Posted by PeteDude at x6.gatx.com on December 29, 2000 at 11:48:40:
In Reply to: Re: Look at Movie Magic and Final Draft posted by WickedChicken on December 29, 2000 at 10:25:39:
The other posters had some really good points. . . you may be better off starting off with Word macros, even though Final Draft is priced reasonably. For me, macros suck because the default keystrokes already installed are enough to memorize. I prefer to use formatting templates-- open up a file formatted as a script, then just copy / paste blocks and change the text-- great way to cheat. :)
Since I do 'puter stuff for a living currently, I'd always recommend using cheap off-the-shelf stuff (WordPerfect, etc.) instead of specialized tools (e.g. Final Draft) when you're starting out in any field-- whether it be writing, drafting, or *ahem* relieving caged animals. Once you've bought the cheap tools and have used 'em a while, you won't have wasted any money if you drop your project and if you stay with the project, you'll have a better idea of what you REALLY need to accomplish the task (and if you sell a project, you've made more money on the investment). This is why I'd almost endorse torturing yourself with Lotus WordPro, but that might be carrying the idea a bit far. :)
I've been contemplating a film project myself (V2K1 Jr., anybody?), and I've started using a cheap project manager package-- Turbo Project by IMSI-- to outline a schedule. I still have dates and timelines to fill in, but it should do the job. It costs $35 from Yahoo Shopping but I got it at a swap meet for $15. It also supposedly reads/writes MS Project files (cheapest I could find MS Project: $175). If anybody knows of any MS Project templates for film development, I'd be thrilled to get my hands on them.
Pete
: Thanks, I couldn't think of Final Draft the other day. One of my many mental blocks. I have heard many screen writers recomend it. I guess I need to save up some cash and pick it up.
: WickedChicken
: Survived the lay-offs.