Features

• CD-ROM
• Word processing combined with professional script formatting
• Designed for writing movie scripts, television episodics, and stage plays
• Automatically paginates and formats script to industry standards
• 100-percent cross-platform compatibility; easily import/export files
• 50+ templates; text to speech, have your script read back to you

Reviews (48)

Final Draft 7 does the job.
When I wrote my incredible screenplay on Final Draft 7 I was amazed. My first screenplay was done on Word and took forever to format. The only problem is that my screenplay sits and waits for representation--it's an awe-inspiring story and I can be reached at wlux22 at aol dot com.
A Beginner's Thoughts.
Even though I have done a lot of writing in my life, I had never written a complete screenplay.I've had lots of ideas, but had never written them down.I finally decided to get some of these ideas out on paper.I knew from talking with friends who already work in the industry that script readers are very particular when it comes to the format of a screenplay and that one formatting error can cause someone to throw away an otherwise wonderful script.I considered other screenwriting software, but after speaking with my industry insider friends and doing other research I felt that FINAL DRAFT was the best software to get.I've been using FINAL DRAFT 7 for awhile now and have not had any problems with it.For writing screenplays, I love this software.I have not had any trouble with the software not loading and I've not lost anything I've ever written (though I tend to save a lot of my work frequently anyway).I've read most of the other reviews about FINAL DRAFT 7 on Amazon and it seems that people either really like the software or they hate it.I fall into the former category and have found it quite useful.For a beginning screenwriter, it works wonderfully.The only downside I have with the software is that it is quite expensive.As an educator, I was able to get a discount. FINAL DRAFT offers a discount for students, educators, and military personnel, but if you're not able to get that discount then the software is about double the cost that it should be.

What a transformation!
Reformatted previously written scripts.The script was transformed to a professional looking one.I was going to rate this a 5 but reformatting is a slow process but well worth it!I have still a lot to learn! Loved it immediately. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Writing scripts for film, television, and theater is usually a time-consuming task. There are many elements in a script (i.e. scene headings, character names, dialogue, scene breaks, etc.) that must be correctly placed in your script. Following these conventions is essential in making sure your script is receiving proper attention from agents, producers, and contest judges. Screenwriter works by your side, automatically formatting action, character name, dialogue, and other elements as you write your script. ... Read more

Features

• CD-ROM
• PC: 486DX minimum (Pentium 1 or higher recommended), Windows 95/98/Me/2000 or NT, 16 MB RAM (32 MB recommended), 25 MB free hard drive space
• CD-ROM drive, iPartner requires Internet Connection, FirstUse registration feature requires Internet connection. MAC PPC or better
• OS 8.5 or later, OSX compatible in Classic mode, 16 MB RAM (32 MB recommended), 15 MB free hard drive space, CD-ROM drive, iPartner requires Internet connection, Speak script function requires Macinto
• Write Brothers, Inc
• MAC, PC

Reviews (19)

Pretty Good for what I Need
This all started when I began writing a screenplay on spec. I setup my Word program with as much of the Hollywood standard format as I could, but I started having problems with certain elements (e.g., parentheticals within dialog, CONT'd's at the end of pages). So I picked MMS because it seemed to be the most powerful at the lowest cost. I also liked that it had play and novel formats. It did a decent and fairly painless job of importing my screenplay from Word. Unfortunately, it turned many of my shot headings into character elements for dialog. I had to manually fix all these, but MMS made changing the type of element fairly easy.
best of its kind, not as popular as it deserves to be.
I'll keep this short because I'm supposed to be writing!I used to use Final Draft for all my TV work (Wire In The Blood, Hornblower).I even recommended it to the BBC when they still used Word for screenplays.Then a friend and producer showed me Screenwriter and I have never looked back.It's far more intuitive than FD in so many ways, it makes it easier to just concentrate on the text.And technically Screenwriter is far more solid - I have never used a version of Final Draft that didn't have numerous really irritating bugs, which tech support could never seem to resolve despite endless patches.I haven't patched Screenwriter for years quite simply because I don't need to - it just works.I'm sorry I ever backed FD now, but it's almost the standard program in the UK.I often write my stuff in Screenwriter and import it into FD for submission.
The best out there....
Of all the screenwriting / scriptwriting software out there today, this is by far the best one. Everything you need to get started is there and it's very user friendly. I had never used it before but was able to start writing within minutes of opening the box. I also recommend david Trottier's book The Screenwriter's Bible, as a companion for the software. I have found both to be invaluable. ... Read more

Editorial Review

If you're looking for a writing package that provides guidance but isn't overbearing, the Writer's DreamKit package from Dramatica is a great solution. This package is targeted at beginning to intermediate writers, and attempts to get you involved in working out the mechanics of your story before you even begin writing it.Read more

Reviews (27)

Good
It is a very fun and interesting program. It helps you with all the basic mechanics in developing a story. It is wisely advised that beginners use this product as well as anyone who needs to learn the fundamental elements of developing a story.

