Script writing software

Sun, 10 Aug 2008, 09:15 pm

McPhil13 posts in thread

Is there a script writing software package suited to Australian theatre script format, that allows the example below. Eg. Bill: I want my name beside me when I talk. Regards Phillip

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McPhilSun, 10 Aug 2008, 09:15 pm

Is there a script writing software package suited to Australian theatre script format, that allows the example below. Eg. Bill: I want my name beside me when I talk. Regards Phillip

NaSun, 10 Aug 2008, 09:23 pm

I have heard of script

I have heard of script writing software: but one aimed specifically for Aussie writers? None that I know of. Probably because a) there's a very small market for it and b) even the 'American' ones can use Aussie spelling. Why not just save yourself some money and type it the way you want in Word? I do... (I'm being literal. I type BILL: [softly] I want my name beside me when I talk. Hell, I even typed in the code to make it bold and italics just then. Finger puppets now on sale at Puppets in Melbourne

Louisa FitzhardingeSun, 10 Aug 2008, 09:46 pm

I might be wrong, but are

I might be wrong, but are you perhaps confusing standard theatre formatting with some sort of "Australian" formatting? From what I've seen, most theatre scripts, regardless of origin, look like this:

BILL: I want my name beside me when I talk.

...whereas most TV/film scripts look like this:

BILL

I want my name beside me when I talk.

The difference between those two examples is not country of origin, it's medium. It might just be a case of finding American scriptwriting software that caters to the theatre format. Or, as Na suggested, just use Word! It shouldn't make much of a difference once you know all the keyboard shortcuts - and could save you a lot of moolah :)

---
Louisa Fitzhardinge
University Dramatic Society
http://uds.asn.au

LogosSun, 10 Aug 2008, 10:00 pm

Save your money

I use Word and after a while it learns your formatting preferences. OK you might have to knock it about a bit first but it gets there. Is that all there is? Well if that's all there is my friend, then let's keep dancing. www.tonymoore.id.au

Louisa FitzhardingeSun, 10 Aug 2008, 10:09 pm

Also, from a quick Google

Also, from a quick Google search, this seems to fit the bill and is open source (free): http://www.celtx.com/ --- Louisa Fitzhardinge University Dramatic Society http://uds.asn.au

NaSun, 10 Aug 2008, 10:16 pm

Oh ditto - I was going to

Oh ditto - I was going to write that (about Aussie formatting vs theatre/film formatting), but forgot. Additionally, with a little practice and learning, you can program 'macros' (customised short cuts) into Word. Finger puppets now on sale at Puppets in Melbourne

Walter PlingeMon, 11 Aug 2008, 11:31 am

I'm pretty sure that Final

I'm pretty sure that Final Draft does theatre format scripts, or at least there's an add-on that lets you do it.

McPhilTue, 12 Aug 2008, 07:27 pm

Reply to software question

Thanks guy's for all your feed back. Software programs aren't designed for two elements on the same line. They function by keeping things separate for reports and spacing. I have Final Draft and it has many features that word cannot provide. Grant I have put this question to Final Draft and non of their formats can do it. I use word also but I do need to improve my skills with word. There may be a program out but I have not found it yet, thanks Louisa I will look into the sites you found, and Na I will check out Macro. Cheers Phil,

TaureanTue, 12 Aug 2008, 08:15 pm

Script Writing Programmes

Some years ago, I trialled a programme called "Writers Block" which (as the name suggests) placed everything into - literally - a block (text square) that you could then shuffle around to suit yourself.

HOWEVER... as I said , this was quite some time ago and I am not sure if it even still exists.... (Google didn't find it)...

EDIT:: FOUND IT!! There ya go!

http://www.writersupercenter.com/writersblocks/

(Caution: Link will open new page.)

The cost for this is just over $110 US, so the cost for it is quite high..

So maybe it would be better to take Tony and Na's advice.... stick with "Word"... at least for the time being....

"Gone crazy, Back later."

Walter PlingeSun, 31 Aug 2008, 10:32 pm

Free script software

If you have WORD then I suggest that you go to http://www.bbc.co.uk/writersroom/scriptsmart/scriptsmart_gold.shtml and download the TEMPLATE for your edition of WORD. once installed that you will find the embedded STYLES will format your script as you require. For example the TV option will centre the content and the Radio one will, as you require give the name on the left with the dialogue in a column to the right. Try it now, the cost (free) makes it worth the visit. regards Robert

Walter PlingeThu, 4 Sept 2008, 01:45 pm

Script writing

I believe Apple have something on their new ILife software that does script writing, but I havent had the chance to check it out.. if you have a friend with a newish macintosh ask them.

McPhilThu, 4 Sept 2008, 10:01 pm

Name & Dialogue

Thanks Robert,

I downloaded the BBC theatre format. You may have ended my long search for a program that allows character name and dialogue on the same line.

I will now learn from tutorials how to use macro.

Once again I really appreciate your help.

Regards

Phil Mc

P.S. Craig I will look into the apple suggestion thank you.

Walter PlingeWed, 29 Oct 2008, 04:31 pm

Celtx & FInal Draft

Australian formatting as suggested by the Script Centre does not correspond with an format provided by major script writing packages - Celtx or Final Draft - which leaves Australian's writing scripts in Word and manually or by macro formatting the damn thing. US formatting seems to be a hybrid between the film and theatre formats we in Australia are used to. Further, depending who is looking at your script, they might want it in the US/International format regardless. In all events you're going to end up do a bucket load of formatting.

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