Linux and Scriptwriting
This is a quickie from the road, since I have a momentary internet connection.
Last night, while browsing in a London newsstand, I noticed the computer magazine Linux Journal. To my own surprise, I’m beginning to develop a hint of interest in this alternative, open-source and free operating system, especially since Microsoft plans to pull the plug on Windows XP [whose life, by the way, Microsoft announced this week has been extended from the announced discontinuation date of June 30 until the end of the year].
It turns out that the June 2008 issue of the magazine carries an extensive review of CeltX, an open-source, free scriptwriting program. I read enough of the review to become very intrigued with this program. It’s been more than two years in development. And it looks now to be powerful enough to give the very expensive Final Draft some genuine competition. A google search will bring up several recently updated websites where you can additional information, especially if you can’t find a copy of the June issue.
An Apology
I noticed a few minutes ago that the blog was coming up with a blank page. I have yet to figure out why Word Press malfunctions in this manner from time to time. Anyway, it’s running properly again. Thanks for your patience.
A Rushed Update
I’ve been in London now for one week. It’s been enormously productive. I’ve spent almost every waking minute at the fabulous British Library, where I am tracking down substantial information for my book research. Last night was my first night out on the town — it’s been all work and no play — but at $2 for each pound spent, I can’t afford much fun anyway.
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Comments
I’m currently trying Celtx on a few current projects. I like it, but a lot of the features are permanent as and where they appear; you can’t turn them off, move them, adjust colors, etc. There’s also no .doc support for Word users. Anything you import into it must be .txt format only. The application only came out of beta at the beginning of June, so they’ve got a ways to go. From what I’ve seen in the forums, I think they’ll get there smartly; it’ll just take a while.
It does save a lot of the formatting work, however, especially for scripts, from movies to comic books and everything in between. For me, it’s worth it just for that; at free, it’s more than worth it.
Bottom line? Try it out on a brand new script project (backfilling for an existing project is a monumental drag). You may have to adjust your process (I did), but you might just like it enough to make the switch.
JohnH60 
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Thank you for the notice about Celtx!
I just went to their web site and noticed that it’s available for Windows and OSX as well as Linux — I haven’t tried it yet, but I’ve learned from other applications to take that as a good sign.