Good free screenwriting software?

[MatthewC]

Im looking to start writing up some basic scripts.

Can anyone recommend some good free software I can use to get started?

Cheers.

[EyeBite]

I know the ScriptBuddy (http://www.scriptbuddy.com) service is free. I believe it's only through your browser, though, that you can make changes. Then again, it appears to be a nice service, considering the price.

As for a free screenwriting app, the closest you might get, as far as I know, is a template for MS Word. I think those are only $40+, maybe.

I'm a Final Draft user, myself, which is a good way to go, if you consider paying down the line. Seeing as how you are a teacher, you may be able to get a discount from an education discount site, like studica.com (http://www.studica.com).

** EDIT **

Fixed URL to ScriptBuddy.

[redindian]

http://www.celtx.com/

is an open source scriptwriter...

[EyeBite]

http://www.celtx.com/

is an open source scriptwriter...

That's funny; I was just coming here to report that site to Matthew. It seems like quite a service, and the best part is it's free.

Recommended by John August (http://www.johnaugust.com/).

[MatthewC]

Wicked! Once again you guys are an incredible help! Cheers!

[Betagerl]

Hey Guys,
Sheila here, with an update from Celtx. We just released version 0.8.8 with over 20 new features (http://www.celtx.com/release.html) that all writers will appreciate, and have improved the media breakdown features to assist in the pre-production film process.

All this, combined with the fact that Celtx is free, runs inside the Firefox browser allowing users to work on or offline in Mac, Linux or Windows, has helped expand our user base into over 40 countries, and is available in 8 languages (soon to be 10 - German and Russian)

The Celtx Forum (http://forums.celtx.com/) has developed into a vibrant community where users receive prompt support and offer valuable feedback about what shape Celtx should take.
So that's our update for now, but definitely more to come...... If you haven't already, download now (http://www.celtx.com/download.html) and tell us what you think.

Cheers!

Sheila Crosbie
www.celtx.com

[bamfer23]

I use a microsoft word template called "Swift 97"
Its free, and available online.
If not, feel free to im me at bamfer23 and ill send it to you.

[redindian]

the updated Celtx is very good....

[Slimothy]

I just dl'd celtx. Great program. Thanks guys for the tip.

Question for Betagerl: Is the version provided in Redindian's first post the new version w/ over 20 new features? TIm

[WilderWorks]

I just tried out Celtx today, and it's really a great piece of software. I can't wait until it has features to match the big boys, because the interface, and the team/project orientated format is absolutely BRILLIANT. We're gonna give a short using this on developing our Hero-Fest project...

The next thing they need: slightly improved import fidelity, and an ALL-CAPS formatting button. :)

I'm gonna be watching this program closely. Thanks so much for pointing me in that direction.

[spooky138]

Any of y'all ever try out the Cinergy script editor? (www.mindstarprods.com/cinergy/ScriptEditor.html (http://www.mindstarprods.com/cinergy/ScriptEditor.html) It's a free, full-functional download from Mindstar Productions. It's the only screenwriting software I've ever used and it's worked fine for me. Are there better free apps?

[Shawn Murphy]

Any of y'all ever try out the Cinergy script editor? (www.mindstarprods.com/cinergy/ScriptEditor.html (http://www.mindstarprods.com/cinergy/ScriptEditor.html) It's a free, full-functional download from Mindstar Productions. It's the only screenwriting software I've ever used and it's worked fine for me. Are there better free apps?

Downloading now, thanks for the tip.