Don't Buy This Product: -Buy the Pro. Version or . . .
"Writer's Dreamkit 4" is lacking in features needed by serious writers - or those hoping to become serious writers.
This really helps
I am writing my first book.This program helped me stay organized and focused on the plot. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Show business loves its archetypes. One chestnut that won't go away is the image of the feverish screenwriter, hunched over a word processor, ideas flying so thick and fast that the chore of punctuation would invite creative disaster. Hollywood Screenwriter is a script-writing program that promises to simplify the mundane stuff--like proper script formatting--so creative juices can flow freely.Read more

Features

• CD-ROM
• Express your ideas in the form of a screenplay and turn them into a movie, TV show or play for professional consideration
• Just push a few keys and enter every important script element -- character, dialogue, action, scene breaks and more
• Built-in typing assistant helps you work more efficiently by filling in names & direction after just a few letters
• Television Templates add automatic formats, margins, script styles and character lists
• Sample scripts let you see screenwriting samples from hit shows like NYPD Blue, The X Files and Frasier to see how the pros do it

Reviews (17)

Very good, reasonably priced product
OK, since we're corresponding here, I'll respond by saying I'm a professional filmmaker, and have actually used this software and bothered to figure out how to use it (all software involves a learning curve)
An opinion on Hollywood Screenwriter
Briefly I would say that this product is worth the price, and it seems easy enough to follow the format.Although I have not needed any assistance at this time, an important part of using this product will be the technical support.

Very serviceable
One must remember what this product is... This is the equivalent to the ultra low budget film (<$1M). This will get the job done -- the quality of the script remains in the writer not the format.
Read more

Features

• CD-ROM
• Manage collaboration agreements, submission releases, retainers, and more
• Invaluable collection of 60+ sample entertainment-industry contracts
• Select contract, fill in blanks, and print out or modify in word processor
• Use as final contract or send to attorney for fine tuning; create finder agreements
• Legal protection for artist employment; handle depiction and copyright releases

Features

• CD-ROM
• Have separate shots in a scene, while maintaining its alignment, no matter where text is added or subtracted from the scene
• Choose from over 50 television, movie and stageplay templates as a base for your screenplay
• Paragraphs are always aligned while you type, thanks to Automatic Formatting
• SmartType remembers and fills in character names, scene headings, transitions, locations and more
• Panel organizing system lets you view your script, the outline and the index cards at the same time

Reviews (1)

final draft scriptwirters suite #7
This is a great tool, it helps to have a program designed with a specific task in mind. I highly recomend this product to any intrested parties. ... Read more

Features

• CD-ROM
• New language features like Term Swaps and Impulsive Responses, plus many more
• Create your own unique scenesand illustrate your story points with character arc, theme, conflict, tension and plot points
• In-depth breakdowns of over 60 films, novels, plays, and short stories offer guidance and inspiration
• StoryGuide Paths take writers step-by-step through the writing process, from initial idea to finished treatment
• New structure templates enhance the writing experience by giving practical suggestions

Reviews (2)

Author input
This program is full of ideas for the novice writer.Continuity weakened as the story progressed.Any aspiring author can learn from this approach to the development of a story.TAA

Extremely useful if plotting a long fiction is your problem.
First for Mac users: I installed this on a Mac running OS X 10.3. It asked me which version of OS X I was running and offered 10.2, 10.3, and 10.4 as options. I selected 10.3 and it went through a preliminary install. Then it asked for the serial number on the card which came with the software. (If you are as compulsive about throwing away clutter as I am, try to restrain yourself and save that card! Otherwise, I don't think the program will turn on.) After I did this and provided the usual registration stuff, it got online (I should mention I was installing in an administrator mode)and had a chat with the company. Everything went very well. This program is native for the Mac OS X and doesn't require Mac Classic or anything like that. Thanks, guys, for making such a neat piece of software that also runs on Macs!
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Features

