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Korean Job Discussion Forums
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JulieAnne81
Joined: 05 Apr 2010
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 Posted: Wed Jun 27, 2012 4:08 am Post subject: Final Draft or Movie Magic Screenwriter? Suggestions? |
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I don't fancy myself the only ESL teacher in Korea who's also an aspiring writer. In fact, I imagine there are so many of us it borders on cliche, but I've been working on something lately and it's coming along nicely.
It still requires a lot of work - revising and editing - but more than anything, it needs to be properly formatted. To be honest, I didn't know much about how to write/format a screenplay before I started, and I ended up reading a lot about it online.
Since Open Office is the only word processor I have at the moment, that's what I've been using, and I've formatted as much as possible in the process.
When I started, I didn't realize there's a screenwriting template for Open Office. I've since tried to download it but have had a few problems. I've also checked out Celtx, as another free alternative, but I don't care for it.
I really want to invest in some good screenwriting software, so it's come down to Final Draft and Movie Magic Screenwriter. I've downloaded the demos of both, but I can't seem to make up my mind.
Final Draft, while more expensive, seems a bit simpler, and perhaps even a little more boring. While MMS seems more vivid and colorful, but also a tad more confusing.
I'm leaning toward MMS, but I'm wondering if anyone out there is also an aspiring writer and has had experiences with either or both of these programs. If so, I'd love to hear your thoughts on which you prefer. |
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luckylady
Joined: 30 Jan 2012
Location: u.s. of occupied territories
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| Posted: Wed Jun 27, 2012 9:41 pm Post subject: |
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FD is the standard in the industry.
MM is the up and coming always trying to do better #2
in the end you're going to print it/submit it as a pdf so basically what you want is one that is easy for you to learn.
in that respect, I recommend FD. they are immensely helpful as well with their tek support but seriously, it's very very easy.
you'll also find a lot of smaller tools and other conveniences to it once you get going.
good luck!  I also find Korea to be very conducive to writing |
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wishfullthinkng
Joined: 05 Mar 2010
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| Posted: Wed Jun 27, 2012 9:42 pm Post subject: |
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| i also enjoy final draft |
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JulieAnne81
Joined: 05 Apr 2010
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| Posted: Thu Jun 28, 2012 2:25 am Post subject: |
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It occurred to me not long ago that this post really belongs in the Off-Topic Forum. I went ahead and reposted it there, and now I can't figure out how to delete it here.
It says 'Edit/Delete this post' when I hover over the 'edit' button above my original post, but I have no idea what to do after I click on it. Clearly, there's something I'm missing.
Soooo... if you know how to get rid of it, let me know, or if a mod comes along, please feel free to delete it on my behalf.
AND, if you have something to add in response to my original question, head on over to Off-Topic.
Thanks. |
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luckylady
Joined: 30 Jan 2012
Location: u.s. of occupied territories
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| Posted: Thu Jun 28, 2012 11:51 am Post subject: |
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I don't think you can delete a post if someone has already replied.
anyway, it's not all that off-topic - people do post about their extra-curricular activities here as well |
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seoul777
Joined: 03 Mar 2010
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| Posted: Sun Jul 01, 2012 12:08 am Post subject: |
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| what is the basic plot? where are you located? i am looking for some quality stories to revise and edit as a hobby. |
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JulieAnne81
Joined: 05 Apr 2010
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| Posted: Tue Jul 03, 2012 2:42 am Post subject: |
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| seoul777 wrote: |
| what is the basic plot? where are you located? i am looking for some quality stories to revise and edit as a hobby. |
I live in Suwon. I'm hesitant to talk about it right now (I've only discussed it with a couple close friends and family members at this point) because, despite having 128 pages written (in Open Office), I know I need to do some major editing and revising on my own before I let anyone else take a look.
It's definitely a drama. I would almost call it a 'dramedy', but the comic elements are mostly dark. There's also a little romance. Thanks for your interest, though, seoul777. When I do more editing and revising on my own, I'll keep you in mind. Where are you located?
