Screenplay – Review
By App Type: Uncategorized
Our rating: 
By: Black Mana Studios
Version #: 1.1.7.5
Date Released: 2009-07-16
Developer:
Price: 4.99
User Rating:
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I’m an amateur screenwriter and I always have my iPhone on me, so I figured I’d invest a few bucks in one of the screenwriting apps for the iPhone. The concept and execution are both good in this instance, but there is a problem. I’ll get to that near the end.
Screenplay is a really good app for writing scenes even if you don’t exactly know how to put a screenplay together. All the elements are listed along the bottom as different buttons to tap and in many ways it’s actually easier than using one of the powerhouse screenwriting pieces of software like Final Draft.
The interface is very easy and intuitive. You can move a red line cursor around to any section of the screenplay to insert in that section. You can add a new screenplay and then add the story scene by scene.
The only downside to this app is the fact that it’s not universal and isn’t available for the iPad. Some of this app’s competitors in the App Store do offer their screenwriting software as such. The small screen of the iPhone is difficult to work with when writing a dramatic masterpiece. It would also be nice if the app allowed you to add or delete files via iTunes instead of limiting the transfer of files to URLs or e-mail.
However, if you were to simply write scene or dialogue samples, then export them (which the app can do in both text and Final Draft 8 format), then I would recommend Screenplay for the budding screenwriter in all of us.
Quick Take
Value:Medium to High.
Would I Buy Again:Probably.
Learning Curve:Low.
Who Is It For:The next William Shakespeare, or those aspiring to be.
What I Like:Intuitive interface. Good execution of the concept.
What I Don't Like:Can be difficult to transfer files. Would be nice if the app could also be used on the iPad.
Final Statement:Now writers have even fewer excuses not to write.
We went to great lengths to make screenwriters feel right at home with our creation. Using Screenplay, you can write anywhere between a single scene and a full movie. On the train, during a boring meeting or simply in bed – don’t let a good scene be forgotten!
Version 1.1 features:
* Stability and performance - The app was written from scratch with older iPhones and iPod Touch in mind. The screen tilt issue is completely solved and the app runs smoothly.
* Import and Export to FDX - The industry standard FDX format was created by Final Draft. Screenplay supports the script component inside Final Draft 8(FDX is supported by Final Draft 8 and above only), meaning you can import and export screenplays to and from your iPhone/iPod, and then continue to work where you left off.
* Import and Export to and from Celtx and other screenwriting software via text format.
* Import from URL or Online Storage - Version 1.1 supports importing Final Draft 8 FDX and formatted TXT files from a URL. Additionally, a dedicated screenplay storage account is currently provided completely free of charge to our users. We may change the nature of the service in future versions, so be sure to experiment with it.
* iPhone OS 3.0 Text Features - Cut/Copy/Paste, magnifying glass, auto-complete - all supported.
* New, innovative and intuitive interface - Created by professional screenwriters for screenwriters, with touch screen in mind. See the screenshots on our website.
* Standard screenplay formatting – both on screen and in the exported file.
* Character name auto-complete – once you introduce characters into the script, you never have to type their name again!
* One click character rename throughout the entire script.
* Drag-and-drop scene reordering – keeps the contents intact!
* Lock the screen to either landscape or portrait mode – type comfortably in bed!
For support and full PDF manual please visit our website at www.blackmana.com/iphone
We are committed to our users - if you have a feature that you want added or a bug that needs our attention, please don't hesitate and post about it on our forums at:
www.blackmana.com/iphone/support
