Movie Outline Screenwriting Blog

Screenwriting can be very rewarding. It enables you to have fun and explore ideas you find interesting.

However, creating a good outline for a film is not as easy as sitting at your desk and reeling off ideas.

It is vital that you hone your screenwriting skills by first watching and analyzing films.

Just as novelists do not tend to rise to the top of their game without being well-versed in other works, you will have to immerse yourself in the world of films and learn as much as you possibly can before you achieve success.

While you should avoid stealing ideas from other people, you can use the material to sharpen your own style. It is also possible to see what can go wrong when making movies, so you can try to avoid falling victim to the same mistakes.

And you should not necessarily stick to the genre of films that you like the most.

By expanding your horizons in this way, you will come into contact with a broader range of ideas and techniques, all of which will be useful when you sit down with your script writing software to begin your own screenplay.

And as your career progresses, you will obviously have to remain in touch with the latest advances in the field, so the learning process never really stops.

So, if you are lacking inspiration when you settle down in front of your script writing software or feel your style could do with a little tweaking, take a break and watch a film. You can learn just as much from ones you hate as ones you love.

If you have wondered how to write a script, you will know there are many things to bear in mind.

Obviously, you have to have a clear idea of your storyline and characters.

Also, you must know at least roughly how the creation will appear to the audience when they view it, so detailed impressions of key moments in your plot should be covered.

However, there is one simple point that is sometimes overlooked by those involved in screenwriting, which is avoiding the temptation to show off.

It can be an enticing prospect to illustrate how clever you are and how complex your ideas can be. However, if you do this when screenwriting, you may very well struggle to succeed.

After all, audiences can be left behind if you make your story too confusing and complex to understand, and people may get frustrated and simply give up.

The real skill in knowing how to write a script is to present what are subtle and clever ideas in a simple and accessible way.

This is not to say you should make your screenplay dull and uninteresting. It simply means you should ensure you leave your ego out of the finished article.

There are many examples of films with simple yet brilliant plots, and getting this skill honed is in itself an art.

Knowing how to make the multifaceted accessible to those reading your screenplay and ultimately watching your film is valuable.

You may have a natural flair for screenwriting, yet you may have struggled to successfully place a script with a studio or agency.

Unfortunately, the film industry is many things but fair isn’t necessarily one of them. This means that being very good at what you do and working hard may not be enough to guarantee you success.

Many of those with a long list of screenwriting triumphs behind them would admit their careers have been blessed with a certain amount of luck. However, there is no reason to believe that this cannot happen for you.

Rather, you should use the competitive nature of the industry to spur you on to produce the best script that you can.

And there are ways to help give your profile a boost.

One of these is to ensure that when you sit down with your script writing software, you try to generate ideas that will get people’s attention. Many great movies stand out from the crowd because they are different, and have a certain quality that other films lack.

For example, the Big Lebowski, starring Jeff Bridges, John Goodman and Julianne Moore, has become a classic since its release in 1998. And this certainly does not feature a traditional or familiar narrative. What makes it stand out is its distinctive voice. Nobody but Joel and Ethan Coen could have made that film.

So, while it is important to know the rules of traditional structure and techniques when using your script writing software, you should also be willing to try something new.

Screenwriting is not an easy thing to get right. If it was, many more people would be doing it.

However, you should not let this put you off, as there are great joys and rewards of getting it right.
Thanks to developments in script writing software, the process of developing your story is now more straightforward than ever before.

Whereas in the past, you would have had to study the standardized format of screenwriting to ensure it would look professional, now you can simply follow intuitive steps on your computer.

This means you can devote more time and attention to the plot itself, which will be your unique selling point. You can also focus on producing tight dialogue which reveals character and advances the plot, as well as ensuring the characters are not just one-dimensional figures whose only purpose is spouting exposition.

This additional effort could make all the difference between your plot falling under the radar and actually grabbing the attention of readers at a movie studio or talent agency.

By using script writing software, you can rest assured that your finished product will look professional. This can be a massive help, as you will only have to worry about the content of the script itself, rather than how it looks. Correct formatting can be a great source of worry for many beginning writers, but script writing software can take that away.

Many people have an idea for a film, yet very few will actually get around to making something of it. Whether it is a lack of confidence or they have no idea how screenwriting works, most people will never try writing a screenplay

For those that will try, simply having this inner drive is not enough. You must combine this enthusiasm with detailed knowledge of how to write a strong, saleable script.

One of the most important things when screenwriting is the strength of the characters you have created. Whether they love or loathe your creations, your audience needs to feel some form of connection to them.

Also, there should be something at stake in the story. When screenwriting, you should ensure that you generate an element of escalating suspense that keeps people interested.

Those who know how to write a script also typically introduce a level of conflict (both internal and external) or obstacles that the protagonists have to overcome. This provides the audience with their much needed sense of drama.

It also helps to write about a field you have experience in, whether as a theme, event or setting, as your understanding of the topic will shine through. However, if you are determined to cover an area that you have little or no direct experience in, you will need to undertake sufficient research.

By investing plenty of time in this before settling down in front of your keyboard, you will reap the rewards in the end.