• Screenwriting software for film, TV, stage, novels, and comic books
• Automatically formats action, character name, dialog, and more while writing
• Compare drafts; online collaboration; export to Adobe Acrobat PDF format
• Built-in script breakdown and detailed export to Movie Magic Scheduling
• Bonus: Learn to write, format, and sell scripts with The Screenwriter's Bible

Features

• CD-ROM
• Always shows your script exactly as it will print, with the correct margins, page breaks, and scene numbering
• Auto-correct spelling mistakes, typos, spacing, and capitalization as you write
• Powerful Importing directly reads in files from all other screenwriting programs, word processors, and Dramatica 4.0 stories
• Electronic Index Cards outline your scenes on full editable index cards, right onscreen
• Moving a card automatically rearranges the scenes in your screenplay, and reformats and renumbers them

Features

• CD-ROM
• Use the powerful Outline or Timeline Views to get a stronger visual sense of your story
• Tracking tool helps you show connections between events and characters, objects or key words
• Customize StoryView to fit your personal writing style, or choose any of the pre-built templates
• Import a story or script that's been pre-written for deeper analysis
• Represent the size and duration of your story events and their importance with Event Boxes

Reviews (2)

Beware
I bought an earlier edition of this software and worked with it alot and was satisfied with the software itself. Unfortunately, the manual was apparently written by someone who had never used the software, and contacting the seller was totally wasted time; they refused to respond to any questions.I recently bought this new edition, hoping the problems had been solved over the past few years. No such luck.The manual is even worse than before, and the tutorial doesn't even come close to what is actually to be done on the software.If you can figure this out yourself, it is a good tool for screenwriting, otherwise, you are going to be terminally frustrated and chuck the thing into the river. Beware, expect NO help from the manual or from the manufacturer.

Exceptional tool for screenwriters of all levels of experience.
This software is remarkable. It's just below $200, and the price is very good for the product, the amount of resource the software provides. Tech support is awesome. The Write Brothers are where it's at for this type of stuff. ... Read more

Features

• Dr. Format turns your copy of Microsoft Word (for Mac or PC) into a professional screenwriting program.
• Dr. Format is the only program designed and endorsed by Dave Trottier, best-selling author of The Screenwriter's Bible.
• With a built-in interactive tutorial and manual, Dr. Format is fast and easy to learn.
• Customized toolbar and keyboard shortcuts lets Dr. Format guarantee you a perfectly formatted screenplay.
• Bonus TV and Storyboard Templates Included

Features

• CD-ROM
• Professional audio-visual scriptwriting software with auto formatting
• Import from any word processor; export to multiple file formats
• Create customized templates for different clients and projects
• 120,000 word spell-checker and thesaurus; custom dictionary
• Identical scripts on both Windows and Macintosh platforms

Reviews (2)

Disappointment
I am so disappointed with this software.It crashes and seems to be extremely sluggish.I expected much better from a product that costs so much.I need to be able to create scripts for my clients, so I don't know what I'm going to do.But I may have no choice at some point to buy something else.I've got to get my work done and not have to constantly be frustrated with the way the software stumbles along.

Best Software for the Application, but needs work
It actually does what it promises to do.
Read more

Reviews (23)

Quirky program made useless by copy protection
Buyer beware: Final Draft incorporates an archaic copy protection scheme that will drive you nuts. Every other category of computer software did away with this kind of user-unfriendly copy protection scheme in the mid-80s, but the screenwriting software vendors persist. You're probably better off using Microsoft Word (which is far more robust) and using a simple formatting utility when you're project is finished. If you have any hard drive crashes or hardware upgrades and you forget to de-install Final Draft you will lose your install keys.Tech support is scarce and the online help system is only good for the most basic information.While it should make your life simpler this product will make your life hell.Avoid it like the plague.

