Case in point Page2Stage by Windward Studios, Inc.. This is a word processor for script writing. Not Perl script but movie scripts, sitcoms and even plays.

Page2Stage is a head-to-head replacement for Final Draft and any one of the other script writing programs. In terms of functionality it has everything a script writer should want in a word processing program -- only at a fraction of the cost with a wonderfully user friendly interface.

I found Page2Stage on Ebay. I was looking to upgrade my Final Draft program, hoping to find a deal on Ebay. No such luck. Folks are bidding every copy posted to the roof. However, in my search for a cheap version of Final Draft I came across an ad for Page2Stage. Windward Studios presented Page2Stage as equal to Final Draft in function at a fraction of the cost. Since I was having little luck (fortunately it turns out) in finding my cheap upgrade I decided to give Page2Stage a serious look. (I'm working on several radio scripts for spring recording)

Installing Page2Stage was very straightforward. And much to my surprise the first time you invoke the program there is a little popup menu inviting one to either check out the tutorial or open a sample script, etc. I didn't look much past the tutorial option. I wanted to see what it was like.

The tutorial is fine. A nice step by step introduction into the program. I would recommend it. However, I rarely use manuals, help files, or tutorials. So I closed the tutorial and started in with a new script. Partially to see how intuitive the interface is and partially to get down to the business of seeing what the buttons do.

 
The program is extremely intuitive -- if you know what a script is and how a script works. If you are unfamiliar with scripts then you might have a little bit of a struggle understanding what the different options are. But even rusty as I am on the script lingo I found the Page2Stage capable of walking me through the essential elements. There are few mods that will make it even easier for the total newbie. For example When a new script opens there is a set of quote marks at the top indicating "Title Goes Here". Well, maybe they could consider actually putting "Title Goes Here." But that's a judgement call. After the first time one doesn't need the clue and erasing the reminder to put in the proper title may cease to be helpful and quickly become a major irritatant.

After entering the title and throwing caution to the wind, I just started typing stuff in. I'd press Enter and the next appropriate script element was presented for me to fill in.

If you are a newbie and would like to learn script writing I recommend this program.

But what about advanced users? That was my question. So I headed into the (Format)(Edit Script Style) feature. From what I could tell it's possible to totally revamp the style to match any standard you wish.

For myself I had to get rid of about half the screen buttons before I felt comportable. When the program first starts up all of the possible screen buttons are displayed. Fortunately the View menu is right handy and you can customize what shows and what doesn't.

The program is simple, elegant, newbie friendly without sacrifice of functionality. Are there things which might be better elsewise? Yes. But, you'll be happy to know that the designers are responsive to customers. So those features may well be in the program by the time you read this.