Movie Magic

If you're just getting started with your screenwriting, you might be looking around for screenwriting software. The two biggies out there are Final Draft and Movie Magic Screenwriter. I use Movie Magic and I really like it. I was not paid by Movie Magic to say that (I wish).

Most of the contests, production companies, agents, etc., will ask for your screenplay in either Final Draft or Movie Magic format, so it is probably a good idea to invest in one if you're really serious about trying to write movies. I know they can be a chunk of change for some people, but try putting a little aside each week or each month if you have to. It's really worth it. Not only will you be on the same wavelength as the people you are trying to sell your masterpiece to, it will just make things soooo much easier on you as you're writing it.

These programs are very user-friendly and basically take away all the time-consuming tasks of correct formatting. You do NOT want to ever, ever, ever send anything out incorrectly formatted. And I have tried to do the formatting myself. If you are computer savvy and good at setting up macros and that sort of thing, you might be able to pull it off. I found a website one time that gave instructions. But I don't recommend it. You can also do a search on free screenwriting software and come up with several. Research them carefully. Some of them have features like being able to convert to .pdf or upload to Final Draft or Movie Magic. You would definitely want features like that. Do searches on reviews of these products, not just the freebies, but the paid ones, too. You'll get all kinds of insight into what will work best for you.

If you're ready to shop for Movie Magic Screenwriter, again, do some research. Check around. Don't forget to check places like E-bay or Craigslist. I bought mine off a store on E-bay for a pretty decent price, new, and it came with a 10%-off coupon for Scriptshark as well as lots of other goodies. If you're a student or a teacher, there's the academic version which will come cheaper than the regular version, by around $50-$70 or so. Don't fret; it is no different than the regular version.