Works for me.
I've written screen plays many years ago, but this is the first time I've used a software package to write this type of format. I am used to using different software packages, and using Screenwriter was an easy transition.
The manual that comes with it was very useful, but I was able to start writing my movie script almost immediately, which means that the user interface for Screenwriter was user friendly.
I haven't had to use all of its features, but writing and formatting is very easy and its exporting to PDF worked flawlessly.
BUGS!!!!!
I've been using Movie Magic for over 15 years and lemme tell you this is the worst version ever! It's amazing, but they've screwed up so much in this "new & improved" version that it's almost not worth reviewing (let alone buying). Large chunks of what you're writing will suddenly vanish from the screen because of a margin wraparound bug; call tech support and they'll tell you not to worry because it's not really gone - it's just not there on the screen. What? Huh? You also get error messages for no apparent reason that will send you in endless loops of frustration that would make Kafka proud. In short, do yourself a favor: BUY FINAL DRAFT. Loyalty schmoyalty, that's what I'm going to do!
This is the true Industry Standard
I've worked in and around the entertainment industry for almost 15 years now and though there was a time when Final Draft could be considered the industry standard those days are long gone. No matter what you hear I am here to tell you that in my experience, literally, most people actually working in this town use Movie Magic Screenwriter. Not just the writers and directors but the producers and nearly everybody who has to do something with the script during production. The simple reason is: it is more powerful and easier to use.
For that matter I've seen far too many people finally decide to throw Final Draft away (after I had been telling them to do so for years) when in the middle of shooting and trying to rush to get something ... Read More
Thanks to this, I don't have to think about format, just creation
After trying both Final Draft and Screenwriter, I decided on Screenwriter, simply because I had an easier time with the demo than I did with final draft, though it seems others have differing opinions judging by some of the other reviews on Amazon. After looking through the tutorial in the manual, I was easily able to quickly format my scripts, leaving me to think solely about the creative process. As I find writing a difficult process at times, it's nice to be able to let the computer do the formatting instead of me having to worry about it. The Templates included are useful to see how the pros do it, and would be very useful for those writing spec scripts. I use the Mac version, and have had no problems using it on OS X. One great feature I have ... Read More
Best of the Best
I started using screenwriting software in 2000, with the purchase of Scriptware For Windows. I used it to write several screenplays and it works okay as far as formatting goes. However, it is difficult to navigate from one section of your screenplay to another, especially as it gets toward the end, when it's around 120 pages long. Recently, since there have been no upgrades of Scriptware, I began looking for a replacement. I found that the only two real contenders are Movie Magic Screenwriter and Final Draft. I tried both demo programs before buying MMS and can't believe the reviewers who say that the programs are about equal.
From my experience they are equal only in the fact that they both make it easy to correctly format a screenplay (and ... Read More
