Screenwriting software survey results are in
Two weeks ago, I set up a survey to gauge how screenwriters felt about the screenwriting software they used. This morning, I closed the survey, which capped out at 130 responses — most of them coming the first week. My thanks to all the writers who participated.
Is 130 responses a statistically valid sample? Probably not, but we’re not electing a president here. The goal was just to get a better sense of how screenwriters felt, and on that level, I think the results are pretty clear.
As I talk through some of my observations, I’ll focus on three different groups. “All Writers” refers to anyone who responded to the survey. “Professional Writers” means respondents who identified themselves as earning their living as a screenwriter. Since I have no way of knowing whether these people really make their living off the screen trade, I’ll also single out “Verified Writers.” These are screenwriters who I personally emailed, so I know they do it for a living.
Over the next week or so, I’ll post some further thoughts and conclusions. But for now, I just wanted to present some general observations:
1. Most screenwriters use Final Draft.
In all, 75.2% of respondents used some version of Final Draft. For verified writers, that number rises to 100% (13 of 13). For all writers, the number two program was Movie Magic Screenwriter, followed by Microsoft Word and Sophocles.
2. Most screenwriters are happy with their current program.
A whopping 87% of respondents rate their program Good or Excellent, and 83% fall in the Satisfied camp. Those numbers drop to 77% and 78% for verified writers, but are still quite good.
3. Real writers use Macs.
Granted, that’s a biased bullet point. But it’s worth noting that among verified writers, Mac users outnumber Windows users by more than two-to-one (69.2% vs. 30.8%). In the less strict professional writers category, the numbers are roughly even (50% Mac vs. 47.1% Windows). Windows comes out on top for total respondents, 59% to 38.5%.
4. There are a lot of features no one uses.
Among these: index cards, collaboration, character name generator, computer voice reading, and email from within the program. Split screens could be added to this list, but since that’s a new feature for Final Draft v. 7, it’s understandable why most people don’t use it.
5. People want features they don’t use.
The great thing about surveys is that they can reveal logic inconsistencies. For instance, 51% of all writers never use script compare, yet 67% consider it Crucial or Important.
6. Price is an issue, but people will pay for quality.
For starters, 81.7% of respondents report using a legitimate copy of the program. We can’t know if that’s really accurate, but I’m inclined to believe it. While 58% of writers feel the software they are using costs too much, 47% said they’d be willing to pay $200 for their ideal screenwriting software, and another 39% said $100. To my eyes, that doesn’t seem to be a case of just wanting things cheaper, but wanting a better program for the money.
7. Most people found the survey through my site.
Which makes me feel all warm-and-fuzzy.
I conducted the survey using SurveyMonkey, which is cheap and brilliant. One of the very best things about the service is that by clicking on this link, you can see all of the results for yourself. While you’re there, definitely try the “Edit Filter…” feature in order to see more specific sets of information. (Hint: Check the “Total” versus “Visible” figures to make sure you’re really looking at the data you want.)
As always, please post your comments. I have my opinions, but I’m very curious to know your thoughts about What It Really Means.
Articles
May 8th, 2004 at 11:55 am
Except for random casino spam, comments on this site have always been very constructive. Let’s keep it this way. For this thread:
Please talk about the survey results, not how much better Program X is than Program Y.
If you disagree with someone’s interpretation, say so. But say it nicely.
If you’re comparing two different data sets, try to be very clear about where your numbers are coming from.
Thanks.
May 8th, 2004 at 2:48 pm
Thanks for the survey, John.
130 isn’t a statistically valid sample, and could skew the results rather dramatically. It’s likely that someone selling Final Draft will soon misappropriate your bullet point, saying “more that 75% of writers use Final Draft.”
It would be nice to see this kind of survey taken in a large sample pool, like the WGA strike meeting, or the Screenwriting Expo.
IMHO, most pro writers concentrate on getting their work done and want the tools to get out of the way. If Final Draft or MMS came up with a useful new feature, I think most writers would use it quite happily. I just don’t think they’ll spend the cycles to think of new tools themselves.
They’re too busy writing.
