I’m relatively new to the world of Celtx. I’ve been a Final Draft user since high school so you can imagine how tough it is to make the switch.  My biggest exposure to the product has been through my iPhone and the stellar Celtx screenwriting app.  So far, when it comes to mobile screenwriting, Celtx is definitely the best.

XTRA | Check out my review of the Celtx app

This led me to download the full software onto my home computer to try out the sync feature and learn more about the software.  Around the same time, I was given the opportunity to check out an eBook from Packt Publishing and author Ralph Roberts called Celtx: Open Source Screenwriting.  It’s a gigantic and in depth look at the software that’s perfect for beginners looking to explore what Celtx has to offer.

At a whopping 376 pages, this eBook definitely covers everything including writing screenplays, creating storyboards, generating call sheets and much more.  I have to admit, most of my focus will always be on the screenwriting aspect of pre-production but it’s refreshing to see a program out there capable of helping with so many facets of production.  Not only that, it’s helpful with a variety of productions from including plays and comic books. (Something I’ve always wanted to try by the way.)

You really can’t beat the features Celtx boasts especially since the program is free.

As for the eBook, the detailed and illustrated step by step guide is perfect for anyone looking to master every single feature Celtx has to offer.  There are a ton of features I completely missed when I was messing around with the program.  Namely the storyboarding and sketching tools.  Open Source Screenwriting definitely paved the way for some creative opportunities.

XTRA | Storyboarding When You Can’t Draw

It’s a perfect companion as you dive into a new production.  When it comes to screenwriting, I’ll always been loyal to Final Draft but my experience with Celtx’s mobile app has definitely opened my eyes to the possibilities out there.  For me, the value of Celtx is in the added tools that help bridge the cap between screenwriting and production. You won’t find production tools anywhere this cheap and Celtx: Open Source Screenwriting is a good place to learn how to use them.

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This is a collection of posts, websites, news stories and opinions from across the web and from my own experiences as an aspiring screenwriter.

A moderate sized resource full of original content as well as links to the best screenwriting websites in the world.

If you want to be added to the list of screenwriting websites email me at jason@17west.ca

Explore.  Write!

100 + Awesome Screenwriting Websites

56 Things I Love About Screenwriting

A Year In The Life Of An Aspiring Screenwriter

Mobile Screenwriting Round Up

10 Screenwriting Books That Inspired Me

The Screenwriting Spark

The Athletic Nerd Screenwriting Blog Archives

For years I carried around an old school bag to and from work. It was worn, battered and always slid off my shoulder.

I finally decided it was time to ditch the pack sack and thanks to my wonderful girlfriend, I’m now the owner of a fantastic man-bag.

I feel like a Seinfeld quote is appropriate for those of you laughing about the so called “purse” I carry around now.

“Its not a purse! It’s European!”

Actually it’s neither. It’s just a canvas bag. What’s important to me is what I carry in it.

It’s a screenwriters treasure… Bag. (I think even I would make fun of someone for calling it a treasure bag… So feel free. I don’t feel bad.)

Inside I keep items that come in handy when inspiration hits. I also keep items that help ignite the creativity within.

A copy of my latest feature screenplay.

I just finished the long awaited (by myself at least.) script loosely based on my time in college. I keep it with me in case I think of something to add or take away during the revision process. For this I also keep a good supply of red and blue pens.

The last 2 issues of Script Magazine.

One of my favorite magazines usually has a place close to the front of the bag. Normally, I blast through a new issue quickly then keep it around to read again later on.

The second Dexter novel.

I’ve been quietly making my way through the second installment of the phenomenal series by Jeffrey Lindsay.  Dearly Devoted Dexter

The books as well as the incredible Showtime series serve as reminders of how to write amazing characters and stories. I love Dexter.

Advanced Photoshop Magazine

This may appear to have nothing to do with screenwriting but I don’t see it that way. I’m constantly using Photoshop to create images and posters for scripts I’m developing. I also have a theory that embracing Photoshop gives you another brilliant cure for writer’s block.

I love messing around with that program and it allows my mind to wander. The result is usually a screenwriting breakthrough or at the very least an interesting image.

A Screenwriting book.

This is a new addition to my arsenal. I recently decided to go back and re-read my old screenwriting books while I develop my new feature.

Currently it’s Real Screenwriting: Strategies and Stories from the Trenches

Expect a full review when I’m done.

The Screenwriter’s Notebook

My notebook is probably the most important item I carry. 

A screenwriter needs a notebook.

No matter how much time people spend buried in smart phones these days, there’s nothing like writing notes with a pen.  It’s faster.

I’ve used the notebook on multiple occasions in the last few weeks as I’m completely fascinated/obsessed with my new screenplay.

My iPhone Charger

While writing down notes with a pen can be useful if not inspiring, you really can’t argue with the convenience of the iPhone.  The magical device tripled my productivity.  I use Celtx for screenwriting, WordPress for my blog, Outliner for notes, Analytics for stats and I’m constantly connected with Twitter and Facebook.

My iPhone is command central when I’m not at home.  So you can imagine how much I use it.  An extra charger is vital.

Is this information useful to you?

Probably not.  Who cares what I carry in my bag each day right?

I couldn’t agree more.  Did this article change your life?  Nope.  Did you learn anything other than random facts about me?  Not really.

But…

Are you thinking about screenwriting?

I’ve written a lot about screenwriting since The Athletic Nerd’s launch.  This post happens to be my 100th entry in the category.

I even found time to write screenplays too!

Two years ago, while I was working on Playing Through, I lost touch with my number one passion in life.  I was so busy with that short film that nearly a year went by without a single completed script. (Shorts included)

It was depressing and I vowed never to let it happen again.

