ARGH

[Jonkaulay]

I've wrote two or three screenplays but none of them have been formatted "correctly", I have the basic idea on what it should look like, but everytime I use the mesurements that most websties give for margins it just doesn't look like a screenplay is supposed to. Can anyone help me out on this? I use Microsoft Word, because my budget does not allow me to own Final Draft (I work in fast food and have to support a child so you can imagine).

[Fortean]

If you prefer to use Word, I would recommend the Screenforge templates, (registration is US$45), available at:

Screenforge (http://apotheosispictures.com/ScreenForge_v11a_Info.htm)

If you'd prefer a dedicated screenwriting program, another economical alternative is Hollywood Screenwriter, (a basic version of Movie Magic Screenwriter 2000, without the bells and whistles), which sells for US$60, at:

Hollywood Screenwriter (http://www.screenplay.com/products/hscreenwriter/index.html)

[zz9]

See www.bbc.co.uk/writersroom/scriptsmart/index.shtml (http://www.bbc.co.uk/writersroom/scriptsmart/index.shtml) for Word templates recommended by the BBC. As long as you select 'Movie' and not TV format it'll do fine, and it's free.

[Deus Ex Machine]

Check my format and software links

www.thewriterslist.org (http://www.thewriterslist.org)

[Ravenlocks01]

Sophocles is another possible option. I think it's about $120, not the cheapest price ever but cheaper than you'd pay for FD.

[Jonkaulay]

I appreciate it guys! All the posts have given me loads of help.

[FlameGrilledWhopper]

You can also work with the trial version of Sophocles for free. You just can't print your script, export files, or copy and paste. Once you pay the $120, you can print, copy/paste, and export files.

[zz9]

Movie Magic Screenwriter has a free trial version as well. You can only write up to 40 pages and everything you print has a 'Trial Version' banner across the page, but it's great to see how it actually works and play with the card index function, the character statistics and so on.

[Deus Ex Machine]

If you do need to buy a stand alone, Hollywood Screenwriter, MM2K's brother, for about $37.00 and it does everything you need.

For $37.00 here (ignore the $49.99 price on the add, click to buy it and it is listed at $36.99.)

www.nyscreenwriter.com/article41.htm (http://www.nyscreenwriter.com/article41.htm)

[zz9]

That's a great deal Deus! The 'Full' version is a couple of hundred bucks and I can't see any features I'd miss going for this version!

[Deus Ex Machine]

This is a "Full version", it was the Version that existed before MM2K and they added all the production stuff which 99.99% of screenwriters never need or use. We write scripts and this has all the tools you could ever want to do that. It exports to RTF which preserves format and any word processor or script writing application on windows or Mac can read it. If you download a free third party PDF distiller you can export in PDF which is also cross platform and preserves format. (see software links for more info on PDF software).

You do need to download the latest updates from Screenplay Systems, especially if you are using Windows Me, 2000 or XP (othewise you might get an "Error 32 Message" ) .

Hollywood Screenwriter Update Link (http://www.screenplay.com/support/updates/HWS/hws30.html)

You should also look at the new spec script formats that can be downloaded from Screenplay System's web site. They allow you to stop using Character CONT'Ds in your scripts, as this is becoming outdated.

Hollywood Screenwriter New Script Formats/Templates Link (http://www.screenplay.com/support/library/instructions/hwstemplates.html)



Plus it has 24/7 FREE phone and email tech support.

It's a matter of taste, but I like the WYSIWYG interface that sophocles is missing for a fraction of Sophocles's cost.

[zz9]

Shame I'm in the UK and Amazon won't ship here....>:

Amazon UK only do 2000, and that's over $300 here!

[Deus Ex Machine]

You can buy it from Write Bros for $59.95 (which is a shame considering how cheap Amazon is) and they will ship it to the UK. It is still cheaper than Sophocles and IMHO a better buy than a word template for the same money.

$59.95 @ Write Bros Hollywood Screenwriter (ships world wide) (http://www.screenplay.com/products/hscreenwriter/index.html)



$45.00 @ Master Freelancer (ships world wide) (http://www.masterfreelancer.com/wsstore/ssi004.html)

[zz9]

I think I'll ask a friend in the US to buy it and then post it to me. Hopefully I won't get stuck with import tax like I do if I buy a couple of DVD from the US.

[Deus Ex Machine]

There shouldn't be a tax if your friend sends it to you as a gift. Send him the money and have him send it to you as a "gift" like a Christmas present to avoid the tax.

[Write Brothers]

I wish I had been to the message board sooner. Unfortunately Hollywood Screenwriter will not work on Windows Systems outside of the US. I don't want the UK user to find out the hard way. If you are a student you can get Movie Magic Screenwriter for about $89.00-$99.00 from some resellers. Being a father of two little ones I know how tight finances can be. Good luck.

[zz9]

I got HS a couple of weeks ago and it works fine. Ordered it through Discount Screenwriting who shipped it direct to the UK, and it was under the tax limit so didn't cost me any extra!

Works fine. Windows XP here is the same as XP in the US.

Couple of small points:
1. Unlike MM it has to have the CD in the PC to open the program, a copy protection thing.
2. Doesn't auto capitalise like MM does.
3. Hasn't got the scene list function on the RH side toolbar. I miss that.

But it's still great. I do most of my writing in longhand but eventually I have to type them up and this is way better that using Word!

[Deus Ex Machine]

Glad to hear it works for you. I was worried when I saw the post about windows compatibility. Write on!

[Write Brothers]

We're glad to hear Hollywood Screenwriter worked for you. Thanks for letting us know about your results.