Scripped Pro, created by three former college students with independent film star Edward Burns on its Board of Advisors, is unique screenwriting software, because it’s completely web-based. You sign up for an account and begin developing your idea and writing your script. It has all the bells and whistles you’d find in similar writing programs, along with comments from fellow writers and even contests with fantastic prizes. But what happens if your internet goes down or you’re in a public place that doesn’t have Wi-Fi? At that point you can put away your laptop, because you aren’t writing anything without internet access.
Like any worthwhile screenwriting software, Scripped has everything you need to get started on writing and developing your idea into a script. The main feature is of course the web-based program that will format the script to the proper Hollywood standards. You can also collaborate with others.
The user interface is pretty universal as far as screenwriting programs go, and is relatively easy to use. When typing, you can use the Tab and Enter key commands to set up the formatting options, such as scene headings, action, character name, dialogue and so forth.
When you’re ready to create a new screenplay at Scripped Pro’s website, you’re presented with a set of options. You type in the script title, choose a template (see below for more information) and import a plain-text file with a screenplay you may be working on. You can also choose to write a new idea or grab one from a general group of ideas. These ideas are created and written by those in the user forums.
Once you’re in the actual web page to write, the screen is laid out like the average screenwriting software app. At the top of the screen is the toolbar, the left side is the screenplay overview and the main window on the right is where the script text goes.
As you write, you’ll need to save your work often so you don’t risk losing it if your internet connection goes down. You can keep track of your acts, scenes, characters and notes in the Screenplay Overview window, or a find or delete a specific scene in the Scene window. You can also write a description of each scene.
The application is very easy to use, and you can get coverage, such as feedback and comments from other writers and Scripped users. Scripped also offers screenwriting contests with cool prizes, including money, the chance to see their work produced into a film and more.
As for rewriting tools, you can track your revision history, and what changes you’ve made, but it lacks the more powerful tools that you’ll find in software like Final Draft.
As far as exporting options go, you’re limited to a PDF and plain text. You can always import it into Final Draft, but then why use Scripped Pro at that point?
At Scripped Pro’s website there are several customizable template options, which should help you get right into writing. These include screenplay, stage play, TV sitcom, audio play, comic book and general format. Each one contains an example so you can become familiar with the structure and formatting.
If you need technical support, you can email Scripped to get help. You can also interact with other members in forums, groups and a help page, which is really a FAQs page. We really like the forums and groups, which allow for plenty of interaction with other writers. There isn’t a true user manual per se, but the FAQs page is pretty much like one.
Scripped Pro is a uniquely web-based screenwriting software program that has all the features and tools you’d find in competing software. The online groups are a great way to get help and feedback on your script. But if your internet goes down, you aren’t writing. Plus, it can get pricey since it’s subscription-based, and after a few years you’ll end up paying more than if you just bought a screenwriting software app.
