Movie Outline Screenwriting Blog

Getting to the top in the movie world can be tough, but you can rest assured that all your hard work will be worth it once your screenplay is in the hands of the right people. However, writers should strive to learn more, read more and take all the help they can get along the way in order to develop their skills and acheive their dream.

If you are a scriptwriter, there are plenty of things you can do to make life a little easier. You may want to look into working methods of top scriptwriters, which may give you some ideas to improve your work. You may also want to try screenwriting software, which is used by many successful professional scriptwriters.

Right from your first try, scriptwriting software can make a huge difference. Why? Its simple. If you fail to send your scripts in the recognized format, you might be finished before you even start. All that hard work will be lost. There is a fair chance that you already know how to write a script, but this may not be enough if you want to make it in the movie world.

If you want to know how to write a script, you should have a firm idea of what it is you actually want to achieve. When it comes to writing, you should aim to create stories which you would want to read yourself. For example, one reason J.R.R Tolkien wrote was because nobody else was writing stories that he wanted to read.

While he specialized in short stories and novels, you could apply the same technique to screenwriting. Perhaps you have visualized a scene or heard a line of dialogue you know would work beautifully on screen. Or maybe you have a theme or setting you would love to see at the heart of a film, which no-one else has tried. In this case, why not write it yourself?

No doubt you will have watched movies in the past and told yourself that you could do better. Screenwriting can be easy to talk about but is difficult to do well. Whatever you do, you need to be sure that you are writing something you believe is worth your time. If you do not, then why should anyone else believe it is worth any of theirs?

As with most creative endeavors, you will learn how to write a script better the more you do. Of course, it will take a lot of time and effort to create a script which is up to scratch, but screenwriting should be something you enjoy. And the better you get, the more rewarding it will be.

Instruction Manual

Every movie needs a script. A script is the instruction manual for any movie, as it details every visual and aural aspect of a story. Because so many people are involved in the production of a movie, a script must be presented in a certain format so that everyone will understand it. A correctly formatted script allows the director, cast and crew to all be on the same page when they interpret (and later re-interpret) the initial premise of a story.

Looking Professional

It is quite possible for any aspiring writer with a half decent story to learn how to write a script. Commercial screenwriting software makes it possible for a screenplay to be converted into the all-important format which the studios demand. This is of particular benefit to up and coming screenwriters as any screenplay they submit will immediately look professional. Also, the time saved can be put to good use by learning more about the craft of screenwriting.

Learning the Craft

Successful screenwriters do not tell the audience a story; they show them. What is written is not what the audience will read, but what they will see and hear. A writer may know exactly what their characters are thinking and feeling, but the essence of good screenwriting is in having the ability to convey it on the big screen. As long as a script includes all the pictures, sounds, and dialogue needed to show a story, then it will be on the right road.

Writing screenplays for major Hollywood studios is the ultimate ambition for many frustrated script writers. But where do you start?

Screenwriting can be a complicated business but thankfully there are products available on the market which can prove invaluable. One of the most effective and widely accepted tools for aspiring screenwriters is script writing software.

Script writing software allows writers to cut and move scenes within a user-friendly interface to help determine the ideal flow of their story. Organizing a screenplay in this way can be very beneficial to writers, as it can help them discover that extra magic needed to take their story to a higher level. Similarly, it can help a writer see that a scene they thought was indispensible is in fact not needed.

Screen writing software also formats screenplays to comply with the accepted industry standards which the readers in Hollywood insist upon. This is very important as the decision makers in the industry will only read screenplays which are in this authorized format and layout. Should a script not even meet this most basic requirement then it will not be considered, no matter how good it might be.

Screenwriting is a competitive business, and becoming an established script writer is no easy task. However, once a writer has the basics down and can correctly structure and format scripts, they will be that much closer to Hollywood success.

If you have wondered how to write a script, you will know there are many things to bear in mind.

Obviously, you have to have a clear idea of your storyline and characters.

Also, you must know at least roughly how the creation will appear to the audience when they view it, so detailed impressions of key moments in your plot should be covered.

However, there is one simple point that is sometimes overlooked by those involved in screenwriting, which is avoiding the temptation to show off.

It can be an enticing prospect to illustrate how clever you are and how complex your ideas can be. However, if you do this when screenwriting, you may very well struggle to succeed.

After all, audiences can be left behind if you make your story too confusing and complex to understand, and people may get frustrated and simply give up.

The real skill in knowing how to write a script is to present what are subtle and clever ideas in a simple and accessible way.

This is not to say you should make your screenplay dull and uninteresting. It simply means you should ensure you leave your ego out of the finished article.

There are many examples of films with simple yet brilliant plots, and getting this skill honed is in itself an art.

Knowing how to make the multifaceted accessible to those reading your screenplay and ultimately watching your film is valuable.