May 8th, 2004 at 4:06 pm
Obviously, 130 isn’t a big enough sample to plan for the future of humanity, but I think it’s a useful number for this conversation — a large focus group, rather than a Gallup poll.
Look at it this way: if you were buying a new car, would you ask 10, 100, or 1000 people their opinions? And would you feel better the more people you asked?
I suspect you’d feel most confident talking with a few people whose opinions you really trust, the Car Experts. For the purposes of this poll, that’s the Verified Writers. The fact that their opinions largely match up with the consensus to me suggests you’d get pretty much the same figures whether your sample was all the screenwriters at a conference, or all of the active WGA members. Again, IMHO.
One reason I closed the poll when I did is that as I watched the numbers trickle in every day, they really didn’t budge. From about respondent 60 onward, there were no noticeable shifts in any categories, so it seemed pointless to keep the poll open just to get more of the same.
May 10th, 2004 at 6:25 pm
Your interpretations of the results are interesting and sensible, but I have a problem with the “real writers use Macs” statement… A lot of people think the same about musicians, editors, etc. The tool doesn’t make the writer, of course, even though, generally speaking, artists and “creative people” tend to use Macs. Fortunately, it’s a cliché we’re (very) slowly abandoning.
Hey, some people would argue that real writers use typewriters!
May 11th, 2004 at 2:17 pm
The reason those of us that haven’t sold a script don’t use macs is because they’re FRIGGIN’ EXPENSIVE. Believe me, I’d much rather use a PowerBook.
October 3rd, 2004 at 10:47 am
yeah macs look nice on the sideboard, but I like to be able to use my computer to do a variety of tasks…
I built my PC myself and so I made sure it’d be able to do exactly what I wanted and can upgrade and fix it very easily - and it was much cheaper than a mac!
October 3rd, 2004 at 10:47 am
oh yeah, and Final Draft rocks!
April 4th, 2005 at 10:48 am
I wonder how many real writers us PowerBooks vs. desktops. I’m a hardcore mac-person who just switched to a Powerbook from a desktop. The smaller keyboard is driving me crazy (Yeah, I know I can still use the old keyboard with it — I’m just hoping I’ll adapt soon.)
April 5th, 2005 at 12:20 pm
I love my Mac. But then, back when I was in school, the only compueters we had were the macs in the graphic arts department. 130 may not be enough to be accurate, but I’ve been on the fence about getting Final Draft, and now I think I will go ahead and get it. The survey didn’t clinch the decision, but it helped. Thanks.
May 26th, 2005 at 11:31 am
How do you work with the film industry or stars if you have a great film based on your life they could produce and you are not a screenwriter?
How do you contact people like Spielberg, Lucas, etc. is there an email or address list on the web?
How and where do you indicate a different name to be used on the MSS and screen credits if you want to remain anonymous to the public?
Also is there a dollar value in recommending a great book for the screen that may be a hundred years old or more? How do you get paid and how much? Is there any way to protect yourself from someone else using your idea and not paying for it?
May 26th, 2005 at 9:03 pm
Well, I am the lone wolf.
I use “Scriptware” and I love it. Unlimited installs, smart features, and great tech. service. I was told it was the original software but Final Draft pirated their version from it. Who knows? I want to stick with it but It is frustrating communicating with other writers/producers. Does anyone else share my love-lonliness?
May 26th, 2005 at 10:10 pm
Huge fan of split screen on Final Draft 7.
Run the left screen in Navigator View for scene headings with the full script on the right screen. Click any scene heading and the program jumps to that point in the script. Works a charm.
Great for navigating through/under/above/around 120 or so pages. Great for an instant overview.
Wouldn’t write without it now.
Thanks
Stefano
May 27th, 2005 at 11:25 am
Totally agree about Macs, they are incredibly expensive. My partner wants one (NEEDS one) for his modelling but we just can’t afford it. Over here in the UK they cost pathetically more than they do in the US.
Not only that but check out the software prices!
If I were to buy MMS from amazon in the UK it would cost me £168.14 (thats $306.43)
The US amazon has it on offer for $169.99…
sigh