Screenwriter Craig Mazin talks about why he’s abandoning Final Draft for Movie Magic Screenwriter. I’ve used Movie Magic Screenwriter for at least five years and on four different TV series. I love it. I highly recommend it to everybody. The software is very easy to use, can create output files compatible with a slew of other programs, and the free tech support is terrific.
You and I have discussed this. There is simply no comparison between FD and MMS.
MMS is hands down a better, more user-friendly program AND they have actual customer service.
FD did a Bill Gates on Hollywood – giving a bunch of studios and networks free product for making their “official” screenwriting software. Bleh.
MMS also did a smart thing: a few years ago, they gave all the teachers at UCLA Extension Writers Program their entire software suite for free. I like MMS, too.
Can MMS open an FD file, if the FD file has got page locking and revision colours all spreadeagled in that exciting “in production” kind of way? I have to use FD because it’s being used on a production of mine at the moment – if I switched to MMS now, would it cause them lots of hassle?
James:
A commenter at my site gave me this tip: simply cut n’ paste the document from the FD window into MMS, and the formatting works pretty damn well.
However, if you’re in the middle of production, I wouldn’t recommend it. Wait until you’re done.
I have been writing the start and idea of a TV sit-com. How much is needed to write before I send it to a producer? Will I need an agent and how would I get one if I do? It is very differant comedy/drama.I know it’s a winner. I love MONK by the way:o).