Haiku: conflict
Damn downstairs neighbor
Can't stand us playing Rock Band
Must find a new home
Damn downstairs neighbor
Can't stand us playing Rock Band
Must find a new home
For anyone interested in script writing software, I highly recommend Sophocles. I've been a Final Draft user since I first decided to write screenplays, but after having Sophocles recommended to me at the movie shoot yesterday (by Rance, my fellow extra) I tried it out and personally find it far superior to Final Draft. I have converted my scripts over and will using Sophocles exclusively now.
Check out the section on their website about getting a 50% academic discount. Of course you are on your own honor not to use the 50% discount unless you meet the academic qualifications. I'm sure no one will purchase through the 50% off page without being a full time student.
You can download the trial for free which is almost fully functional, but emblazons "TRIAL VERSION" on all your pages if you try to print. It also won't let you save as other formats (such as .txt files) unless you buy. I find pretty much everything about this program better than FD. The reports, very cool outline feature, formatting (not selected until you go to print which is cool), color coding of elements, and much more. I'm still in my "first impressions" mode but it impressed me enough that I shelled out the money and bought it despite the fact that I own Final Draft 6 (I've been hearing about all kinds of buggy problems with FD 7).
I would be hesitant to try it, personally, since FD is the industry standard. So I couldn't use it and then email the file, for example, to anyone in H'wood, because their machines all have FD.
That said, I am all for any software that makes the user happy. And I am all for you being happy! So it's all good, but I probably won't be bothering with it.
March 7, 2005 5:30 PM
Interesting you should say that since I was doing tons of research before hand, and that specific concern was countered by several Hollywood types saying that it wasn't really an issue because Final Draft wasn't really as "standard" as people think. They were saying that there's already several programs in wide use around the big H so no matter which program you use, you will be in danger of running into someone who needs it in a different format. The good thing is that both FD and Sophocles (plus the other popularly used programs" have the ability to save in more standard formats like PDF, Word Doc, etc which is apparently much more common than someone asking for a particular programs proprietary format. The general opinion was that FD, Sophocles (and one other I can't remember...Movie Magic, I think?) were all equally viable. Apparently Sophocles has been gaining a lot of ground, and I'm not surprised. I personally find it far superior. Go underdog!
March 7, 2005 5:39 PM
BTW, I realize you probably have much more first hand knowlegde than I. I was just reporting my research results which led me to switch, not questioning your comment! :)
March 7, 2005 5:42 PM
Fuck that, what is all this noise about X3 extras casting going on in Austin?
March 7, 2005 7:19 PM
You tell me! That's the first I've heard of it!
March 7, 2005 7:30 PM
What I should have said is "Will uses FD at work." And just left it at that. Because that's really the extent of my knowledge and the only thing that effects me.
Now, GO BE A MUTANT.
March 7, 2005 10:04 PM