The Best Alternative to Final Draft 11
Looking for a Final Draft 11 alternative? StudioBinder provides screenwriting software along with project management tools for agencies, indies, and studios. Read the full Final Draft review and comparison below.
Different Approaches
Final Draft 11 is screenwriting. StudioBinder is mission control.
You might be wondering...what is Final Draft?
Final Draft software is screenwriting tool that allows users to create scripts with industry standard formatting, as well as perform real-time collaboration.
It’s the screenwriting software of yesterday.
Final Draft’s screenwriting software is similar to StudioBinder, but it does not provide the same A-to-Z functionality that links your tasks, calendars, contact messaging, and project management to improve collaboration across teams.
This modern approach is what defines us here at StudioBinder.
This is all to say:
Final Draft 11 is screenwriting software.
StudioBinder is mission control for production teams.
User Experience
StudioBinder is more intuitive
StudioBinder is known for its modern, intuitive design.
Everything is where you'd expect it to be. No special training is required to get started.
You’ll get more video production management features than Final Draft without having to purchase an expensive single-serve software license.
Fewer licenses. Quicker results.
Better experience.
Final Draft software
Lasting Collaboration
Final Draft 11 allows session based, real-time collaboration which is great when everyone has the exact same schedule, but this can create complications.
StudioBinder understands that schedules don’t always line up, which is why our software helps you leave detailed script notes, lasting comments, and interactive task checklists that will remain on the page until properly addressed.
This gives you greater script note clarity on both sides of your production.
Final Draft software
Greater Functionality
Final Draft 11 has missing features like the ability to create a task list for script notes, import PDF and Fountain files to continue progress, quickly create accurate script sides, or sync your screenplay to a range of production tools.
StudioBinder screenplays are automatically integrated with script breakdowns, shooting schedules, contact lists, production reports, calendars, and more.
Content starts on the page, but it doesn’t end there.
Final Draft Screenwriting software
Better User Experience
Final Draft 11 requires you to purchase an expensive single-serve license for software with a much less intuitive interface, limited access to scripts, and separate versions for each operating system - plus $99 a year to upgrade.
StudioBinder's screenwriting software is cloud-based which means you can securely access your script and other features anywhere in the world.
Our screenwriting software is easy to use, provides icons to help you build industry standard scripts, and is the only option out there that gives you unlimited writing access completely free.
No operating system confusion. No yearly upgrades. More produced scripts.
Feature by Feature
Screenwriting Features | StudioBinder | Final Draft 11 |
---|---|---|
Script Creator | ||
Script Notes & Comments | ||
Watermarked Script | ||
Auto-Saving | ||
Keyboard Shortcuts | ||
Color-coded Revisions | ||
Import FDX, PDF, Fountain | ||
Script Tasks | ||
Generate Sides | ||
Pre-Production Tools | ||
Cloud-Based Access | ||
Unlimited Price | FREE | $250 |
Interface Comparison
Interactive Demo
Touring Man Screenplay in StudioBinder
Call Sheet Creator
Industry standard call sheets, only with StudioBinder
Final Draft 11 does not have a call sheet feature.
StudioBinder auto-populates call sheets with data from other pages, and you can include personalized notes and file attachments like maps in every email. Our call sheets are integrated with Google Places and DarkSky Weather APIs to automatically include Google Maplinks and up-to-date weather changes.
StudioBinder sends call sheets as emails, PDFs and text messages with one-click. Every recipient receives a personalized email digest with the information that pertains to them like call time, parking details, map links to the location, and a "Confirm" button to RSVP so that no one is left behind on your production.
StudioBinder tracks the delivery status, view counts, and RSVPs of every call sheet that is sent to a specific recipient. Notice someone didn't open their call sheet? No problem, you know exactly why, and can swiftly resolve and resend.
Interactive Demo
"Feature Film" Call Sheet Template
"Photoshoot" Call Sheet Template
Track Delivery Status
Don't Stay in the Dark.
Track Your Call Sheet Delivery.
“StudioBinder is an invaluable tool for our production workflow. The sleek design and smart features like call sheet tracking bring organization, efficiency and automation to our shoots, and greatly increases our productivity.”
Senior Producer, Trevor Fernando
Shot List & Storyboards
Shot Lists & Storyboards, only with StudioBinder
Final Draft 11 does not have a shot list & storyboard feature.
StudioBinder shot lists and storyboards give you a ton of opportunities to describe and plan your creative goals. Sections can be customized, and our shot lists allow you to create setups and estimated times for each shot.
StudioBinder shot lists and storyboards have optimal size view windows when working on your boards. Add reference images or sketches from your storyboard artist. Change aspect ratios, page layout, and custom numbering.