Also, despite your suggestions, luckylady and wishfulthinking, I went for MMS in the end. It was a tough decision (I considered your advice and read a lot of information online) but after using the demos, I found I like it more in a lot of ways; overall layout, etc., and the NaviDoc feature is very helpful. Plus, it was cheaper. I bought it for 149.95 USD from www.storymind.com. |
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JulieAnne81
Joined: 05 Apr 2010
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| Posted: Tue Jul 03, 2012 2:46 am Post subject: |
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| JulieAnne81 wrote: |
| Where are you located? |
Oops... dumb question? With the name seoul777, I'm going to assume you live in Seoul.  |
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luckylady
Joined: 30 Jan 2012
Location: u.s. of occupied territories
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| Posted: Tue Jul 03, 2012 10:47 pm Post subject: |
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| seoul777 wrote: |
| what is the basic plot? where are you located? i am looking for some quality stories to revise and edit as a hobby. |
why would you want to edit a screenplay "as a hobby?" I'm actually a professional Reader and can say first hand that reading anyone's script - even a good one - is real work. and why would someone want you to edit their script if you aren't a professional script doctor with credits under your belt?
if you want to learn how to write screenplays, there's certainly plenty of info out there. to learn to be an editor, first you become a writer.
also it doesn't really matter where one is located these days since everything can be emailed anyway - which is why I can read and write coverage for scripts even tho I don't live in LA. |
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seoul777
Joined: 03 Mar 2010
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| Posted: Wed Jul 04, 2012 4:29 pm Post subject: |
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| luckylady wrote: |
| seoul777 wrote: |
| what is the basic plot? where are you located? i am looking for some quality stories to revise and edit as a hobby. |
why would you want to edit a screenplay "as a hobby?" I'm actually a professional Reader and can say first hand that reading anyone's script - even a good one - is real work. and why would someone want you to edit their script if you aren't a professional script doctor with credits under your belt?
if you want to learn how to write screenplays, there's certainly plenty of info out there. to learn to be an editor, first you become a writer.
also it doesn't really matter where one is located these days since everything can be emailed anyway - which is why I can read and write coverage for scripts even tho I don't live in LA. |
i have many hobbies. i also enjoy going for long walks and thinking about various philosophical inconsistencies. any suggestions on where i can go pro with those activities?...
anyway, i used to live in seoul but now i live in anyang. i just asked because it would be nice to meet fellow writing/editing activists. and as luck would have it, dark comedy is my specialty. so if you want some free advice you can disregard be my guest.
also, if anyone knows of any writing clubs in the anyang/suwon area please share the information. and yes i am aware of internet searches and services. and yes negative interrogatories and declarations from obstructionists are bothersome. |
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luckylady
Joined: 30 Jan 2012
Location: u.s. of occupied territories
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| Posted: Wed Jul 04, 2012 5:57 pm Post subject: |
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| seoul777 wrote: |
also, if anyone knows of any writing clubs in the anyang/suwon area please share the information. and yes i am aware of internet searches and services. and yes negative interrogatories and declarations from obstructionists are bothersome. |
what's bothersome is the concept held by those who undermine professionals by labeling something a hobby then soliciting themselves as someone knowledgeable and competent to do such work, often for free. not only contributing to lower standards of production but also disseminating false information among the public, thereby blurring the facts and creating an illusion of truth.
very telling that while claiming to "edit as a hobby" you openly admit to being too lazy to seek out writing groups via the internet. perhaps because, shock, you know there are actually real writers among those groups who would call your bluff, just as I have. |
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seoul777
Joined: 03 Mar 2010
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| Posted: Wed Jul 04, 2012 9:27 pm Post subject: |
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| luckylady wrote: |
| seoul777 wrote: |
also, if anyone knows of any writing clubs in the anyang/suwon area please share the information. and yes i am aware of internet searches and services. and yes negative interrogatories and declarations from obstructionists are bothersome. |
what's bothersome is the concept held by those who undermine professionals by labeling something a hobby then soliciting themselves as someone knowledgeable and competent to do such work, often for free. not only contributing to lower standards of production but also disseminating false information among the public, thereby blurring the facts and creating an illusion of truth.