My priority over the last year was to return to screenwriting and evolve my skills.  I made it my mission to not only write but write better.

As time went on, I found new ways to write and new sources of inspiration.  This is a collection posts that chronicles an incredibly fun year in the life of an aspiring screenwriter.

Part I: Screenplay Inspiration

100 + Awesome Screenwriting Websites

56 Things I Love About Screenwriting

10 Screenwriting Books That Inspired Me

10 Flicks: Movies That Make Me Feel Like Writing

Re-Reading Your Old Screenwriting Books

The First Screenplay I Ever Wrote

Screenwriting: The Back Story (Mine)

Era 7: A Screenwriter Evolves

I Want To Be A Screenwriter

A Screenwriter’s New Years

17 West Short Film Story Meeting

FEATURED: The Screenwriting Spark

The Creative Ignition: Basketball

The Creative Ignition 2: The Ceiling

The Creative Ignition 3: Road Trips

The Creative Ignition 4: Libraries

Part II: Writing Screenplays

Screenwriters: Do You Have An Agent Yet?

The Screenplay Is Done! Time To Move On…

Screenwriting: Writing Great Action Scenes

Rushing To Finish Your Screenplay

Screenwriting: Make Actors Fight To Play Your Characters

A Perfect Place To Write Screenplays

Crosstown: Writing A Short Screenplay

Does Putting Your Screenplay On Hold Make You Sad?

Bus. Subway. Cab. Boat. Plane. Screenplay

Shut Up, Sit Down And Write Screenplays!

Writing A Screenplay: What Happens Next?

Screenplay Titles: Before Or After You Write?

Screenwriting, eBooks, Final Cut, Photoshop & Super Mario Galaxy 2

What To Do If Your Screenplay Isn’t Working

How To Write A Screenplay When The Weather’s Nice

Screenwriting: The Importance Of White Space

Making A Screenwriting Schedule

The Importance Of The Screenwriter’s Notebook

Productive Days

Finding Time To Write

Screenwriting: Dealing With Time Constraints

Screenwriting: Rewriting The Climb

The Climb: Improving The Screenplay

Tweaking Your Screenplay: Subtle Rewrites

Part III: The World Of Screenwriting

Creating Concept Art For Your Screenplay

Screenwriting Book Review: How NOT To Write A Screenplay

Cab Drivers, Inspiration & The Sound Of Music

Scriptchat: A Screenwriting Community

What ‘The Matrix’ Screenplay Taught Me

There’s Something Cool About A 3 Page Screenplay

Photoshop: A Cure For Writer’s Block?

Dexter & Screenwriting

Becoming A Screenwriter For Hire

Is My Screenplay Ready For Competitions?

A Screenwriter’s Holiday Isn’t Really A Holiday At All Is It?

Screenwriting: The Return Of An Old Idea

Writing About Screenwriting… Instead Of Screenwriting

New Ideas vs Finishing Your Screenplay

Tilt Interview Part 2: The Screenplay

Screenwriting: Finishing A Feature Screenplay

Screenwriting: Afraid To Show People Your Work?

The Screenwriting Balance

The Plate: Filmmakers With Jobs

Screenwriting: New Surroundings

Screenwriting: The Print Out

Feeling Guilty About Not Working

The Return To Screenwriting

I Like Working

I Like Working: The Follow Up

Part IV: Mobile Screenwriting

Review: Celtx For iPhone And iPad

Review: SCRIPTS PRO For iPhone

Screenplay Development… On A Greyhound Bus

Mobile Screenwriting Round Up

Final Draft is coming to the iPad!

Spotlight: ScriptWrite vs Screenplay

Riding and Writing: iPhone At Work

Spotlight: Screenplay Black Mana

Screenwriting: Portable Writing

A Look Ahead

I’ve learned a lot about myself since I started this blog. Writing about screenwriting has helped me realize how much I love to write movies.  In the past year, I’ve written a bunch of shorts and finished a feature script that I’ve put off for years.  Not to mention contributing to this blog, directing The Climb, building 3 websites from scratch and writing an eBook. (eBook details coming soon…)

This year is all about superheroes and action scenes.  I’m taking a break from the drama to do something a little different and I’m beyond excited about it.

I had a great time looking back at all these old posts.  While I’ve definitely evolved as a blogger, it’s easy to see I’ve evolved as a screenwriter as well.

I’m looking forward to taking the next step.

I’ve written a lot about the amazing benefits of mobile screenwriting.

Screenwriters everywhere have no doubt discovered the power of their iPhones, iPads and other mobile devices.

Between screenwriting software like Celtx, note taking software like Outliner and others, you’re writing needs are met.

I normally can’t put down my phone on the way to work. It seems I’m always writing posts for this blog or small scenes and scripts.

Having the freedom to write anywhere is a massive time saver but it’s also a fantastic way to put your thoughts down when inspiration hits.

However, this ability was always available in the form of paper and pens. Writers may not carry around notebooks much anymore but I still like to keep one in my bag.

Notebooks Still Work

The other day, inspiration hit and I started outlining my new feature screenplay.  For all it’s life changing abilities, the iPhone is not equipped to handle such an outburst.  I couldn’t type fast enough.

So I took out my brand new notebook (I use new ones for each tale) and started scribbling furiously.  The pages spewed out of me and by the time I arrived at work, I had plotted out most of the first act as well as basic back stories for some of the main characters.

I also identified significant amounts of research I’ll need to do in order to make sure the story is authentic.

I haven’t done that in a long time.  I wish the bus ride was longer.  I started thinking about all the hours I used to spend in the library writing notes and getting my stories ready for scripting.

Screenwriting is a process that has many stages.  This development stage happens to be my favorite.

While the benefits of mobile screenwriting changed everything, never underestimate the power of a good pen.