Scripts have formatting rules. There are rules about everything from centering to spacing and margins to all-caps. We highly recommend using scriptwriting software. (Trust us! It will save you time!) The software will get you writing in the right format in a flash. Here are some we've tried and liked....

Cost: free

Celtx is a powerful, free piece of downloadable scriptwriting software. And if you want to take things to the next level, Celtx also contains planning tools, storyboarding, and other ways to collaborate with an entire production team.

Some of our favorite Celtx features are:

• Cost: Its free! Okay, we already mentioned that, but its good enough to say again.
• Idea outline tool: This is a great place to start making your ideas more concrete. Location, character and scene development worksheets really help to kick-start your story. And, you can add sound files, pics, and video clips.
• Storyboard: Upload your images (in batches!), tag them with text, and play them to help visualize your project.
• Index Cards: In a glance you can see multiple scenes. I like printing them out and tacking them on my wall.
• Breakdowns: When April's over and you're ready to move from development to pre-production Celtx tools allow you to breakdown your script. Tag things like props, wardrobe items, and cast members with notes, pictures and sound files.

Cost: free

Scripped.com is a web-based scriptwriting software tool that requires no downloading of software to your computer. Because it's web-based (think: Google Docs) you can access your script anywhere there's an internet connection (hello, secret writing sessions!).

It has a time-saving, tab-based interface like Celtx, so switching between character names, dialogue, and scene description is a snap. The downside: You need to actually be online to work on your script.