Writing Tools for the Modern Age: Final Draft

Happy Hump Day, my loyal followers! You’ve probably noticed that I haven’t posted in a few days once again. Well, this time I was helping one of my clients rewrite a script of theirs; I’m sure you can imagine how much time and energy that takes. (I like a good challenge.) It’s worth noting that this experience did introduce me to software which the screenwriters in the audience might want to know about: Final Draft.

Final Draft is the bestselling screenwriting software in the world. It’s used by studios such as BBC, Paramount, ABC, Disney, and Warner Bros. Testimonials for it come from writers of such movies and shows as Black Swan, Lost, Mad Men, and The Social Network. Needless to say, this software is popular. But what exactly is Final Draft?

Here are some basics about the software:

• It provides over 100 templates for screenplays, teleplay, and stage plays;
• Final Draft works on Windows, Macintosh, or on the Final Draft app for iPhone or iPad;
• You can plan out acts, scenes, and sequences using Story Map;
• You can collaborate with a writing partner in real-time;
• The software formats your script to meet entertainment industry standards;
• The software for the computer costs (Final Draft 10) costs $249.99, and the app (sold separately) costs $19.99.

You can learn more about the software and its costs on the company’s website.

Now, if you aren’t seriously considering getting into screenwriting, I do not recommend this software. Why? The cost. For screenwriters who also work in other genres, this software can be a regular all-in-one package. It’s great for screenwriting and even has some options for books and other forms of writing. However, if you aren’t interested in writing scripts, teleplays, or stage plays, there are many other, more affordable, programs and websites available for the rest. There’s also the snag that you can only open Final Draft files in Final Draft, i.e. you cannot convert it to Word doc or PDF, so it’s rather inconvenient for those outside of scripts and screenplays.

That being said, the software was very helpful in the process of rewriting this script. Also, it’s rather fun to toy around with if you already needed it for another project. There are many options for formatting, dialogue, page and scene numbering, notes and revisions for scripts, etc., more than I could list here. Honestly, I don’t think I’ve discovered even half of what the software has to offer, and I will be sure to keep you updated if I find out anything noteworthy in the future. (I will also let you know if I discover any glitches or other issues.)

I should also mention that this software could come in handy for those looking to turn a novel into a screenplay or vice versa. With templates available for both formats and the ability to have multiple files open at once, it would be relatively easy to switch between the two formats while working on the adaptation.

Like I said before, if you’re not into screenwriting, Final Draft isn’t for you, especially not at this price. However, if you are serious about screenwriting, you should give it some consideration. In the long run, it could save you time, keep you organized, and make your work look more professional.

To the screenwriters out there: have you used Final Draft? What has been your experience with it? Do you know of any other programs–for screenwriters or writers overall–that can help writers organize and compose their works? Leave your thoughts in the comments below!