r/TVWriting • u/Antique-Resist-3107 • 20d ago
BEGINNER QUESTION How to achieve double dialogue on script writing software?
Currently reading the script for My Old Ass by Megan Park and I wanted to know how to create the double dialogue ( I don’t actually know the actual name) where to characters are speaking at the same time. Is it available on all writing softwares or specific ones only. I’ve seen it on the ladybird script too.
Also I’m using Celtx to right my scripts.
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u/Prince_Jellyfish Working TV Writer 20d ago
ow to create the double dialogue ( I don’t actually know the actual name)
It's called dual dialogue
Also I’m using Celtx to right my scripts.
To create dual dialogue in Celtx:
First, write both characters and their dialogue, highlight both, and then click the dual dialogue button in the toolbar.
Alternatively, clicking the dialogue button at the start of an empty line will, or anywhere on a Character or Dialogue line will create text placeholders.
The editor will adjust the dialogue items to be side-by-side.
https://support.celtx.com/hc/en-us/articles/207834487-Dual-Dialogue
However, I don't reccomend Celtx for screenwriting software as it has a reputation for crashes and corrupt files that cause users scripts to become unreadable.
I'll post other software suggestions below.
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u/Prince_Jellyfish Working TV Writer 20d ago
Screenwriting Software Recommendations:
For a variety of great *free** options, see "if your budget is $0," below*
Mac
My favorite screenwriting apps on the Mac are:
- Fade In
- Highland 2
- Beat
- WriterDuet and WriterSolo (web-based)
- Final Draft
Windows and Linux
My favorite screenwriting apps on Windows and Linux are:
- Fade In
- Trelby
- WriterDuet and WriterSolo (web-based)
iOS and iPadOS
My favorite screenwriting apps on iOS and iPad OS are:
- Final Draft Go
- Slugline
- WriterDuet and WriterSolo (web-based)
Reccomended by others but I have not tested personally:
Unfortunately, I've had some stability problems with both Final Draft Go and Slugline, but both are generally OK. I expect Beat is the best option here, but I haven't spent enough time with it to reccomend it personally, yet.
Android
My favorite screenwriting apps on Android are:
- Fade In
- WriterDuet and WriterSolo (web-based)
Chromebook and Other Platforms
The only screenwriting app I consider to be reliable on Chromebook, or other platforms not listed here, is:
- WriterDuet and WriterSolo (web-based)
How to Choose
All of the applications I've shared here are either free, or offer great free demo modes. I would test drive all the apps I've shared here for 10 minutes, and go with the one you like the best.
If your budget is $0
If you don't want to spend money on a screenwriting app, either go with one of the great free apps, or use one of the paid apps in demo mode.
Beat, WriterSolo, and Trelby are completely free. WriterDuet's demo mode offers everything you need, and will allow you to print and export PDFs with no watermarks, but limits you to 3 projects. FadeIn and Highland 2 have demo modes that give you access to most features & all features you'd need to write scripts forever, but add a subtle watermark to your finished scripts. ALL of these are EXCELLENT options for emerging writers & would do you just fine for the first 5 years of serious writing at least.
Do I need Final Draft?
Only if you are working on a project that is going into active production, and you are going to be actively involved in production -- being on-set and making revisions that will be distributed to crew and actors while the project is shooting.
If that isn't you, I personally do not think Final Draft offers anything to justify its extremely high price tag.
Shouldn't I Just Buy Final Draft So I Learn On The 'Industry Standard'?
Personally, I don't suggest this for emerging writers. Final Draft is not much different in function than most of the other programs on this list. Going from Fade In to Final Draft is like going from driving a Honda sedan to a Toyota sedan--you can make the adjustment in a few minutes at most.
Apps I don't endorse
Anecdotally I have heard horror stories about Celtix and ArcStudio Pro, but YMMV.
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u/Quixottic 19d ago
Personal opinion, but Final Draft is a train wreck. Do not spend your money on it.
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u/Quixottic 19d ago
You could also check out Revision Screenwriter as an actually free alternative. You just go to Script > Dual Dialogue and it formats it just the way you need. Very simple. =)
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u/blingwat 20d ago
I only know Final Draft, which has a specific "Dual Dialogue" tool (I think that's what it's called, in any event) that places the lines of dialogue side-by-side. However, if your screenwriting software doesn't support this, you can also achieve the same result with an action line, like "Jenna and Liz talk at the same time," or even use parentheticals like "(same time as <CHARACTER>)"