If you have a wide range of screenwriting ideas and are keen to get them down in black and white, you may question the importance of format.

Many people think the ideas themselves are the most important factor, rather than how they are presented. This is a common misconception. While substance is certainly crucial, the presentation of your screenplay is also incredibly important.

Readers at a film studio or agency will have limited time in which to go through your script. If they find the format of your material confusing, or if it strays too far from the standardized format, they may simply assume you are not taking it seriously and give up. You must get the layout of your screenwriting right, or you may well sabotage your chance.

However, it is now possible to use screenplay writing software which helps you to follow an industry-approved format and layout. Experienced screenwriters understand that the structure of your script is just as important as the story it tells.

When working on a screenplay with screenplay writing software, you will be writing in an industry-approved format, which can allow you to write without having to worry about how professional your script will look.

This can, in turn, help with the writing itself, as if you feel that you are writing an authentic, Hollywood-standard script, you may find yourself writing better than ever. Many respected writers use screenplay writing software to create work which goes on to become a hit, and you can do the same.

February 18, 2010  (London, UK) – UK technology company Nuvotech today launched a comprehensive free upgrade to its popular script and story development package which now boasts even more powerful features including import and export to Final Draft® 8 and scheduling. 

Nuvotech announced that although the new version includes over 100 new features and improvements and is much more extensive than an regular update, it was pleased to offer this release as a free upgrade to existing users of Version 3. “Our customers are very loyal and only ever have positive things to say about Movie Outline”, commented Dan Bronzite, CEO. “As such we would like to give something back in appreciation for their help in shaping the product and the direction of its future evolution.”

Import & Export Upgrade

With Version 3.1 writers now have even more document sharing options available that include the ability to open and automatically reformat PDF files, import to and from Final Draft 8’s new XML file format (.fdx) , and export to scheduling format (.sex) that can be opened by most of the leading production management programs such as Movie Magic™ and Gorilla. Users can also display, print and export scene numbers.

Full Script Mode & Scene Cards

One of the most requested features from existing users was to have the ability to edit a full screenplay while retaining a project’s step structure. To address this the new version has introduced a powerful new editing mode so writers can have the best of both worlds and work in a methodology that suits them. This new mode also displays a scene list that helps you navigate your script and displays “scenes” instead of “steps” in its virtual index card organization tool.

Hollywood Script Express Integration

Version 3.1 now integrates direct access to Movie Outline Software’s unique online screenwriting service that offers intellectual property registration and professional script copying and binding with same-day courier delivery within Los Angeles and express shipping to any international destination. “This integration will assist writers from concept to submission so that Movie Outline becomes a key tool throughout a project’s development” states Product Manager Evelyne Kennedy. “Our aim is simple: to make the writing process as effortless as possible and by offering users the ability to upload a script and have it in the hands of a producer the same day is just another step toward that goal.”

Download a Free Trial or view the Product Tour.

Educational Solutions

Movie Outline 3 is ideal for students learning screenwriting because of its intuitive and structured approach to story development which can easily be tailored into modules for teaching. The software is already being adopted by schools and universities across North America and Europe and Nuvotech strongly supports this through affordable academic pricing for individual licenses and multiple seats for screenwriting labs.

Pricing and Availability

Movie Outline 3.1 screenwriting software will initially only be available as a download from the Movie Outline website but will shortly be released through retailers worldwide including the Apple Store, CompUSA, Amazon, Fry’s Electronics, Micro Center and The Writer’s Store. The suggested retail price is $199.95 but competitive upgrades are available and registered users of any previous version can upgrade for $49 through March 31st.

About Nuvotech

Nuvotech is a software and Web 2.0 services company based in London, England. It was founded in 1999 by produced screenwriter and director Dan Bronzite to publish innovative software and services for the creative industry. Its most recognized brands are Movie Outline a cross-platform screenplay development application and Hollywood Script Express a script copying and delivery service in Los Angeles.

October 1, 2009  (London, UK) — Nuvotech announces the implementation of a new screenwriting class offered to 2nd year MFA candidates at Boston University.

REWRITE!

“The Rewrite” is a new graduate screenwriting course offered this Fall at Boston University’s acclaimed screenwriting program, giving thirteen candidates the opportunity to test drive Movie Outline’s unique features in order to construct a solid outline for a new feature script and assist in re-drafting an earlier work. The results of using Movie Outline 3 will be reported and published at the end of the term.

“I have long searched for a program that combines standard script formatting with in-depth story and character development,” commented Professor John Bernstein, Director of the Screenwriting Program. “I really like the way Movie Outline focuses on story and structuring and believe that my students will benefit greatly from using it.”

Dan Bronzite, CEO of Nuvotech adds “We are delighted to be working with Boston University and hope that this collaboration will not only help their students but also further develop the features of the software for the needs of the modern screenwriter”.

Learn more about unlocking the potential of Movie Outline 3 screenwriting software for students, schools, colleges and universities.

About Movie Outline 3

Movie Outline is innovative script formatting and screenplay development software for both the novice and professional screenwriter which uses the simple technique of step-outlining to build your story, characters and screenplay scene by scene, allowing you to focus on each key event of your script without losing sight of the bigger picture.

