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Review: Celtx For iPhone And iPad

October 24th, 2010 | Posted by jasonmckinnon in Featured Posts | Reviews | Screenwriting - (0 Comments)

Review: Celtx for iphone and ipad

Screenwriter’s definitely have options to write their masterpieces on Apple’s devices.

If you own an iPhone, iPod Touch or the magical iPad, you can take your screenplays everywhere.

I recently got a chance to sit down with Celtx for iPhone and it’s definitely among the top apps for writers.

Is Celtx the best?

I recently reviewed Scripts Pro for iPhone which was a huge step up from the other offerings.  I had already written a few shorts using the app including Crosstown, a project you’ll hear more about in the coming weeks.

The app itself introduced a variety of features I had been wishing for since I activated my life changing phone. (Yes, I do think THAT highly of my iPhone.)

It had an Smart Type feature, a tab function and many more useful additions.

Celtx has each and every one of those features and does them all BETTER.

Review: Celtx For iPhone And iPad

The first thing I noticed was the simpler interface and the easier shortcuts.

I found navigating through my ‘test’ screenplay extremely easy and natural.  Switching between different elements is almost identical to my desktop software.  (Almost.)

Essentially, screenwriting software should never get in the way.  It seems with each screenwriting app that’s released, I keep getting happier and happier.

Which is never a bad thing.

I’m going to hold off on my final judgement until I get a chance to see the upcoming Final Draft app but right now, Celtx is definitely the best.

The negative?  It’s also the most expensive.

Both Screenplay and ScriptWrite sell for $4.99.  If you’re only looking to spend around 5 bucks you’re better off going with Scripts Pro for $5.99.

Note: Scripts Pro also has a free version so you can try it out.

Celtx will set you back $9.99 but is definitely a solid choice especially if you already own Celtx on your desktop.  I still use Final Draft 6.5 but the sync feature would definitely be useful if I used Celtx.

At the end of the day, I rate this app highest because it does the most things right and that’s all you can really ask for.  Even the “expensive” price tag is pennies compared to the full versions of the leading software out there.

The best compliment I can give this app is that I’m definitely thinking about giving the desktop version a shot.

Well done.

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The Screenwriting Spark Volume 3

October 18th, 2010 | Posted by jasonmckinnon in Screenwriting | The Spark - (0 Comments)

The Athletic Nerd | The Screenwriting Spark Volume 1

I recently had the opportunity to interview Jeanne Veillette Bowerman. She is one of the co-founders of Scriptchat, a community of screenwriters on Twitter.

While the article tells the story about how Scriptchat began, it’s also about being a part of a community of screenwriters from around the world.

Check out the interview here.

Most screenwriters work alone in a quiet and comfortable place. I couldn’t agree more but it’s also important to continually improve your skills. What better way than to network with fellow screenwriters?  It’s a fantastic way to inspire the creativity within.

When you aren’t working on the next big Hollywood blockbuster, what do you do to stay sharp?

Volume 3

Twitter Sparks:

Recommended Follow: @jeannevb

How to create memorable characters – Film Slate

Send Your Characters to Hell – ScreenwritingU

Bad Writing can Be A Good Teacher – ScriptLab

Write A Screenplay In 3 Weeks – David Anaxagoras

Introduce the Hero on page 1 – The Story Department

Writing Out of Your Realm – ScriptLab

Where’s the Movie – Life, with the dull bits cut out

My Screenwriting Rules Part One – Jonathan Peace

The Screenwriter’s Workbook – Chapter 12 – Story Time

Bored to Death Creator Jonathan Ames Gives Screenwriting Tips – Mediabistro (video)

On The Blogs:

Featured: The Script lab
Blog

If you search screenwriting on Twitter you will definitely come across @thescriptlab.  The site is updated frequently and offers a variety of information and screenwriting tips.

Does your screenplay have a concept? – Indiescreenwriting

Video Interview: Robert Towne – Go Into The Story

Script Secrets Assignment: Character in Conflict – Script Magazine

How I Got My Agent – John August

The Nature of Conflict – Sid Field (Audio)

Featured NERD Post: Shut Up, Sit Down And Write Screenplays!

Submit your screenwriting post or article

Is Final Draft heading to an iPad near you?

The best screenwriting software has yet to release a mobile version.  When will we see Final Draft for iOS?

Click here for more.

FADE IN:

On a day when I had to take a bus, 2 subways, a cab, a boat and a plane to get home, I challenged myself to come up with a new short screenplay while I traveled.  Over the course of the afternoon, I came up with a story, outline and ultimately a 5 page script called Crosstown.

I also shot a lot of footage with my iPhone to document the trip. (Video coming soon.)

Have you ever given yourself a quick deadline to write something? It’s random but it forces your imagination into action and the results are never disappointing.

FADE OUT.

The Screenwriting Spark Volume 1

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Review: SCRIPTS PRO For iPhone

August 16th, 2010 | Posted by jasonmckinnon in Reviews | Screenwriting | Technology - (0 Comments)

Review: Scripts Pro for iPhone

Finally a high quality screenwriting app for my iPhone has arrived.