very telling that while claiming to "edit as a hobby" you openly admit to being too lazy to seek out writing groups via the internet. perhaps because, shock, you know there are actually real writers among those groups who would call your bluff, just as I have. |
luckylady, i hear what you are saying and do not discredit that you have validity in your opinion. im not going to paste my resume into this thread but rest assured i am indeed published by reputable companies in various formats and have done professional editing as a component of some full time jobs i have had over the years.
sorry if the word hobby bothers you or if you feel it belittles your talents or accomplishments in some way. that was never my intention. but i do actually enjoy talking about plots, actual implementation of such ideas if warranted, and editing as a free time endeavor where i am not looking to get paid for it. i know some writers take the line that the only reason to write is for money. i think it can also be done in a fun context that may have benefcial results on many different levels.
i seek to blur no facts, create illusions of truth, or to undermine anyone. id like to think im competent and knowledgable when it comes to writing or assisting others in bringing their vision to fruition. i have been around professional writers who were hacks and pure amateurs with a lot of potential.
my inquiries herein were meant to be friendly and perhaps make a positive connection whatever that may have been. you never know what circumstances can give rise to creative forces. anyway, have a smile and a good day. no need to be overly serious about this or to argue on the internet. arguing on the internet is akin to getting very drunk and then having an in-depth intellectual conversation with a canadian or a squirrel. it may be of momentary interest or bemusing as an aside, but in the long run you do nothing but waste valuable time that would surely have been well spent on other pursuits.(that last part is a joke, dark comedy you see) |
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luckylady
Joined: 30 Jan 2012
Location: u.s. of occupied territories
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| Posted: Wed Jul 04, 2012 11:10 pm Post subject: |
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| seoul777 wrote: |
luckylady, i hear what you are saying and do not discredit that you have validity in your opinion. im not going to paste my resume into this thread but rest assured i am indeed published by reputable companies in various formats and have done professional editing as a component of some full time jobs i have had over the years.
sorry if the word hobby bothers you or if you feel it belittles your talents or accomplishments in some way. that was never my intention. but i do actually enjoy talking about plots, actual implementation of such ideas if warranted, and editing as a free time endeavor where i am not looking to get paid for it. i know some writers take the line that the only reason to write is for money. i think it can also be done in a fun context that may have benefcial results on many different levels.
i seek to blur no facts, create illusions of truth, or to undermine anyone. id like to think im competent and knowledgable when it comes to writing or assisting others in bringing their vision to fruition. i have been around professional writers who were hacks and pure amateurs with a lot of potential.
my inquiries herein were meant to be friendly and perhaps make a positive connection whatever that may have been. you never know what circumstances can give rise to creative forces. anyway, have a smile and a good day. no need to be overly serious about this or to argue on the internet. arguing on the internet is akin to getting very drunk and then having an in-depth intellectual conversation with a canadian or a squirrel. it may be of momentary interest or bemusing as an aside, but in the long run you do nothing but waste valuable time that would surely have been well spent on other pursuits.(that last part is a joke, dark comedy you see) |
it is disingenuous in the least, or naive at the best, to assume that one should not ever do honest work for no pay. fyi, almost immediately upon my arrival in Korea I began editing Korean-to-English articles for a nonprofit, for no pay, because it was part of who I am and what I do.
that is not what this discussion is about, not at all. you suggested someone (a stranger) should forward to you (also a stranger) their screenplay that you might edit it for no other reason than as a "hobby."
your response(s) since then has circumvented this statement and sought to dispel the notion that this is never a good idea for anyone, anywhere. Screenwriters work extremely hard at their craft, all of them, whether just starting out or one who has done it for years. It's always hard work and it always deserves to be taken seriously.