StudioBinder shot lists and storyboards automatically calculate the estimated times you add to each shot or setup, giving you an accurate timeframe for each. Quickly rearrange frames on your storyboards. You can also play your scene in presentation mode to view your ideas as a slideshow for clients and others.
Interactive Demo
Wonder Woman Storyboard in StudioBinder
Script Breakdowns
Script Breakdowns, only with StudioBinder
Final Draft 11 does not have a script breakdown feature.
StudioBinder script breakdowns are the quickest and most accurate way to identify all the requirements for your projects. Import any script file type and then breakdown your script with options to tag all mentions, merge elements, or create variants for greater detail when labeling elements.
Our interface is easy to read and navigate. You're able to embed images, videos, or scene notes to each individual scene. Add comments and tasks.
StudioBinder script breakdowns are highly predictive which means you can avoid unnecessary redundancies. Every piece of data you input into your script breakdown will auto-populate across the rest of your features, and stellar production reports are generated with various view and filter options so that you can see what you need for the day... or the entire shoot.
Interactive Demo
Stripboards
Film Scheduling, only with StudioBinder
Final Draft 11 does not have a scheduling feature.
StudioBinder shooting schedules allow you to reorder strips based on multiple criteria like time, setting, and cast. You can assign a physical location, add daybreaks manually or based on a set of customizable criteria. Add note banners, camera and lighting setup banners, and renumber scenes.
Our stripboards have a script preview window which allow you to read the corresponding scene for each strip, and you can alter your script directly from your stripboard if necessary. Every addition or change you make will populate across all of your other StudioBinder features.
Our shooting schedule feature are made up of easy to understand, industry standard color strips for each scene. Comments and tasks are a breeze to read and you can quickly analyze your schedule with cast numbers, page counts, or change the specifications to your preferred view type.
Interactive Demo
PLAN YOUR MOVIE
Production Calendar, only with StudioBinder
Final Draft 11 does not have a production calendar feature.
StudioBinder production calendars provide a workflow tab to track and sort all of your events. We also give you the option to assign dependencies that inform each task's order of operations.
You can quickly create templates, change the layout of your page, and build a Gantt chart for your entire production company. Leave comments, create tasks, attach media files, or assign team members to your events
Interactive Demo
Touring Man Production Calendar | Made in StudioBinder
Contact Management
Contacts, only with StudioBinder
Final Draft 11 does not have a contact management feature. This means you'll need a separate application to organize contacts like talent, crew, clients, extras, etc.
StudioBinder provides a master contact book where details are stored securely. Easily reassign existing contacts to new projects with just a few clicks.
Also, StudioBinder's integrated messaging system helps you send styled production updates that feature your production or company letterhead.
File Management
File sharing, only on StudioBinder
StudioBinder offers a robust media library and file storage feature.
Securely upload and preview deal memos, financial documents, permits, invoices, headshots, etc. View, crop, and rotate files all within StudioBinder.
You can also invite your team to shared folders, where they can add and edit files together. Use comments to gather feedback right next to specific files.
A major part of production is document and media management.
Something you only get with StudioBinder.
Tasks and Calendars
Collaborate in context.
StudioBinder and Final Draft both have collaborative features...
However, only StudioBinder provides a sidebar on every page to create tasks in context.
We think it's more valuable for team members to see (and check off ) tasks while on the relevant page (e.g. call sheet, stripboard, breakdown, etc.).
StudioBinder aggregates all of the open tasks in a unified, kanban-style task board (similar to Trello or Asana) where every customizable column represents the stage or status of the card.
Monthly & Annual Plans
Flexible Pricing
StudioBinder's screenwriting software is completely free, and for the rest of our features we offer an annual pricing plan in case you’d like to pay once every twelve months. Pay for the whole year and get a discounted rate.
How about another perk for going annual?
Like any company, our pricing may change as StudioBinder’s feature set evolves and improves. When you purchase an annual plan, you’ll be locking in your current discounted rate for the next 12 months.
the Bottomline
Why is StudioBinder better than Final Draft 11?
The short version?
StudioBinder is better for screenwriters who want their script to be produced, but also the best tool for studios, video agencies and production companies who want a more intuitive all-in-one solution for planning their projects.
You’ll have status tracking. Stress free call sheets, better task workflows, project management, total integration, all built to emphasize your team’s creativity.
StudioBinder is best if…
- You want FREE screenwriting software that easily connects and integrates with production planning features
- You want long lasting collaborative features like tasks and calendars
- You need a holistic production planning experience
Final Draft 11 may be a better choice when…
- You want only script writing software
- You don't want to work on scripts anywhere but your home
- You want to pay for software that must be upgraded every year
Customers
Trusted by the Best
Modernizing production workflows at renowned studios worldwide.