LEARN EVERY TOOL.
SHIP YOUR PROJECT.
Visual, step-by-step guides for every feature in Screenplay Studio. From your first FADE IN to final export — everything you need to know.
Getting Started
Create your account and your first project in under a minute.
Screenplay Studio organises everything inside projects. Each project contains your script, characters, scenes, shots, budget, schedule — everything for one production.
Create your account
Click "Start Free" on the homepage. Sign up with email or sign in with Google. No credit card needed, ever.
Create a new project
From the dashboard, click "+ New Project". Give it a name, pick your format (film, TV, stage, podcast, etc.), and you're in.
Explore the sidebar
Every tool lives in the left sidebar: Script, Characters, Scenes, Shots, Locations, Schedule, Budget, and more. Click any section to get started.
Invite your team
Open Project Settings → Team. Add collaborators by email and assign roles (Writer, Director, Producer, Crew). Everyone works in the same workspace.
You can create unlimited projects on the free plan.
Use the command palette (Ctrl/Cmd + K) to quickly jump between sections.
The Script Editor
Write with professional formatting — automatically.
The editor uses Courier Prime and formats your screenplay to industry standards. Scene headings, action lines, dialogue, parentheticals, and transitions — all handled for you.
Open the Script tab
Navigate to your project and click "Script" in the sidebar. Your script opens in a full-screen editor.
Write naturally
Type your scene heading (INT./EXT.), press Enter for action, type a character name in CAPS for dialogue. The editor auto-detects element types.
Use keyboard shortcuts
Tab to cycle between element types (action → character → dialogue → parenthetical). Enter twice for a new scene heading.
Manage revisions
Every save creates a revision point. Open the revision history to compare drafts, restore earlier versions, or track changes over time.
The editor supports 7 script formats: Film, TV, Audio Drama, Stage, Podcast, Content, and Broadcast.
Export to PDF at any time with proper industry formatting.
Character Bible
Build deep, rich character profiles with everything you need.
The character bible stores backstory, personality, voice, relationships, visual references, and casting notes. Every character is linked back to the scenes they appear in.
Add a character
Go to Characters in the sidebar. Click "+ Add Character". Fill in their name, description, and role in the story.
Build their profile
Add backstory, personality traits, speech patterns, goals, and flaws. Use the visual reference section to attach mood boards or casting inspiration.
Map relationships
Link characters together: ally, rival, mentor, love interest. See the web of relationships at a glance.
Track their arc
Use the Arc Planner to visualise how each character changes from the first scene to the last.
Corkboard & Beat Sheet
Organise your story visually with drag-and-drop cards.
The corkboard lets you move scenes around like Post-its on a wall. Colour-code by act or storyline. The beat sheet maps your script to proven story structures.
Open the Corkboard
Navigate to Corkboard in the sidebar. Each scene appears as a card with its heading, summary, and colour tag.
Drag to rearrange
Click and drag cards to restructure your story. Changes sync to the actual script order.
Colour-code your acts
Assign colours to cards by act, storyline, or subplot. Immediately see the visual rhythm of your script.
Use the Beat Sheet
Switch to Beat Sheet view to map scenes against structures like Save the Cat, Syd Field, or the Hero's Journey.
The corkboard is perfect for finding structural problems — if one colour dominates, your subplot might be missing.
Scene Breakdown
Extract every production element from every scene.
The breakdown automatically identifies elements from your script: props, costumes, vehicles, SFX, VFX, stunts, makeup, livestock — everything your AD needs in one sheet.
Go to Scene Breakdown
Click "Scenes" in the sidebar. Each scene from your script is listed with its heading, page count, and extracted elements.
Tag elements
Click on a scene to open the breakdown sheet. Tag elements by category: Props, Wardrobe, SFX, VFX, Stunts, Vehicles, etc.
Add production notes
Each scene can have notes for specific departments — camera, sound, art, stunts.
Generate breakdown reports
Export breakdown sheets per scene or per department. Perfect for production meetings.
Shot List & Storyboard
Plan every shot with camera, lens, and movement notes.
Create shot lists linked to specific scenes. Specify camera type, lens, angle, movement, and lighting. Attach reference images to build a visual storyboard.
Create shots for a scene
Open a scene and click "Add Shot". Each shot gets a number, type (wide, medium, close-up, etc.), and description.
Add technical details
Specify camera movement (dolly, pan, tilt, steadicam), lens (mm), and lighting setup for each shot.
Attach reference images
Upload or link reference images to each shot. Build a visual storyboard your DP and director can review before set.
Reorder and group
Drag shots to reorder. Group by scene or by setup for an efficient shooting plan.
Production Schedule
Calendar-based scheduling with call times and locations.
Drag scenes into shooting days. Set call times, wrap times, locations, and notes. Generate call sheets for the crew.