Many people have an idea for a film, yet very few will actually get around to making something of it. Whether it is a lack of confidence or they have no idea how screenwriting works, most people will never try writing a screenplay

For those that will try, simply having this inner drive is not enough. You must combine this enthusiasm with detailed knowledge of how to write a strong, saleable script.

One of the most important things when screenwriting is the strength of the characters you have created. Whether they love or loathe your creations, your audience needs to feel some form of connection to them.

Also, there should be something at stake in the story. When screenwriting, you should ensure that you generate an element of escalating suspense that keeps people interested.

Those who know how to write a script also typically introduce a level of conflict (both internal and external) or obstacles that the protagonists have to overcome. This provides the audience with their much needed sense of drama.

It also helps to write about a field you have experience in, whether as a theme, event or setting, as your understanding of the topic will shine through. However, if you are determined to cover an area that you have little or no direct experience in, you will need to undertake sufficient research.

By investing plenty of time in this before settling down in front of your keyboard, you will reap the rewards in the end.

September 13, 2010  (London, UK) — UK software publisher Nuvotech today launched a new “lite” version of its popular professional screenwriting software Movie Outline^®. This new cross-platform creative writing tool is aimed at the first time writer who needs the ability to outline their story and format their screenplay but cannot stretch their budget for the professional features of its big brother application.

“We realized that in these tough economic times many of our potential customers wanted a way to outline and format their movie projects but simply could not afford the price tag of our professional application”, said Dan Bronzite, CEO. “While Script It! does not have the many powerful story structuring, character development and import/export features of Movie Outline 3, we believe that it is the perfect choice for novice writers keen to make the transition from their regular word processing software into a tailored solution.”

Same Concept, Lower Price…

Script It! is based on the same innovative writing methodology of “step-outlining” that has proved so popular with users of Movie Outline. This “sequence” approach allows you to plan the structure of your screen story and professionally format your screenplay step by step.

New Features

Although Script It! doesn’t have many of the “pro” tools of Movie Outline it does have a few new handy features including an enhanced interface design with more work space, a “Glossary” with over 250 screenwriting / filmmaking terms & definitions, a “Character Name Wizard” with over 140,000 first and last names that can be filtered by gender, origin and meaning, and a “Scratch Pad” that allows you to organize your notes in one place and categorize them into folders such as story ideas, research, character notes, plot lines and script snippets.

Learn more about Script It! or download a free demo.

Pricing and Availability

Script It! will initially only be available as a download from the Nuvotech Software Store for $79.95.

About Nuvotech

Nuvotech is a software and Web 2.0 services company based in London, England. It was founded in 1999 by produced screenwriter Dan Bronzite to publish innovative software and services for the creative industry. Its most recognized brands are Movie Outline a cross-platform screenplay development application and Hollywood Script Express a script copying and delivery service in Los Angeles.

February 18, 2010  (London, UK) — UK technology company Nuvotech today launched a comprehensive free upgrade to its popular script and story development package which now boasts even more powerful features including import and export to Final Draft® 8 and scheduling. 

Nuvotech announced that although the new version includes over 100 new features and improvements and is much more extensive than an regular update, it was pleased to offer this release as a free upgrade to existing users of Version 3. “Our customers are very loyal and only ever have positive things to say about Movie Outline”, commented Dan Bronzite, CEO. “As such we would like to give something back in appreciation for their help in shaping the product and the direction of its future evolution.”

Import & Export Upgrade

With Version 3.1 writers now have even more document sharing options available that include the ability to open and automatically reformat PDF files, import to and from Final Draft 8’s new XML file format (.fdx) , and export to scheduling format (.sex) that can be opened by most of the leading production management programs such as Movie Magic™ and Gorilla. Users can also display, print and export scene numbers.

Full Script Mode & Scene Cards

One of the most requested features from existing users was to have the ability to edit a full screenplay while retaining a project’s step structure. To address this the new version has introduced a powerful new editing mode so writers can have the best of both worlds and work in a methodology that suits them. This new mode also displays a scene list that helps you navigate your script and displays “scenes” instead of “steps” in its virtual index card organization tool.

Hollywood Script Express Integration

Version 3.1 now integrates direct access to Movie Outline Software’s unique online screenwriting service that offers intellectual property registration and professional script copying and binding with same-day courier delivery within Los Angeles and express shipping to any international destination. “This integration will assist writers from concept to submission so that Movie Outline becomes a key tool throughout a project’s development” states Product Manager Evelyne Kennedy. “Our aim is simple: to make the writing process as effortless as possible and by offering users the ability to upload a script and have it in the hands of a producer the same day is just another step toward that goal.”

Download a Free Trial or view the Product Tour.

Educational Solutions

Movie Outline 3 is ideal for students learning screenwriting because of its intuitive and structured approach to story development which can easily be tailored into modules for teaching. The software is already being adopted by schools and universities across North America and Europe and Nuvotech strongly supports this through affordable academic pricing for individual licenses and multiple seats for screenwriting labs.

