Check it out and make your own determination. I was never a fan, but those who use it swear by it.
The software is packed with writing, production, and story-development features and there continues to be improvements all the time. There’s Celtx, of course, It started as an online screenwriting system and quickly added screenwriting software you could download for offline work. I can’t support the lack what appears to be by Write Brothers a lack of interest in making this software better. I have, for a very, very long time, been an ex-Movie Magic Screenwriter user. Still, if you must choose between the two, pay more for Final Draft. The only good thing you can say about it is that it’s cheaper than Final Draft. The interface is archaic, the way it interacts with the world around it needs fixing, and it just can’t compete anymore.
Movie Magic Screenwriter, on the other hand, hasn’t had an update in, well. They are also adding new features all the time. Both programs have all the necessary formatting tools as well as production tools and unique tools for helping you structure your story.įinal Draft seems to have improved their customer support these days and they are updating their software to keep the user interface looking modern (version 9 allows you to choose between classic or Windows Ribbon view). Both have all the features you could want in screenwriting software. Movie Magic Screenwriter has always treated all their customers fairly.įinal Draft and Movie Magic Screenwriter are still around and still industry standards. If you weren’t a big name celebrity, screenwriter, or producer, Final Draft had no time for you. The customer service was also far and beyond exceptional, which was something that could not be said for Final Draft. I felt it had more features, was easier to use, and it was the choice of many of the professionals I admired in the industry. I made my choice between the two years ago.
Both are available for PC and Mac too, so that’s a good thing. This is an unofficial observation, however, and regardless of your WGA preference, you can use either of these programs to write screenplays.
Generally speaking, Final Draft has always leaned toward Writer’s Guild of America, West users and Movie Magic Screenwriter has leaned toward Writer’s Guild of America, East users. Final Draft and Movie Magic Screenwriter have always been the cornerstones of the screenwriting business. That bias is well deserved, but I will try not to let it get in the way of my honest assessment of the other programs. Also keep in mind that I’m writing this article with a bias in favor of one of the programs discussed here. In fact, I have spent decades using these products, and I have spent loads of money doing it. Keep in mind that I will be writing this article from the perspective of someone who has tried just about every screenwriting product on the market, and I’m not exaggerating one bit about that. I just so happen to have some information that might help you out. Okay, so you have an excellent idea for a movie and you want the perfect software to help you write that movie.