Final Draft 6
by Final Draft
Average Customer Review:
CD-ROM
list price: $249.99
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Editorial Review

In a business that's all about buzz, the latest version of Final Draft should enjoy plenty of the good kind. Final Draft 6.0 has kept what works, and added new features that guarantee this scriptwriting software will retain its spot in the limelight. It still handles the myriad technical details of scriptwriting automatically--character names are indented properly, scene headings are capitalized, and the default font is the industry standard 12-point Courier, a holdover from typewriter days. The entertainment industry is surprisingly stuffy when it comes to screenplay formatting and, when properly used, Final Draft can at least ensure your script will look great.

The latest version of Final Draft is designed for Windows XP and carbonized for Mac OS X, but it worked fine on the Windows 98 system we tested it on. A new touch freelancers will appreciate is the ability to save in Adobe PDF format, so scripts can be sent to folks who don't own this software. New cosmetics include a more colorful toolbar, darker font that matches Mac and Windows systems and looks better in print, and bigger windows for the ScriptNotes feature. System enhancements include a smart drag and drop, which automatically adds formatting elements when you move bits of your script. Our favorite new addition is Ask the Expert, a blackboard that writers can visit to refresh themselves on basics like characterization and story arc. It's like a screenwriting class without the has-been teacher and the "I'm better than Spielberg" classmates.

A couple of annoyances: you must "authorize" your system to use Final Draft 6.0 without the CD-ROM. Fortunately there are two authorizations, so you can, for example, use the program on both a desktop and laptop. Also, the much-touted script templates are nearly impossible to find (go to "File," click "New"--we just saved you 15 minutes), and they are not copies of actual scripts but two- to three-page parodies of TV shows, done in what we assume is the specific format for the show. They're worth reading just for laughs, but since the X-Files template still had Mulder listed as a character, we don't think they're 100 percent up to date. --Anne Erickson ... Read more

Reviews (23)

Final Draft 5 is Better
This was a real disappointment. I've had version 5 for some time and liked it a lot. When I was offered a special deal on an upgrade to 6 I figured, why not. Now I'm sorry I went for the upgrade.

I use a G3 PowerBook with Mac OS 9.1 and more than 300 MB of RAM. Final Draft 6 -- particularly the print preview -- is quite a bit slower than version 5. I also don't like the new interface, which is "carbonized" to look like Mac OS X, as much as the clean, Word-like interface of version 5.

That said, Final Draft 6 has pretty much the same features as version 5, although you can now save a script in PDF format.

In short, if you're happy with Final Draft 5 I wouldn't bother with the upgrade.

You might also try Movie Magic Screenwriter 2000. It's a very nice, customizable program that's easy to use. In fact, I find that I'm using MM 2000 over either version of Final Draft.

Update: I just upgraded to Mac OS X 10.2 and Final Draft 6.0 works much better than it did with 9.1. Excellent product.

Excellent Time-Saver
Writing a screenplay can be a very daunting task, especially for someone who is not familiar with the format. Before purchasing Final Draft, my previous screenplays were written in your basic, custom-formated Microsoft Word document.

Final Draft 6 does it all the formating for you. A function called "SmartType" finishes off character names for you, so you don't have to keep typing in names. This is wonderful when you have two or three characters talking to each other in a string, so you can quickly type the conversation, as if it were going on in front of you.

When I transferred my previous screenplays into Final Draft, it took about an hour or so to reformat a 106-page document correctly. Final Draft was able to interperate about 80% of the formatting correctly, getting confused on mostly transitions and telling the difference between some scene headings and actions. Although, it knew exactly what was dialogue just by where it was placed in the word document, which I thought was remarkable.

Some of the templates for actual T.V. shows are a little silly, but they serve their purpose: giving you the raw format for a certain show, which can vary greatly depending on the series. If you have your own show you've created, you can save a blank document with the initial beginings of the script as a template and be able to have a fresh document ready for your next episode.

Final Draft is a great purchase for the novice screen writer learning the format, and a wonderful time-saver for the somewhat-established to established veteran.

Quirky program made useless by copy protection
Buyer beware: Final Draft incorporates an archaic copy protection scheme that will drive you nuts. Every other category of computer software did away with this kind of user-unfriendly copy protection scheme in the mid-80s, but the screenwriting software vendors persist. You're probably better off using Microsoft Word (which is far more robust) and using a simple formatting utility when you're project is finished. If you have any hard drive crashes or hardware upgrades and you forget to de-install Final Draft you will lose your install keys. Tech support is scarce and the online help system is only good for the most basic information. While it should make your life simpler this product will make your life hell. Avoid it like the plague. ... Read more

Asin: B000060OFC
Subjects:  1. Computer software (programs)    2. Word Processing (Processor)    3. Text Editors    4. Spell Checkers (Spelling Check)    5. wordprocessing (wordprocessors)    6. Education (Educational)    7. Reference    8. Writing (Literature    9. Mac Macintosh Machintosh Apple    10. Movies (Movie)    11. Scriptwriting screenwriting script screen writing creative    12. Screenplay play