To good to be true...

Every now and again some software comes along that seems to good to be true. One such is Celtx a comprehensive open source
software package that provides a range of tools for film and TV pre -production such as scriptwritng, screenplays, character development and scheduling.

I have used it with a group of medical students (who are complete beginners) I am teaching on a digital video course and found they are producing excellent quality scripts and plans and scenarios. The software helps themfocus, work collaboratively and produce professional outcomes. It has added a new degree of depth to the planning and development of their DV projects. I would recommend it to anyone teaching film, TV or media studies, or indeed any subject that requires narrative or character development.

The software designed for, and by production professionals is available for Mac, Unix and Windows and comes with an excellent screencast tutorial. There is also extra online support through a discussion forum.

Oh! .. and its free.