Scripts Pro

This is the third screenwriting app I’ve tried.  The first was Screenplay by Black Mana which I thought was decent considering it was the first.  Next I tried ScriptWrite and couldn’t really get a handle on it.

When I compared the two it was clear that both had some good ideas but mobile screenwriters out there were missing a golden app that put it all together.

Until Scripts Pro came along and got it right!

It is by far the best screenwriting solution on the iPhone.  It supports multiple formats for both importing and exporting as well as a clean and easy to use interface.  But I’ve seen these features before.  It was the TAB button that sold me on Scripts Pro…

Screenwriters finally have a TAB option in an iPhone APP!

Anyone who has every written a screenplay knows the significance of the TAB function.  It allows you to easily switch between different elements of the screenplay.  Literally every major program out there utilizes this system.  (Movie Magic, Final Draft, Celtx etc…)

Finally seeing it in an screenwriting app is fantastic news because it’s hard enough to type quickly on an iPhone.  It really isn’t meant to allow you to write full screenplays but it does allow you to get down your ideas wherever you are. 

It helps to have an app that makes it as easy as possible to do so.

Note: Nothing says you CAN’T write a full script with an iPhone.  I just prefer a full size keyboard when inspiration really hits.

Smart Type!

Ah Smart Type…  So useful… So easy.  Thank you for making it a part of my iPhone and making it easy to use.  Like I said, typing isn’t simple on small touch screen devices so every short cut helps.  The addition of smart type makes a world of difference to keep you writing uninterupted.

Scripts Pro also makes it easier to manage your scripts.  You can reorder scenes and edit them with ease.  Even capitalizing words is easier with Scripts Pro.

Basically, what I’m trying to say is the Scripts Pro app is awesome.

Mobile screenwriting is a great way to stay connected to your screenplays and this app is the best way to do it.  Whether you are writing a quick scene or working on your next potential blockbuster, this app has everything you need.

We’ve all been waiting to see the mysterious Final Draft app but honestly, I’m good for the time being. 

The developers have promised frequent updates and I’m pretty excited to see them improve an already stellar app.

It’s a 30 minute commute to work.  Scripts Pro is an instant hall of famer.

It’s well worth the 5.99 price tag.

PS: By hall of famer I mean it has a place on my home screen.

Review: Scripts Pro for iPhone

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Final Draft is coming to the iPad!

April 8th, 2010 | Posted by jasonmckinnon in Screenwriting - (0 Comments)

Final Draft is coming to the iPad! | Final Draft iPad, iPhone

I was gone for a week and missed this amazing development but I wish I could show you the expression on my face when I found out…

Final Draft is currently working on a new app for Apple’s new iPad.

This is truly fantastic news as screenwriters will now have a third option when it comes to writing scripts with the new device.

It’s nice to see that Final Draft is entering the arena.  I kind of feel bad for apps like Screenplay and ScriptWrite.  Their iPhone apps definitely blazed a trail for screenwriting on the go and I just hope that they continue to improve their products even with an industry GIANT like Final Draft bearing down on them.

I’ve been a Final Draft user for 10 years now and it’s easily the best program I’ve ever used. (I’ve tried them all.)  Just thinking about the innovations they will bring to the iPad makes me want one even more. (If that’s even possible.)

However, the keyboard on the iPad has me concerned.  I’m worried that it isn’t practical for long periods of writing.  The material I write with my iPhone is usually very rough and not intended to be final by any means but that isn’t what the iPad is supposed to be is it?

Truthfully, I’ve been thinking a lot lately about getting a laptop instead.

Either way, I’m excited to see what Final Draft brings to the app store.  It’s not clear when we will hear more but my decision on whether to go iPad or Laptop rests on the shoulders of Final Draft.

In the mean time, check out my mobile screenwriting round up for everything from app reviews to thoughts on the iPad and what it means for screenwriting.

Screenwriting for the iPad

Check out my review of Final Draft 8

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Mobile Screenwriting Round Up

March 18th, 2010 | Posted by jasonmckinnon in Featured Posts | Screenwriting - (0 Comments)

Mobile Screenwriting

Write Anywhere

Mobile devices like iPhones and iPads are changing the way we work everyday.  There truly is an app for everything.

When I got my iPhone, it instantly tripled my productivity and I write more than ever.  Whether it’s notes, outlines, blogs or full screenplays, I now have an amazing tool on me at all times when I simply HAVE to write.

Mobile Screenwriting has definitely enhanced my life.

I’ve written about this topic several times before and I’ve decided to collect all the posts into one location.

And that location…  Is this post.

Celtx for iPhone – Review

Scripts Pro for iPhone – Review

Screenplay by Black Mana Studios – An iPhone App review.

ScriptWrite vs Screenplay – Two iPhone Apps go head to head for screenwriting dominance.

Portable Writing – A detailed look at the Apps I use to write anywhere.

iPad And The Screenwriter – A look at how the iPad will impact screenwriters everywhere.

Riding And Writing – Screenwriting on a bus.

Screenwriting: Up In The Air – Screenwriting on a plane.

Creative Ignition 3: Road Trips – Screenwriting in a car.

Mobile Screenwriting Round Up | Screenwriting Blog

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