Script Writing Software Ideas...

[Chrome]

I have never seen any decent cheap or even free software tools for 'Script Writing', 'Script development', 'Shoot Scheduling' and similar for the PC, does such a thing exist?
If not I am open to design ideas. As a 'Software Developer', 'Application Designer' etc. I may just decide (or find some time) to write something (which I will probably give away free if it's good enough, or I ever complete it!) if someone inspires me with the right idea/design. I really don't know however, what people would want (or need) from this kind of application. Please be warned if people start giving me loads of ideas which involve animated graphics, painting tools etc. I will probably be frightened off, as graphics is not something I have done any programming of. Post your ideas here and we'll see where it take us shall we? http://www.safety-online-internet.com/host/computervideo/ubb/wink.gif

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[RichardB]

Dear Chrome

There are software applications for most of the items you list, but as you say, they are in general not cheap: but then again, they are normally only needed for professional use and then the tax man pays for them anyway http://www.safety-online-internet.com/host/computervideo/ubb/smile.gif

If you want inspiration, have a look at the following demos

SCRIPTWRITING: 'Final Draft' from FinalDraft software, 'ScreenWriter' from ScreenPlay systems and various MSWord macros (try misc.writing.screenplays for a couple). These put scripts into accepted layouts.

SCRIPT DEVELOPMENT: Not sure what you mean here, but if it's help in coming up with the story then try 'Dramatica' by Screenplay systems.

SHOOT SCHEDULING: The king of this feild is Movie Magic, also by Screenplay Systems, one of the only standard pieces of software in a fragmented industry (besides the sister budgetting program).

There have been a few stabs at STORYBOARD packages, but I've never seen any last the distance: the problem is they tend to rely on cutting and pasting stock images and somehow they never look quite like what you want.....

All of the above have downloadable demos to play around with and get ideas from, but I would say after having used all of them at one time or another, that if the project you are shooting is easy, then common sense will do the job of any computer program, if it's complex, then just having a computer program won't be enough.

Cheers
Richard B.

[ti]

Richard,

You mentioned storyboard packages. Where can I get them?

charles

[RichardB]

The person I know that uses SB packages is in Milan for two weeks: on his return I'll quiz him and let you know.

I actually work as a storyboard artist as part of my job, so if it's urgent get in touch.

Richard.

[Alex]

The Screenwriter's Store feature storyboard software in their catalogue. Their website is www.screenwriterstore.co.uk.

[Chrome]

Thanks guys all useful stuff.

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[Aleck Rich Seddon]

Another programming idea (not to do with scripts) that would be very useful to me.
Ever tried to find how to do something you have forgotten how to do using the help system and it gives you every answer except what you're looking for?
How about a program to let you add a 'user help file' to the existing one on similar lines to 'user dic' in spell checkers.
When you have discovered how to do something tricky you could write it up and put your own entry in the index list that would be meaningful to you in six weeks when you want to do the same again.

Aleck

[bcrabtree]

A goodly number of programs already have this built in.

Two of the programs that I use most do - PaintShop Pro 5 and the software that I use for my email and cix conferencing - Ameol (A Most Excellent Off-Line reader). In each, there is an option to create a bookmark and give it any name of your choice; you can then select the bookmark and the Help file will jump to the right place.

I was surprised to realise, though, that none of the Microsoft programs on this PC (well, Win98SE and MS Office 2000) have this feature.

That said, I've never used the Bookmark feature, even though I've known for a long time that it is there. Perhaps it was in previous MS programs/OSs but has been dropped through lack of use.

Bob C

[Christian Lett]

As far as script writing goes, I just use a template in Microsoft (sorry for swearing) Word I produced with a few simple styles.

'Proper' scripts should always be in Courier (12 point) font. From what I've read on the subject, they should be formatted like this:

<BLOCKQUOTE>code:</font><HR><pre>&lt;Scene number&gt;
INT/EXT - &lt;LOCATION&gt; - Day/Night.

&lt;Description of scene and setting.........&gt;

&lt;SPEAKER&gt;
(&lt;Action - e.g. Sighing&gt; )
&lt;Dialogue..................&gt;

etc...<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Apparently, no matter how good your script, if it's not formatted correctly, most studios will chuck it straight in the bin!

If I'm writing a script for my own use, I won't bother strictly sticking to the exact format.

The general rule of thumb is that 1 page should be equivalent to 1 minute of screen time.

Christian.