Best investment I've made for writing.
I purchased Final Draft a couple of years ago, and it was the best investment for writing I've made yet. I had loads of story ideas in my head, but had no idea how to write a screenplay or teleplay, and didn't have the patience to read a book about it. There's a reason the whole world uses it -- it's the best
Final Draft is simply the best there is.Screenwriter is buggy [I borrowed an install from a friend], Scriptware is a joke [based on the demo I tried] and Sophocles doesn't even run on my Mac.If you follow the directions it does exactly what it says it's going to do.It's a professional-grade tool [even though I'm not a professional-grade writer - YET], it's got 24/7 help [that I haven't even come close to needing] and everyone I know uses it [and I do work in the industry].As far as I can tell the people who have problems with it aren't using it right or they have crappy computers.Read more

Subjects:  1. Creative writing writers block    2. Finaldraft    3. Screen writing plays screenwriting screenplays    4. writer screenwriter script scriptwriter scriptwriting   

Features

• CD-ROM
• New language features like Term Swaps and Impulsive Responses, plus many more
• Create your own unique scenes and illustrate your story points with character arc, theme, conflict, tension and plot points
• In-depth breakdowns of over 60 films, novels, plays, and short stories offer guidance and inspiration
• StoryGuide Paths take writers step-by-step through the writing process, from initial idea to finished treatment
• New structure templates enhance the writing experience by giving practical suggestions

Features

• CD-ROM
• The Standard Forms of the Industry
• Supports Pre-Production, Production & Post-Production
• Contains Many Hard to find production forms and releases
• Convenient & practical
• Perfect for digital video productions

Features

• CD-ROM
• Create heirarchicial structures of main headings and subpoints helping you drill out ideas while you brainstorm
• Draft your own to-do lists, create agendas, manage tasks, througha simple step-by-step process
• Track your expenses, take notes, plan events -- even write screenplays
• Folded Editing saves time and makes ideas easier to manage
• Use the Clipping Service to select text you want to save and import it into your own work

Features

• CD-ROM
• Essential tool for research, writing, and publishing
• Create instant bibliographies; organize references and images
• Build libraries of any size; new reference types and fields
• Add, edit, and display references in any language
• Search online bibliographic databases

Reviews (1)

Don't even think about it
Do not buy this program. Version 8 is a complete rewrite to support Unicode and is definitely not ready for prime time. We tried version 8.0.1 where I work and computers are crashing, libraries are not opening up and saving properly on network drives, the program itself is slow and clunky and annoying even when it's working. I love version 5! After I try version 7 we may make version 7 the standard. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Write screenplays! Collaborate with your partner! Hear your script perf ormed! Movie Magic Screenwriter won't find you an agent or sell your work, butit enables point-and-poke writers to create an acceptable-looking script, and h as enough added goodies to keep an aspiring Hollywood hotshot entertained.Read more

Features

• Write scripts for film, television, and theater
• Includes index cards, script notes, smart margin changing, and much more
• Offers real-time Internet collaboration and online script registration
• Includes a free copy of The Writer's Journey
• A preferred file format of the Writers Guild of America

Features

• Word processing combined with professional script formatting
• Designed for writing movie scripts, television episodics, and stage plays
• Automatically paginates and formats script to industry standards
• 50+ templates; text to speech, have your script read back to you
• Syd Field's Screenwriting Workshop DVD for all skill levels included

Reviews (4)

Fantastic Product
I have found this product to be very comprehensive and extremely user friendly.I would recommend this to anyone starting out in screen writing.

the best screenwriting package money can buy
This package is a must have. You really feel good about spending that much money because it's a good package. I bought mine from thewritersstore.com and I got even more stuff for $199.
Screenwriting made easy
My first screenplay was formatted manually, and I know I made some mistakes.Final Draft will help eliminate those errors.I am looking forward to thanking Final Draft when I win the Oscar for Best Screenplay! ... Read more

Editorial Review

Aspiring and seasoned writers take note: gone are the days of handwritten note cards, extensive plot revisions, and hand cramps. Dramatica Pro promises to be your writing coach, your secretary, your guide, and even your therapist as you develop sharp, focused storylines together.Read more

Reviews (33)

Enjoyed the ride but totalled the car at the end.
I'll be brief.
HUGE DISAPPOINTMENT!
This product is so hyped, yet such a disappontment - hard to install, re-install and actully use.
Dramatica 4 reviewed at Microfilmmaker.com
"...This is a helpful program and a worthwhile investment for someone struggling from writer's block or who has difficulties organizing his or her ideas. If the user is willing to sift through the terminology, he or she will gain a useful tool to aid his or her writing..." -Jessica Lake, Microfilmmaker.com ... Read more