With the recent release of Amazon Storywriter, the battle for supremacy in scriptwriting software is hotting up…
Which actually made the whole thing a lot easier.
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But its not quite that simple.
Theres a lot of choice out there.
So what should you choose?
Below is a guide to helping you decide.
Ive also tried to list other options after, for the sake of completism…
But before we start, why bother with all this anyway?
Why not just write down your script how you want?
Why do you need specific software?
Format is everything from title page on.
Get it right, and use one of the below to help you.
Ive concentrated on the desktop software here, and made a note of what app versions there are too.
Have zero money to spend on your scriptwriting software?
Worried you might not be able to export your finished script easily?
Then youll most likely be interested in this option.
I know a few people who have used this when writing scripts for low-budget productions.
First of all, open up Word.
The find yourself a handy guide like the oneright here.
Dont quote me on that, it really is a pain in the backside.
For a fee, Celtx offers storyboarding, budgeting, shot lists, and production tracking.
However, its not exactly compatible with the other scriptwriting software, meaning that youre in the Celtx eco-system.
It has apps in both iOS and Android.
If youre after a fully featured scriptwriting software option that wont break the bank, then I recommendFadeIn.
Its fast and pretty intuitive to use.
All in all, its a great low-cost way into using a powerful piece of program.
Again, it supports both iOS and Android.
If you feel like treating yourself, then go for Final Draft.
But its pricey for sure, at 163 for the initial download, with further updates 65 a pop.
But it really is the industry standard.
Those in the industry will typically either be a FD person or a MMSW person.
Again, its similar to Final Cut vs Avid/Adobe Premiere.
So if youre in that world then this might be the app for you.
you could attach pitches, a synopsis, and a huge range of graphics to go with your script.
However, for the novice its pretty dense with a steep learning curve.
Amazon Story Teller
Thisfree apphas just recently been released, and promises to disrupt the current status quo.
Like Highland, its designed to let you write and then auto-format afterwards.
It can export and import PDF, Fountain and FDX files, making it compatible with other scriptwriting software.
However, a lack of extra features means its a first draft bang out of deal right now.
On a final note, I highly recommend John Augusts podcastScriptnotes.
