Lucky for beginning and experienced screenwriters, there is Final Draft Script Writer’s Suite with Final Draft v7 and Final Draft AV v2. Both software programs downloaded seamlessly on an Apple MacBook Pro. Systems requirements state both programs require Mac OS X v10.3.9 or later, Power PC G3 to G5 or an Intel based processor, 128-256 MB of RAM, and 35-50 MB of available hard drive space.

It’s worth the time to take a play or script writing course, and purchase a how-to book. However, if you have a story burning in your brain, Final Draft helps guide you to unleash your passion. There are many supportive features in this program, and a few are highlighted in this review.

In Final Draft, different script templates are provided laying out plays, movies and television formats. Help is provided with a PDF and hard copy user manual. If you’re really stumped, there is the Ask the Expert interactive problem solver. Open a new file, and note the well laid out, self-directing word processing tool bar. At the bottom of the page is the nifty Status Bar that identifies whether you are inserting a heading, action, scene introduction, character dialogue, etc. Simple, yet very important Continues and Mores can be automatically inserted.

Final Draft allows importing of other scripts, saving time to not retype material. Text to Speech allows the writer to choose different voices for live script readings. The Panels Systems offers the script to be viewed as index cards, in split screens, or multiple panels under the main screen. And Format Assistant can search and alert for errors before printing and submission. Commands and functions on the Production menu help alleviate potential production problems. Final Draft also allows collaborative writers to compare, edit and discuss scripts in real time over the Internet. Final Draft Tagger is included, which assists breaking down the script into a shooting schedule format, saving time and money.

Final Draft AV 2 is a full script writing software for professional writers of commercials, corporate or training videos, documentaries and presentations. This program simplifies the process, by providing a table format with an organized menu bar. It eliminates the scriptwriter’s headache of aligning columns, and allows writers to tailor their script layout. Columns and scenes stay aligned throughout typing. Video text can be dragged and dropped in sequence with audio text, allowing scenes to be reordered. Layouts can be modified and saved as templates for future use. Scripts can be laid out in three different formats ( audio visual, radio and linear script). With Apple Keynote (purchased separately), script text can be exported into a visual slide presentation.

Both programs provide 24/7 support with Online Knowledge Base, and are 100% cross-platform for Windows and Mac users. Final Draft and Final Draft AV allow online script registry with the Writer’s Guild of America.

For both programs, free online demos are provided at www.finaldraft.com. Final Draft AV 2.5 is now available and Final Draft 8 should be released soon. You have one in a million shot that a Hollywood script reader gives the thumbs up. With Script Writer Suite, this software provides tools to make your story shine.

Product: Scriptwriter’s Suite Software
Made By: Final Draft
Website: finaldraft.com

Pros: Easy to use and understand for amateurs and professionals; good support
Cons: Somewhat expensive, but worth it

Click on a definition and word relations pop up.  Select one web word, and other word choices emerge.  Settings can be adjusted to change font size, color and advance word choice. The online subscription offers word searches in four different languages, word lists, educator resources, word-of-the-day, and various writer support topics.

Click on the table button, and slide the cursor over the empty spaces.  Table columns and rows are automatically selected.  No longer will writers struggle with citations.  In the Toolbox menu, writers can select the citations and bibliography tool, insert information into a data entry form, which is then recorded in MLA, APA, Chicago or Turabian format.

Just above the margin rule bar, writers can open Documents Elements (providing multiple front page templates), Quick Tables, Charts, SmartArt Graphics and WordArt to enhance their data displays.  PowerPoint offers a wide choice to visually enhance presentations.  Excel offers preset ledger, lists, and formulas.  Entourage offers My Day, a desktop reminder to help organize daily activities.

The tool Projects allows individuals to share information with other working partners, make data changes and control what material is shared with others.  Subtle, but powerful tools make Office:Mac a writers’s friend in developing word documents, power point presentations and spreadsheets.

