Writing a script requires a little more formatting than just regular old writing, and doing it with standard programs like Word or OpenOffice.org can be a little tricky.
Never fear, however! There are dozens of options for programs that can automatically format your writing for a script, and have a few other bonuses to help making your script easy as pie to write!... except for the story part. You don't want to put the computer in charge of that. ;)
Here are a few of the best options:
- Celtx (http://www.celtx.com)
- This is a helpful program indeed. It's free and open source, and provides far more than just a formatted word processor; it lets you collect up all the notes and information you need in your Project Library, such as character information, plot notes, and everything. You can also jump between scenes and navigate the script really easily, and collaborate with other writers for the script, albeit not in real time. This is what I'm going to be using for my script.
- Scripped (http://www.scripped.com)
- This is a website similar to Google Docs that lets you write your script on your browser from anywhere in the world. It's free, it's really easy to use and is even tailor-made for Script Frenzy! It also provides you with a lot of post-SF resources for the future of your script, such as copyrighting, and showing it to festivals or producers. Unfortunately, it doesn't allow for collaborations. This is what I used last year.
- ScriptBuddy (http://www.scriptbuddy.com/)
- This is a browser-based script writing program similar to Scripped, but a little less garish. You can also register to use it for free, and there is an option to upgrade to a Pro version, which allows you to submit your script to a peer community so that professionals can critique it. The free version is quite basic, but it should do if you want your script to go somewhere later.
- Scrivener (http://www.literatureandlatte.com/scrivener.html)
- Scrivener is an amazing, fully-equipped creative writing program for Mac OS X (only, I'm afraid) that can also write screenplays, similar to Celtx. It's an extremely deep program, able to sort your writing into sections, move around parts of your screenplay as easily as dragging icons around on a list, sort files and media into your binder, and just generally have your writing project by the throat! It's great for any writing project, screenwriting or not; I used it to write my NaNoWriMo last year. It costs $40, but it's well-worth it if you're a creative writer and a Mac user.
- Zhura (http://www.zhura.com/)
- Another web-based software, but it's as feature-rich as Celtx, with the ability to store character notes and other things, but unlike Celtx, it features real-time collaboration and autosave, with features like full-screen and offline editing. The Free version is extremely ample, and there's also a Pro version available for a monthly subscription similar to ScriptBuddy. You can share your script with an awesome community of both professionals and other users, and it's pretty cool. I might use this instead of Celtx, actually.
- Final Draft (http://www.finaldraft.com/)
- Final Draft is the industry standard screenwriting software, and the preferred software for industry professionals. It allows you to register with the Writer's Guild of America West, and follows formatting standards set by the Hollywood film and television industry. Name any recent high-profile movie or TV show, it was probably written with Final Draft. Versions of it are available for Mac and Windows, but it's quite expensive, at $230. Still, if you want to write screenplays for a living, this is pretty much what you need.
These are just a few of the many options available to you to get you through Script Frenzy. One of them should be best-suited to your needs, whether you need to write from a lot of different computers, you need to be in constant collaboration with someone, or you want to do more than just write a script with it. Good luck!