Movie Outline Screenwriting Blog

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.

Many aspiring script writers and established screenwriters within the movie industry now use screenwriting software to help them write great scripts. Although screenwriting software can be an enormously valuable tool to help finalize a script, it cannot generate a story from nothing or guarantee that a script will be good enough to be fast-tracked for production.

Sadly, there are some screenwriters who believe that using specialized software will guarantee them Hollywood success. Some writers expect screenwriting software to create a story for them. It cannot do this, but it can provide you with the perfect formatting tools to make the best of a great script. You will need to supply your own believable characters, engaging dialogue, and a well-written plot.

Script writing software is designed to help writers flesh out good ideas and construct them into a professional piece of work. Although this alone is not guaranteed to turn a script into a blockbuster movie, it will certainly ensure that those receive your script will see that you are serious about the work.

One of the most affordable and effective screenwriting software options now available on the market is Movie Outline. Movie Outline is a well-developed software package which has many features, designed to make screenplay writing much more satisfying.

It has many different templates which enable writers to include notes and track changes between drafts, and also allows scripts to be formatted in the approved layout and correct font for final submission. Movie Outline can provide the means for success, but it is up to you to provide the magic.

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.

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.”

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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.