About Nuvotech

Nuvotech is a software and Web 2.0 services company based in London, England. It was founded in 1999 by produced screenwriter and director Dan Bronzite to publish innovative software and services for the creative industry. Its most recognized brands are Movie Outline a cross-platform screenplay development application and Hollywood Script Express a script copying and delivery service in Los Angeles.

About Boston University’s Program

Boston University’s screenwriting program is headed by Dr. John Bernstein, PhD. MFA candidates are: Zac Atkinson, Andrew Bumstead, Mike Dindoffer, Jeannine Hegelbach, Joseph De Bottone, Robert Hackett, Ryan Karten, John McCosh, Chris Nelson, Luisa Ogier, Aviv Rubinstein, Kirsten Sugai-Freed, Antonio Villar Liñán

October 14, 2007  (London, UK) — Nuvotech is pleased to announce the release of Movie Outline 3.0, an innovative screenplay development application for step-outlining, character development and screenplay formatting.

Product Development Strategy

“Our intention right from the beginning of our development cycle was to take as much time as necessary to create a powerful application that fulfilled the screenwriter’s needs on every level.” said Dan Bronzite, CEO of Nuvotech. “In its first incarnation, Movie Outline was simply a step-outliner that enabled the writer to plan their story by combining scenes into key events. With the release of version 2.0 we took a major step forward by adding the ability to structure your story into color-coded Acts. Now with version 3.0 you can create character profiles and arcs, organize your story using virtual drag and drop index cards and write a full screenplay which is automatically formatted to the industry standard layout as you type. It really is the ultimate screenwriter’s tool.”

Product Launch

Movie Outline 3.0 will be officially launched at the Screenwriting Expo in Los Angeles which will be taking place at the Marriott and Renaissance Hotels, October 25-28 2007.

About Movie Outline

Movie Outline is innovative screenplay development software for both the amateur and professional screenwriter which uses the simple technique of step-outlining to build your story, characters and screenplay scene by scene, allowing you to focus on each key event of your script without losing sight of the bigger picture.

With Movie Outline you can easily plan and customize your story structure, color-code acts, rearrange scenes, develop and track characters, format your screenplay to industry standard and even gauge the progress of your own story to that of included outlines and analyses of successful Hollywood movies, allowing you to simultaneously compare your own narrative’s pacing with the pros.

New in Version 3.0

• Screenplay Formatting & Auto-Complete
• Character Development & Tracking Tools
• FeelFactor Story Analysis Graphs
• Visual Drag & Drop Index Cards
• Drag & Drop Steps/Tasks in your Outline/Tasks List
• Customizable Color-Coded PowerView Structure Templates
• Sample Structure Templates including the Hero’s Journey
• Dialogue Spotlight to view a character’s isolated dialogue
• Notes & Script Sections for each step
• Powerful Import, Print & Export Facility
• Ability to export your own projects into your Reference Library
• 12 Updated Reference Outlines & Analyses with FeelFactor graphs
• Speedier, more intelligent Spell-Checker with live spell-checking
• Powerful Thesaurus with synonyms, antonyms, definitions and examples
• Ability to Merge Steps & Copy/Paste Story Tasks
• Insert Special Characters Feature
• Title Page creation
• Auto-Backup facility
• Integrated Check For Updates
• Deactivation Feature to transfer activations to another computer
• Improved Step & Task Highlight Feature
• Draggable Window Divider to customize your workspace
• SmartHelp to view context sensitive help with your mouse
• Tip of the Day now has even with more screenwriting advice
• 100% Cross-Platform
• Plus a fresher user-interface with many enhancements!

Key Features:

• Screenplay Formatting & Auto-Complete
• Character Development Tools
• Story Analysis Graphs
• Visual Index Cards
• Customizable Color-Coded Structure Templates
• Dialogue Focus Feature
• Notes & Script Sections for each step
• Powerful Print Export Facility
• 12 Reference Outlines & Analyses
• 100% Cross-Platform

Reference Plugins Included:

• Die Hard
• Dead Poets Society
• Ghost
• Good Will Hunting
• Pretty Woman
• Scream
• Seven
• Spider-Man
• Terminator
• There’s Something About Mary
• True Romance
• When Harry Met Sally

Mac System Requirements:

• Macintosh® OS X operating system
• 75 MB of free hard disk space
• 1 GHz CPU
• G4 or above PowerPC or Intel processor
• 512 MB of RAM
• VGA (800×600) or higher monitor resolution
• Internet Connection for Download and Product Activation

Windows System Requirements:

• Microsoft Windows® 2000/XP operating system
• 52 MB of free hard disk space
• 1 GHz CPU or higher
• Intel Pentium/Celeron Compatible Processor
• 512 MB of RAM
• VGA (800×600) or higher monitor resolution
• Internet Connection for Download and Product Activation

About Nuvotech

Movie Outline is developed and distributed internationally by Nuvotech, a British technology company based in London, founded by produced screenwriter and director Dan Bronzite to publish innovative software for the creative industry.