Here's an interesting idea. Scripped is a sort of Google Docs for screenplays, in that is stores your script in the cloud (making it accessible from anywhere, and theoretically impervious to data loss). There's also an online community allowing realtime collaboration and feedback, and there are a number of ongoing screenwriting contests as well. Scripped is free to use, with upgraded features available as a paid subscription. Here's a look at it in action:
Video is no longer available: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bri-tY4w5Rc
From the tone of the video, I suppose they're going for amateur screenwriters as opposed to professionals. While I can see the advantages of storing a script in the cloud, it's hard to imagine needing an internet connection to write (oftentimes I find the opposite is true -- that I need to turn off the internet in order to write -- though Scripped does apparently offer an offline mode). Also, Scripped offers public sharing and modification of each other's scripts (similar to the much-maligned Amazon Studios), which could be nice if you're looking for collaborators or feedback.
I have a hard time seeing the social component of screenwriting taking off, as writing to me is a solitary process that might be bettered by one or two collaborators -- but not hundreds. Still, Scripped joins Celtx as another free-to-start screenplay option (Celtx is the free option I recommend in the No Film School newsletter), and for that reason alone it's worth keeping tabs on.
What do you think -- could you see yourself using a Google Docs-like application for screenwriting?
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12 Comments
Adobe has a similar product w/ Adobe Story that stores the script in the cloud, but offers offline editing, collaborative review, and creates files that seed the shotlist in Adobe OnLocation. From what I understand Adobe Story is currently a free beta software, though at some point you likely have to pay (or get it bundled with one of their packages). I've tried it out and it seems to cover all the basics.
December 21, 2010 at 7:00AM, Edited September 4, 7:54AM
I recently got a Google Chrome OS cr-48 laptop as part of their pilot program, and I'm having a hard time adjusting to 'cloud-based computing.' For creatives, whether they're writers, filmmakers, or designers, it's too constrictive to abandon the desktop environment.
I could see this being useful for students though.
December 21, 2010 at 7:02AM, Edited September 4, 7:54AM
In agreement with the above;
Anyone done any reading into privacy- and ownership regulations by google, recently?
Doesn´t seem to be improving - no way I´d be putting anything sensitive in a google-cloud, though I admit to using google calendars as project calendars (that every free-lance colleague joining the team is immediately capable of joining & sharing, no matter what software or platform they are using and without installing anything).
There are other collabowrite solutions, if there´s a need to work on texts with more people and at greater distances. Initiatives like the Amazon Studios... well, let´s see. It´s not where I´m putting my money though.
So at least it does sound logical for Google to target amateur- (and therefore also: student- !) writers. If it is really good no/low-budget software, people are bound to start using it...
December 21, 2010 at 8:32AM, Edited September 4, 7:54AM
Ah, my bad, it is not even owned by google, just a new kid on the block...
forget the above, can´t delete the entry.
M.-
December 21, 2010 at 8:36AM, Edited September 4, 7:54AM
Try adobe story (https://www.story.adobe.com), it's amazing.
works online/offline
http://www.facebook.com/adobestory
December 21, 2010 at 9:43PM, Edited September 4, 7:54AM
Just what I needed, another word processing tool
December 22, 2010 at 12:52AM, Edited September 4, 7:54AM
@max lol
Despite the shortcomings of cloud computing for creative work, I think what this is really offering is contests for cash that will get seen by some big boy broadcasters. It looks like It's probably worth the exposure if you're just starting out trying to be a screenwriter, but I don't see why you'd use it seriously as JUST a tool over CeltX or FinalDraft combo-ed with DropBox as your save folder. (or Adobe Story which looks pretty awesome)
December 22, 2010 at 6:54AM, Edited September 4, 7:54AM
haha yeah you have a point there.
But I believe we are living in a time where there are infinite tools available to solve non-existent problems
December 22, 2010 at 7:32PM, Edited September 4, 7:54AM
I'll be the third to reiterate...Adobe story is awesome. You can download the software or use it in a cloud, so no Internet necessary. Import it into Premiere and actually link the script to the clips using text to speech. Plus you can save in PDF, final draft, etc.
December 22, 2010 at 2:07PM, Edited September 4, 7:54AM
I'd used it once but it was in the very first release (early beta). I'll take another look! Thanks guys.
December 22, 2010 at 4:01PM, Edited September 4, 7:54AM
Well, I'm not very convinced by Scripped (but I'm since the beginning a user of Celtx.) as I'm not convinced of the necessity to go through cloud computing (security and privacy ?) to work with another people on a script for an indie movie (ok France is a little bit smaller than the USA so ..;0)
Celtx offer this kind of sharing through their server but as the scenario is on little XML file, it can t also and simply be send by mail. Sugar on the cake Celtx (open source software) can be put on an USB key and can work in any cyber cafe on any PC machine (Mac OS, Windows or Linux) so.... I choose... definitively Celtx.
December 22, 2010 at 2:54PM, Edited September 4, 7:54AM
Hey all, co-founder of Scripped here. I want to make a quick point about Scripped/privacy: posting your scripts publicly is completely optional. If you want to keep your script private, that's totally fine. Also, regarding the comparisons to Amazon Studios - not EVERYONE can edit your scripts if you post them publicly - you can define who does/doesn't have the ability to edit your script.
Also, we will be releasing an offline writer in the next few weeks (which will sync with our online product). We think you'll like it, and it will look very familiar to you :).
December 31, 2010 at 11:28AM, Edited September 4, 7:54AM