What's the Difference?

A screenwriter’s field of dreams, or are they? Two of the major software products for screenwriting are like the box of detergent that claims it does everything but fold the clothes and put them away. Not long ago I took a screenwriting course where I learned about two of these products. I bought one of them and tore my hair out getting it installed and learning to use it. It didn’t get any better, but was definitely better than white-out.

Movie Magic Screenwriter is one software product available if you want to get your name in lights. It claims to be the “gold standard throughout the Hollywood studio system.” It can be used for films, movies or theater productions; does auto-formatting and lots of other handy tricks and provides FREE tech support.

Final Draft is another script software product. It claims to be the “industry standard.” It touts features such as import/export, script registration, script note and format assistant among others. After 20 free minutes or 90 days after registration, your tech support comes at the rate of $2.50/minute.

Both are good for Windows 2000 and XP versions. Presumably they will have new versions out soon for Vista. Both have big names touting the respective products. Check out both websites to totally confuse the issue.
http://finaldraft.com/products/final-draft/
http://www.screenplay.com/products/mms/