Speaker 1: Hi there guys, it's Chris here with selfmadenewbie.com and in this video we're gonna go through the best screenwriting software currently out there today. Now I've kept this list as comprehensive as possible, narrowing it down to my absolute favorite top five picks. So no matter what you're looking for, there'll definitely be something on this list for you. So before we jump in, drop a like and subscribe and hit the bell to be updated with new videos. All right, as usual, I'm gonna skip all the fluff and just jump right into my recommendations. If you wanna confirm what they are, do go down in the description there and check out that list to ensure you get the lowest pricing. All right, so the first one on my list is gonna go to CeltX. So CeltX began its journey as a free open-source software designed to assist creative professionals in the art of storytelling. Over time, it has transformed into a cloud-based tool, helping screenwriters draft scripts and manage their pre-production. Some of the key features you can expect, the cloud-based writing, so you can access your scripts from any device, the story development tools, so outlining, index cards, and character breakdowns are all there, and also the pre-production suite, so that includes storyboarding, shot lists, and also scheduling. The pros in a nutshell, this is an affordable option compared to some competitors out there. Another pro is the comprehensive pre-production tools integrated with the writing environment and also collaborative capabilities, allowing multiple people to work on a script simultaneously. The cons are some users miss features available in dedicated high-end screenwriting software, and the switch from a free model to a paid one isn't popular with some of the initial fan base. So I would say that CeltX is perfect for indie filmmakers, students, or budding screenwriters who want an all-in-one solution for both script writing and pre-production without breaking the bank. The next one on the list is gonna go to Final Draft. Now, Final Draft is often dubbed the industry standard for screenwriting software. It's been in the game for decades and many professional screenwriters and filmmakers swear by its intuitive design and powerful features. So what are some of those key features? The smart type, so predictive typing, which speeds up the overall writing process. You get a beat board, which is a visual way to organize and plan your story's beats. Real-time collaboration, so allows multiple writers to work on a script simultaneously. And a format assistant, which ensures your script adheres to industry standards. Some of the pros I really like, this is highly regarded with a reputation for reliability. It's used by many top-tier professionals in the industry and it is regularly updated with modern features and integrations. If there are any cons, I would say it's more expensive than many other alternatives out there. The learning curve can be a little bit steep for some users, although there is material there to help you learn. And it's overwhelming for some who just need basic functionality. So I would say this one is ideal for serious screenwriters, both budding and established, who are looking for top-of-the-line features and an industry standard script format, especially those aiming to pitch their work to major studios or networks. The next one on my list is gonna go to PseudoWrite. Now PseudoWrite is actually better known as an enhancement tool for writing rather than a dedicated screenwriting software. But I do think that with screenwriting or like any writing, you can't ignore what AI is doing. And I would say that everybody should be thinking about adopting some form of AI writing assistant. And I think PseudoWrite is best suited for screenwriting. So it can be a good extra tool. So what it does is it supercharges your writing by suggesting improvements to your words and sentences, much like a grammar checker, but with a focus on the style. Some of the key features, word enhancement. So it provides synonyms and replacements to elevate your language. Integration, so works with platforms like Google Docs and others. And user customization, which lets you adjust the software suggestions based on your preferences. Some of the pros I like, a fresh take on writing assistants, focusing on style enhancements. Integrate seamlessly with popular word processing platforms. And it's useful for various forms of writing as well, as I said, not just screenwriting. The cons, it's not a dedicated screenwriting tool. So it lacks formatting and structure specific to scripts. Some writers might find constant suggestions disruptive to their flow. And another con will be, of course, that it relies on internet connectivity for full functionality. So if you don't have internet available, that might be a con for you. So this is ideal for, well, while PseudoWrite can be beneficial for screenwriters looking to elevate their language and style, it's particularly ideal for writers and professionals spanning different genres and mediums. Those who work on prose, essays, or other long form content might find this especially useful. The next one on my list is gonna go to Scrivener. So Scrivener is a robust and versatile writing tool known for its ability to manage complex writing projects. While it's highly favored among novelists and researchers, many screenwriters also appreciate its detailed organization capabilities. So some of the key features, you get a cork board, which are virtual index cards that allow you to outline and restructure your story, split screen view, which lets you view two parts of your document simultaneously, customizable templates, so comes with a screenwriting template and allows other custom templates as well. And also the compile feature is a great one. Export your work into various formats, including screenplay format. Some of the pros I like, highly customizable to fit the writer's unique process. It's a one-time purchase, unlike many subscription-based alternatives, and it offers an abundance of organizational tools for planning and structuring. The cons, this has a steeper learning curve due to its vast array of features. It's also not solely dedicated to screenwriting, so some features might feel superfluous to pure script writers. And also some users find the interface less intuitive compared to other dedicated screenwriting tools. So I would say while Scrivener can serve dedicated screenwriters, it truly shines for those involved in multistage projects, such as adapting novels into screenplays. Writers who love deep organization and planning will also find it valuable. The next one on my list is gonna go to ArcStudio Pro. So ArcStudio Pro is a newer entrant into the screenwriting software market, but has quickly garnered attention for its intuitive design and collaborative features. Streamlined and efficient, it seeks to minimize distractions, allowing writers to focus purely on their story. Some of the key features, real-time collaboration, enables multiple writers to craft together in real-time. You get version history, which tracks changes and revert to previous versions effortlessly. Outline mode, so use beats and sequences to structure your narrative. And you also get distraction-free writing, which means full-screen mode that minimizes interruptions. Some of the pros, it's a modern interface that's intuitive and user-friendly, competitive pricing with unique collaboration tools, and regularly updated with improvements based on user feedback. The cons are that being newer, it might not have all the advanced features of longstanding competitors, it might not be as widely recognized in professional circles yet, and also some users might miss niche features available in other software. So who's it ideal for? I would say ArcStudio Pro is perfect for screenwriters who prioritize a clean writing environment and collaborative features. It's also a great choice for those new to screenwriting, given its intuitive design and approachable user interface. All right, guys, so those are my top five picks. So hopefully you found something useful in there. I did try to keep it as varied as possible, offering something for everybody. If you do have any questions, though, drop them down below. And if you found value in this video, drop a like and subscribe, and I'll see you on the next one. Take care. Bye-bye.