Write Anywhere

Mobile devices like iPhones and iPads are changing the way we work everyday.  There truly is an app for everything.

When I got my iPhone, it instantly tripled my productivity and I write more than ever.  Whether it’s notes, outlines, blogs or full screenplays, I now have an amazing tool on me at all times when I simply HAVE to write.

Mobile Screenwriting has definitely enhanced my life.

I’ve written about this topic several times before and I’ve decided to collect all the posts into one location.

And that location…  Is this post.

Celtx for iPhone – Review

Scripts Pro for iPhone – Review

Screenplay by Black Mana Studios – An iPhone App review.

ScriptWrite vs Screenplay – Two iPhone Apps go head to head for screenwriting dominance.

Portable Writing – A detailed look at the Apps I use to write anywhere.

iPad And The Screenwriter – A look at how the iPad will impact screenwriters everywhere.

Riding And Writing – Screenwriting on a bus.

Screenwriting: Up In The Air – Screenwriting on a plane.

Creative Ignition 3: Road Trips – Screenwriting in a car.

My iPhone basically tripled my productivity on a daily basis.  I can write blogs, check site stats, dominate social media sites but most importantly, I can write screenplays. (Click here for more on Portable Writing)

The first screenwriting program I found on the APP Store was Screenplay by Black Mana Studios.  It’s a pretty great app. It’s easy to use and supports a lot of the features I expect in a screenwriting program.

My only complaint is how every scene is treated almost as a separate script.  The app lacks an option to review your entire script at once.  You have to keep switching screens to load up the next scene.  There’s just something strange about writing one scene at a time.  There are some advantages to the system as you don’t have to scroll FOREVER to reach a specific scene.  It’s a terrific way to navigate your script.  All I want is the option to read it all at once.   (Read my full thoughts on the app here)

Along came ScriptWrite and they understood that concept.  Your entire script on one screen.  It is also a disadvantage as scrolling through a giant script is annoying.  It would be great if they had a scene selection system like Black Mana’s app.

Anyone who has ever typed out a screenplay uses a tab system to switch between elements.  Switching is as simple as pressing ENTER or TAB.  This program allows you to  select an element from a list of icons.

It’s certainly not a bad system and it’s very similar to Black Mana’s app.  I just prefer interface in Screenplay.  ScriptWrite does get big points for being cheaper and I think it will definitely improve.  I’ll be watching for updates.

It’s great to have some competition for screenwriting supremacy on the iPhone.  Black Mana’s app is superior in my opinion except for one tiny complaint about how individual scenes are treated.  This is something they can fix.  ScriptWrite’s system may work for some writers out there but not for me.  Some people will probably like it better.  It’s a close call but for now, I’ll be sticking with Screenplay.  Especially since it was recently announced that they have partnered with Final Draft!

Read the announcement here

Screenplay by Black Mana.

If you have an iPhone and are obsessed or even moderately interested in screenwriting, I highly recommend it.