by making the assumption that you might have something to offer a budding screenwriter just because you want to edit a script as a hobby undercuts that person's work, period. you made assumptions that were inappropriate and disrespectful.
once again, if you are interested in screenwriting there are a multitude of resources on the internet, books galore to be read, and plenty of classes one can take to pursue such an endeavor. attempting to exploit another person's work is, well, sort of slimy, you know? |
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seoul777
Joined: 03 Mar 2010
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| Posted: Wed Jul 04, 2012 11:56 pm Post subject: |
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| luckylady wrote: |
| seoul777 wrote: |
luckylady, i hear what you are saying and do not discredit that you have validity in your opinion. im not going to paste my resume into this thread but rest assured i am indeed published by reputable companies in various formats and have done professional editing as a component of some full time jobs i have had over the years.
sorry if the word hobby bothers you or if you feel it belittles your talents or accomplishments in some way. that was never my intention. but i do actually enjoy talking about plots, actual implementation of such ideas if warranted, and editing as a free time endeavor where i am not looking to get paid for it. i know some writers take the line that the only reason to write is for money. i think it can also be done in a fun context that may have benefcial results on many different levels.
i seek to blur no facts, create illusions of truth, or to undermine anyone. id like to think im competent and knowledgable when it comes to writing or assisting others in bringing their vision to fruition. i have been around professional writers who were hacks and pure amateurs with a lot of potential.
my inquiries herein were meant to be friendly and perhaps make a positive connection whatever that may have been. you never know what circumstances can give rise to creative forces. anyway, have a smile and a good day. no need to be overly serious about this or to argue on the internet. arguing on the internet is akin to getting very drunk and then having an in-depth intellectual conversation with a canadian or a squirrel. it may be of momentary interest or bemusing as an aside, but in the long run you do nothing but waste valuable time that would surely have been well spent on other pursuits.(that last part is a joke, dark comedy you see) |
it is disingenuous in the least, or naive at the best, to assume that one should not ever do honest work for no pay. fyi, almost immediately upon my arrival in Korea I began editing Korean-to-English articles for a nonprofit, for no pay, because it was part of who I am and what I do.
that is not what this discussion is about, not at all. you suggested someone (a stranger) should forward to you (also a stranger) their screenplay that you might edit it for no other reason than as a "hobby."
your response(s) since then has circumvented this statement and sought to dispel the notion that this is never a good idea for anyone, anywhere. Screenwriters work extremely hard at their craft, all of them, whether just starting out or one who has done it for years. It's always hard work and it always deserves to be taken seriously.
by making the assumption that you might have something to offer a budding screenwriter just because you want to edit a script as a hobby undercuts that person's work, period. you made assumptions that were inappropriate and disrespectful.
once again, if you are interested in screenwriting there are a multitude of resources on the internet, books galore to be read, and plenty of classes one can take to pursue such an endeavor. attempting to exploit another person's work is, well, sort of slimy, you know? |
all i asked is what the plot was to guage my interest. (people talking about writing. how nice i had thought.) then i asked where the writer was located as i would never ask anyone to forward me something before first meeting face to face to see if we had similar styles or compatibility. (i agree it is unwise for a stranger to forward a stranger anything. i never asked for an email and even asked whether anybody knew of any group meetup situations in the area.) then i stated i wouldnt mind using some of my free time on the matter.
as you can see the op made a pleasant response that i appreciated. our side conversation must be quite comical to the op.
you seem like an interesting person luckylady. but perhaps it is you who is making incorrect assumptions. exploit? really? exploit? harsh and false accusation there.
you are intelligent, strong willed, and a talented professional writer. these are things i respect. we have miscommunicated. i am sorry that we became entangled. i am not a hippy but just hope for the peaceful cessation of our interaction.
and good luck op. i obviously will just wash my hands of this entire situation as of now. |
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luckylady
Joined: 30 Jan 2012
Location: u.s. of occupied territories
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| Posted: Thu Jul 05, 2012 12:24 am Post subject: |
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just watching a sister writer's back, that's all  |
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