Pricing and Availability

Movie Outline 3.1 screenwriting software will initially only be available as a download from the Movie Outline website but will shortly be released through retailers worldwide including the Apple Store, CompUSA, Amazon, Fry’s Electronics, Micro Center and The Writer’s Store. The suggested retail price is $199.95 but competitive upgrades are available and registered users of any previous version can upgrade for $49 through March 31st.

About Nuvotech

Nuvotech is a software and Web 2.0 services company based in London, England. It was founded in 1999 by produced screenwriter and director Dan Bronzite to publish innovative software and services for the creative industry. Its most recognized brands are Movie Outline a cross-platform screenplay development application and Hollywood Script Express a script copying and delivery service in Los Angeles.

October 14, 2007  (London, UK) — Nuvotech is pleased to announce the release of Movie Outline 3.0, an innovative screenplay development application for step-outlining, character development and screenplay formatting.

Product Development Strategy

“Our intention right from the beginning of our development cycle was to take as much time as necessary to create a powerful application that fulfilled the screenwriter’s needs on every level.” said Dan Bronzite, CEO of Nuvotech. “In its first incarnation, Movie Outline was simply a step-outliner that enabled the writer to plan their story by combining scenes into key events. With the release of version 2.0 we took a major step forward by adding the ability to structure your story into color-coded Acts. Now with version 3.0 you can create character profiles and arcs, organize your story using virtual drag and drop index cards and write a full screenplay which is automatically formatted to the industry standard layout as you type. It really is the ultimate screenwriter’s tool.”

Product Launch

Movie Outline 3.0 will be officially launched at the Screenwriting Expo in Los Angeles which will be taking place at the Marriott and Renaissance Hotels, October 25-28 2007.

About Movie Outline

Movie Outline is innovative screenplay development software for both the amateur and professional screenwriter which uses the simple technique of step-outlining to build your story, characters and screenplay scene by scene, allowing you to focus on each key event of your script without losing sight of the bigger picture.

With Movie Outline you can easily plan and customize your story structure, color-code acts, rearrange scenes, develop and track characters, format your screenplay to industry standard and even gauge the progress of your own story to that of included outlines and analyses of successful Hollywood movies, allowing you to simultaneously compare your own narrative’s pacing with the pros.

New in Version 3.0

• Screenplay Formatting & Auto-Complete
• Character Development & Tracking Tools
• FeelFactor Story Analysis Graphs
• Visual Drag & Drop Index Cards
• Drag & Drop Steps/Tasks in your Outline/Tasks List
• Customizable Color-Coded PowerView Structure Templates
• Sample Structure Templates including the Hero’s Journey
• Dialogue Spotlight to view a character’s isolated dialogue
• Notes & Script Sections for each step
• Powerful Import, Print & Export Facility
• Ability to export your own projects into your Reference Library
• 12 Updated Reference Outlines & Analyses with FeelFactor graphs
• Speedier, more intelligent Spell-Checker with live spell-checking
• Powerful Thesaurus with synonyms, antonyms, definitions and examples
• Ability to Merge Steps & Copy/Paste Story Tasks
• Insert Special Characters Feature
• Title Page creation
• Auto-Backup facility
• Integrated Check For Updates
• Deactivation Feature to transfer activations to another computer
• Improved Step & Task Highlight Feature
• Draggable Window Divider to customize your workspace
• SmartHelp to view context sensitive help with your mouse
• Tip of the Day now has even with more screenwriting advice
• 100% Cross-Platform
• Plus a fresher user-interface with many enhancements!

Key Features:

• Screenplay Formatting & Auto-Complete
• Character Development Tools
• Story Analysis Graphs
• Visual Index Cards
• Customizable Color-Coded Structure Templates
• Dialogue Focus Feature
• Notes & Script Sections for each step
• Powerful Print Export Facility
• 12 Reference Outlines & Analyses
• 100% Cross-Platform

Reference Plugins Included:

• Die Hard
• Dead Poets Society
• Ghost
• Good Will Hunting
• Pretty Woman
• Scream
• Seven
• Spider-Man
• Terminator
• There’s Something About Mary
• True Romance
• When Harry Met Sally

Mac System Requirements:

• Macintosh® OS X operating system
• 75 MB of free hard disk space
• 1 GHz CPU
• G4 or above PowerPC or Intel processor
• 512 MB of RAM
• VGA (800×600) or higher monitor resolution
• Internet Connection for Download and Product Activation

Windows System Requirements:

• Microsoft Windows® 2000/XP operating system
• 52 MB of free hard disk space
• 1 GHz CPU or higher
• Intel Pentium/Celeron Compatible Processor
• 512 MB of RAM
• VGA (800×600) or higher monitor resolution
• Internet Connection for Download and Product Activation

About Nuvotech

Movie Outline is developed and distributed internationally by Nuvotech, a British technology company based in London, founded by produced screenwriter and director Dan Bronzite to publish innovative software for the creative industry.