The Celtx Phenomenon
Free Screenwriting Software Taking the Internet by Storm
Always fancied yourself as the next Paul Haggis or Tim Burton? Celtx can get you on the right path to writing and developing your movie scripts.
One of the greatest problems for movie script writers just starting out is the cost of script editing software. In 2004 a small Newfoundland, Canada-based initiative tried to combat this by developing a free industry-standard script writing and pre-production programme that budding writers and filmmakers world-wide could use to develop their art.
Celtx and Project Central
The software is called Celtx and as well as the package itself, it has spawned a devoted community forum of over five-thousand members and hosts a showcase site called Project Central where people can display their work and receive feedback.
The project has become so successful that it has attracted some famous supporters. In the features section of The Nines DVD, writer and director John August (of Big Fish and Go fame) was spotted wearing the Celtx branded T-shirt.
Intended to replace the traditional ‘paper, pen & binder’ approach to pre-production with a fully digital style that is easy to use even for first-time writers, Celtx has caught on quickly with independent filmmakers, studio professionals, students and media creators the world over.
From humble beginning the concept has truly grown into something spectacular with, according to their website, “100,000 independent media creators in 160 countries working in 20 languages” and an inspiring logo that explains: “It’s all about the story.”
Celtx Verses the Leading Market Brands
But how does it compare to the ‘Big Boys’: Final Draft and Movie Magic, which currently dominate the market?
Perhaps the most notable difference is the cost. Celtx if free whereas the leading market software comes in at around $250 a throw, ruling it out of most amateur and student movie-maker’s price range.
As well as the benefits of ‘free’ verses ‘a lot of money’, it is worth remembering that Celtx is still at early development stage, not even a version 1.0 release yet, whereas Final Draft is at v.7 and Movie Magic at v.6. Given how far Celtx has already come many expect it to fully corner the market in a few years:
“When Celtx v1.0 is released..the advantage that Celtx will have over Final Draft and Movie Magic will be so great that it just isn't real. The overall potential for this software is ENORMOUS. You also have to take into account that Celtx is a complete pre-production suite, whereas Final Draft and Movie Magic only do the one thing.” - Phil Friel, Celtx User
However, Final Draft has been praised by professionals as having a more detailed report function and being better geared to film-makers as opposed to straight screen writing as it provides more production tools whereas Celtx is purely pre-production. If you’re looking to write scripts, Celtx is fine, but if you want to make films it’s advisable to invest.
The Celtx Community
The other huge draw to Celtx is its collaborative approach. It’s not just software, it’s a community with a forum for discussing all aspects of script writing and production, where people can get reviews on their work from other Celtx users. Then there’s Project Central, where people can upload their work and showcase it on the internet with a ‘collaborate‘ function that allows writers to team-up with other individuals and write scripts online together.
It is difficult to play down the importance of this software for budding screen writers, it has helped to bring out the creativity in thousands of people and formed friendships within a writing community that is never short on ideas.
