Screenwriting : Final Draft & Dragon Naturally Speaking by David Levy

Thanks. I know it is good for so many things. Would love to find something to make screenwriting easier so I do not have to strain my eyes everyday writing 3 inches from my screen. Thanks for the notes Dan! Not easy getting input from others on this

Cool. Thanks! I have to find a way to test it before buying it. Seems no matter what I do or what is out there I still wind up making out with my computer screen!

Hey David - This topic just came up over on the Scriptmag Writers' Community on Facebook. Scroll down for ‎Tawny Stokes'‎ July 30 at 3:03pm thread: "Does anyone use dragon speak dictation software when they write? I'm wondering if its compatible with FD." I added a bunch of Dragon Speaking (or other voice recognition command software) to Final Draft links there that might be helpful for you but more specifically, on your eyesight / monitor situation... You might try a different approach that would help you across the board for all things you use your computer for. I have two monitors. Most computers can handle this. I have a Mac Book Air that I type on and a big monitor on an arm that I push back pretty far - and elarge the screen pretty dramatically - or tilt at different angles. I went through a back surgery where we actually mounted the monitor to hang down from the ceiling ;-) so I could kick back in a Perfect Chair and type from a laptop looking up to be comfortable. Now that that is thankfully all in my past ;-) I jery rig the set up to all different sorts of home office configurations, but having the dual monitors is awesome - not just for aging (who me?!) eyesight ;-) but also for spread out all over your "desktop" productivity - you could have someone's feedback on a third of one screen, your script split into panes with the script page and electronic 3" x 5" color coded summary cards - and all the while be typing notes on MS Word down below (or waiting for a key email or procrastinating on Facebook or Stage 32 ;-) if you're really a multi-tasker and don't get too ADD distracted! ;-)

Thank you very much for the insight and information. I remember you telling me about your back surgery. My vision impairments are in the center of both eyes (a form of wet macular degeneration). I would LOVE a multi screen setup, But I'd constantly have to move up close to see each one. I use a 27" iMac and my wife says I am the fastest "hunt and peck" writer she has ever seen (I know, I should've mastered the typing skills when I was taking the class in middle school!). I have a great chair with lower lumbar support that can be adjusted with a dial, plus, I have it as close to the floor as possible. I can roll right up to my desk with my stomach against it with the screen right in front of me. I can see the screen straight on with no hunching over. This has been working for me so far but who is to say there isn't a better configuration. I find Dragon would actually slow my pace down. So if a struggle works, so be it. I have so many pages open I can sort of keep track. My script is center screen, outline and feedback on the left side, and MS Word for notes and Character bios on the right. Still working on TV pilots. Once I learn the art of writing a screenplay, I'l'll figure another screen for the cards! You are correct in not having FB or S32 open if one wants to concentrate!

David - Sorry, I didn't get a notice that you had responded back! ;-) You could TRY to use the monitor on an arm set up - and pull that second screen right up close if you're near sighted (or far sighted, I always get them confused! ;-) but you know what I mean ;-) ) The monitor can be wherever you need it - and if you don't need it, you're working on your laptop, you just push it out of the way - or disconnect it for awhile. I think given your circumstances - and that they aren't changing any time soon and might even (with normal aging) get "worse" - it'd be worth it to figure out a configuration that really works for (and can age with ;-) ) you! ;-) Good luck! I am sure you'll figure it out! ;-)

I find uttering voice commands to change characters and to change from dialog to action painful. When I'm doing dictation it's because I want to get in the flow and fly through my draft. That's the point of a https://talkingdraft.com