I've been writing for a long while, now. I am, in fact, the authoress of numerous unfinished novels, short stories, novellas, and screen plays. As is the case with most writers, I am poor. So, while I knew that I had to have some software package that would enable me to put idea to disk without the dreaded task of formatting, or worse, transcribing, the idea of forking over 250+ dollars for a good screenwriting package was out of the question.

Thank goodness I didn't have to do that.

Until this spring, I thought that Final Draft was THE software to have. I thought it was top of the heap, king of the hill. But the last 6 months or so has found me surrounded by motivated, talented screenwriters who really know their stuff on the software front–and they steered me toward MM2k–that's Movie Magic Screenwriter 2000.

If you know anything about screenwriting, you know that formatting is everything. No matter how good a story, if you've got that puppy in Times New Roman instead of Courier, some reader may throw it in the trash without so much as a second glance. Truly. So having a software program that intuitively formats is a blessing.

The features that drew me to MM2k?

* Seven script formats (Final Draft has only five)

* Eleven import formats (Final Draft has only four)

* Four novel (as in book writing) formats (Final Draft has none)

* Index card view that is fully editable (Final Draft lacks this feature)

* Real-time auto-correction of spelling errors (Final Draft shares this feature)

* Auto floppy back-up to protect work (Final Draft does not do this)

* Password protect for scripts (not an option with Final Draft)

* SmartCheck to automatically check for common formatting mistakes (no on Final Draft)

* Two script comparison (again, not available with Final Draft)

* Voice readback (the assigning of computer generated voices for characters) (Final Draft shares this feature)

* Online collaboration with a partner (iPartner)–a feature in which writers working together can link on the internet, see the same script at the same time, communicate via IM, and see each other's editing and writing (Final Draft also has this feature)

* Direct publishing to the internet (Final Draft does not have this feature)

* Export to PDF format–VERY important if you're planning on entering contests–many contests require submissions in PDF format, and converting a screenplay through the Adobe site often results in terrible alteration of format, changing of screenplay length (sometimes tragic, as most contests have a maximum and minimum on page count), etc. (Final Draft does not offer this)

* Registration of work online (Final Draft also offers this)

MM2k also offers production features missing from Final Draft:

* Full export into Movie Magic Scheduling (basically, a shooting/production scheduling program)

* Full production break down reports

* Production solutions guide providing suggestions for resolving common production problems

* Generation of set lists and rundown sheets

* Storyboard linking

* Real-time scene re-numbering

In addition, MM2k offers an intuitive process that keep the ideas flowing by minimizing command strokes—many programs require complicated tabs/controls/alts/f-key use for choosing scene headings, transitions, character, parentheticals, etc. MM2k offers these things through simple use of the enter key, the occasional tab, and a clickable menu down the side of the screen.

With MM2k, scripts can be imported from other writing software (including Final Draft), and work can be saved in numerous formats (including Word, Works, and Word Perfect). A "name bank" is included to help generate character names (I haven't used that feature, but it seems like a fun inclusion).

In all, MM2k beats Final Draft hands down in many ways, including price. It's not often you find a product that offers more features and functions, is easier to use, AND is cheaper. If you're in the market for screenwriting software, MM2k is that product. And it comes with a hundred free index cards. For an deeper analysis/comparison of MM2k vs Final Draft, see http://storymind.com/dramatica/products/scrn_features.htm

Now, for price. List on MM2k is $269. HOWEVER, I got my copy for $144, including shipping. How? Well, I went to the Writers Store online, where they were offering MM2k for $144 plus shipping. I then went to Storymind, and let them know that the Writers Store was offering MM2k for $34 less than their listed price, asked if they could beat that price. They did–by five dollars. And voila! MM2k for $144, shipping included.

Write carefully! And remember--Dreamworks, Francis Coppola, Marc Levin (Slam, The Last Party), Jeb Stuart (The Fugitive, Die Hard, Switchback), and Project Greenlight all recommend MM2k.

Recommended: Yes