Open the Schedule
Click "Schedule" in the sidebar. The calendar view shows your shooting days.
Add shooting days
Click on a date to create a shooting day. Set call time, location, and any day-level notes.
Assign scenes to days
Drag scenes from the unscheduled list into shooting days. See estimated page count and setup time per day.
Generate call sheets
Each shooting day can produce a call sheet with scene list, call times, locations, and department notes.
Budget Tracking
Estimated vs. actual spend — no more spreadsheet chaos.
Set up budget categories, add line items, track estimated cost versus actual spend. Add vendors and receipts. See your burn rate at a glance.
Set your total budget
Open Budget in the sidebar. Set your overall budget and start adding categories (Cast, Crew, Locations, Equipment, Post, etc.).
Add line items
Within each category, add specific costs: "Camera rental — 5 days", "Lead actor fee", "Location permit".
Track actual spend
As you pay invoices, update the actual column. See at a glance where you're over or under budget.
Vendor management
Link vendors to line items. Keep contact info, invoices, and notes in one place.
Locations
Manage all your filming locations with map integration.
Add locations with addresses, photos, access notes, and permit status. See all locations on an interactive map. Link locations to scenes.
Add a location
Go to Locations in the sidebar. Click "+ Add Location". Enter name, address, and any scouting notes.
Add details
Upload scout photos, note parking availability, power access, noise levels, and permit requirements.
View on the map
All locations appear on an interactive map. Plan your shooting route and minimise travel between locations.
Link to scenes
Each location links to the scenes that use it. See exactly how many scenes are at each location.
Real-Time Collaboration
Work together — like Google Docs, but for production.
Multiple team members can work in the same project simultaneously. See who's online, what they're working on, and get instant updates via push notifications.
Invite team members
Go to Project Settings → Team. Add people by email. Assign roles: Owner, Writer, Director, Producer, Crew.
Work simultaneously
Everyone sees changes in real-time. The editor shows who's online and what they're editing.
Use project chat
Each project has built-in chat channels. Create channels for departments (#camera, #art, #production) or use #general.
Get notified
Push notifications alert you when someone makes changes, sends a message, or mentions you in chat.
Roles control access: Writers can edit scripts, Crew can only view scripts but can update their department tools.
Community & Social
Share work, get feedback, and find collaborators.
Screenplay Studio has a built-in community. Share scripts, join sub-communities, take on writing challenges, and connect with other filmmakers through DMs and chat.
Visit the Community
Click "Community" in the top navigation. Browse the feed to see shared scripts, discussions, and challenges.
Join sub-communities
Find communities for your genre or format — horror, sci-fi, documentary, shorts. Post, comment, and connect.
Share your work
Click "Share Script" to post your work for feedback. Control visibility and who can comment.
Direct messages
DM any user directly. Start group conversations for your team. All messages are real-time with read receipts.
Submission Tracker
Keep track of every festival, agent, and manager submission.
Log submissions to film festivals, agencies, management companies, and production companies. Track status, deadlines, and responses in one place.
Add a submission
Go to Submissions in the sidebar. Click "+ Add Submission". Enter the target (festival, agent, company), date, and status.
Track status
Update each submission as it progresses: Submitted → Under Review → Accepted / Rejected / No Response.
Set deadlines
Add deadline dates and get reminders before they pass. Never miss a festival deadline again.
Analyse results
See your submission history at a glance: acceptance rate, response times, and which targets are worth pursuing.
Export & PDF
Industry-standard PDF exports, ready for submission.
Export your screenplay as a properly formatted PDF that meets industry standards. Also export breakdown sheets, call sheets, and budget reports.
Export your script
Open your script and click the Export button. Choose PDF format. The output uses Courier 12pt with correct margins and page breaks.
Export production docs
Export breakdown sheets, shot lists, and call sheets as PDF. Each document follows industry formatting conventions.
Custom branding (Pro)
Pro users can add a custom logo and production company name to exported documents.
PDF exports follow standard US Letter formatting with 1" margins, ready for contest and agent submissions.
XP, Levels & Challenges
Stay motivated with writing streaks and community challenges.
Earn XP for writing, completing drafts, giving feedback, and participating in the community. Level up, unlock badges, and compete in timed writing challenges.
Write to earn XP
Every word you write earns experience points. Completing scenes, drafts, and revisions gives bonus XP.
Track your level
Your level and XP bar appear in your community profile. See how you compare to other writers on the platform.
Join challenges
Participate in timed writing challenges — write 5 pages in 30 minutes, complete a short in a weekend, etc.
Earn badges
Hit milestones to unlock badges: First Script, Prolific Writer, Community Helper, and more.
Keyboard Shortcuts
Ready to start?
Everything above is included in the free plan. No trial, no time limit. Jump in and start writing.
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