine called <!--EZCODE BOLD START--> scri(p)t<!--EZCODE BOLD END--> to honor the <!--EZCODE UNDERLINE START-->passion<!--EZCODE UNDERLINE END--> of the writer -- the genesis of all films.

[Lucy 789]

You go, WinterMuse. Just let me know where to send my subscription check. ;)

[qparrish]

For some reason, creative screenwriting always leaves me overwhelmed and with a headache. Script leaves me energized and optimistic. Also, I have found that (VERY nit picky!) the font, or the bold-face aspect of the printing on creative screenwriting bugs me.

[pconsidine]

DISCLAIMER: The super-nit-picky opinion of a magazine designer below!

The only thing about <!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> scr(i)pt<!--EZCODE ITALIC END--> that turns me off is that there are times when it's just plain sloppily done. For example, in the last issue I bought, one of the departments at the back was incomplete, as if they had meant to continue it on another page, but didn't.

And, for what it's worth, the font <!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> Creative Screenwriter<!--EZCODE ITALIC END--> uses is harder to read because it's compressed narrower than a normal text font would be. See? There's logic behind all these things we take for granted in our magazines.

[dlshooter]

I generally buy scr(i)pt for the columns and CS for the articles and interviews. Both are great resources for biz news, sales, contests etc...a lot of which you could just come here for though.

[SandraLyon346]

Why is it a competition. There are both good in their own ways...