Systems Requirements: Mac OS X
Contact: microsoft.com
Cost: $114.99 to $149.99

Pros: Easy to operate.  Love the Tools available on the documents.
Cons: None

Inspiration 8 by Inspiration Software Inc. aids visual learners to write concise and detailed papers (and many professionals and students fit into this category).

Inspiration 8 (www.inspiration.com) takes the simple web or bubble outlining process to a higher level.   With writing, the hardest part can be just organizing random thoughts and ideas.

Using a visual map, it’s easy to see how one idea can relate to another.  Inspiration uses Diagram View or Outline View allowing writers to track their written thoughts.  Various forms of mapping (concept, web, idea, storyboard) graphically organize or map out concepts and ideas.   After creating a diagram outline, Inspiration 8 transforms it into a written outline, which can be launched into a word document.  Inspiration 8 is easy to use, it works and it’s fun.

Systems Requirements: Mac 8.6, 9.x, or OS X 10.1.5; Windows 95
Contact: inspiration.com
Cost: Individual $69.00 CD or download. Check pricing for multiple computer license

Pros: Great to organize thoughts and ideas to write a paragraph, essay, etc.
Cons: None

Lucky for beginning and experienced screenwriters, there is Final Draft Script Writer’s Suite with Final Draft v7 and Final Draft AV v2.  Both software programs downloaded seamlessly on an Apple MacBook Pro.  Systems requirements state both programs require Mac OS X v10.3.9 or later, Power PC G3 to G5 or an Intel based processor, 128-256 MB of RAM, and 35-50 MB of available hard drive space.

It’s worth the time to take a play or script writing course, and purchase a how-to book.  However, if you have a story burning in your brain, Final Draft helps guide you to unleash your passion.  There are many supportive features in this program, and a few are highlighted in this review.

In Final Draft, different script templates are provided laying out plays, movies and television formats.  Help is provided with a PDF and hard copy user manual.  If you’re really stumped, there is the Ask the Expert interactive problem solver.  Open a new file, and note the well laid out, self-directing word processing tool bar.  At the bottom of the page is the nifty Status Bar that identifies whether you are inserting a heading, action, scene introduction, character dialogue, etc.  Simple, yet very important Continues and Mores can be automatically inserted.

Final Draft allows importing of other scripts, saving time to not retype material.  Text to Speech allows the writer to choose different voices for live script readings.  The Panels Systems offers the script to be viewed as index cards, in split screens, or multiple panels under the main screen.  And Format Assistant can search and alert for errors before printing and submission. Commands and functions on the Production menu help alleviate potential production problems.  Final Draft also allows collaborative writers to compare, edit and discuss scripts in real time over the Internet.  Final Draft Tagger is included, which assists breaking down the script into a shooting schedule format, saving time and money.

Final Draft AV 2 is a full script writing software for professional writers of commercials, corporate or training videos, documentaries and presentations.  This program simplifies the process, by providing a table format with an organized menu bar.  It eliminates the scriptwriter’s headache of aligning columns, and allows writers to tailor their script layout.  Columns and scenes stay aligned throughout typing.  Video text can be dragged and dropped in sequence with audio text, allowing scenes to be reordered. Layouts can be modified and saved as templates for future use.  Scripts can be laid out in three different formats ( audio visual, radio and linear script).  With Apple Keynote (purchased separately), script text can be exported into a visual slide presentation.

Both programs provide 24/7 support with Online Knowledge Base, and are 100% cross-platform for Windows and Mac users. Final Draft and Final Draft AV allow online script registry with the Writer’s Guild of America. 

For both programs, free online demos are provided at www.finaldraft.com.  Final Draft AV 2.5 is now available and Final Draft 8 should be released soon.  You have one in a million shot that a Hollywood script reader gives the thumbs up.  With Script Writer Suite, this software provides tools to make your story shine.

Product: Scriptwriter’s Suite Software
Made By:  Final Draft
Website:  finaldraft.com

Pros:  Easy to use and understand for amateurs and professionals; good support
Cons: Somewhat expensive, but worth it