Black Mana Studios iPhone Support

I know it's possibly a little early, but are there any plans to adapt Screenplay for the iPad? Screenwriter John August (http://www.johnaugust.com) just posted about the iPad being a great tool for screenwriters, and with an enhanced app for it, I can easily see writing an entire screenplay on it.

An iPad version of Screenplay has entered the preliminary stages of design and development. We expect a version to be ready before the iPad launches (late March).

Hello everyone!

I do a lot of writing (on PC) and the forthcoming iPad offers exactly the portability and convenience that I require. After seeing videos and news on the iPad I will buy one specifically if there is a good quality screenwriting program that uses it effectively, which has led me to this forum. Also, the newest issue of Creative Screenwriting magazine says a lot of good things about your iPhone app.

I just want to make a few feature requests for the iPad Screenplay;

* For it to make full use of the touch screen functionality.
There are loads of portable laptops, but the unique selling point of the iPad is its touch screen makes my mouth water at how easy it could make working on a screenplay. Cut, paste, edit, scroll by touch. Jump to a page by touch.

* Have shortcut buttons on screen for most common elements such as Action, Dialogue, Character etc.

* For it to be a FULL application. i.e. to have all the features you expect of the very best screenwriting software, eg dictionaries (US, UK + others) index cards

* Increase the appeal of the program by allowing users to export and import files in as many different formats as possible. Of all the people I know who use screenwriting software on a PC or Mac, the reality is there is not a single standard. Final Draft, Movie Magic and Celtx are all commonly used.

* Allow the program to be use when the iPad is horizontal or vertical

* To allow compatibility with the iPad's external keyboard dock. So for users who own it, to take advantage of the extra screenspace

* For users who don't have it, make the on-screen keyboard see-through, so users have the option of typing over the screen!

All the best with development, the iPad & Black Mana Studios Screenplay combination has the potential to really change the industry. I can't wait!

While I can't disclose any information about the upcoming iPad version, I can tell you that it will be targeted at the professional, where as our iPhone app is targeted at the professional and aspiring writer alike.

Excellent. I will keep checking for further updates. Thanks.

Whenever iPad version will be released. Do we have to buy it separately or if I have bought for iPhone then I can use it on iPad as well?

There are two version of Screenplay for the iPad - you will be able to run the current (iPhone) version on your iPad without paying any additional cost. However, and this is simply how Apple app store works, the iPad version is a separate product and as such it has a separate price.

Didn't know if you saw this. Is this you guys working with Final Draft or are they creating their own product? (this is from the Final Draft website):
"Will Final Draft Work on the iPad?
We’ve been asked this question by many of our users. There seems to be a lot of interest in the iPad (and other mobile devices) and the desire to be able to use it to do more than read and surf the web.
We are currently working on a Final Draft companion application for the iPad that will work with the version 8 .fdx file format. If you’d like to be notified when the companion product is released, please sign up here."

I am unable to comment on this subject.

I was sent a survey from final draft and apparently they are looking into other platforms like android, blackberry as well. The thing with mobile is you need to get on the bandwagon otherwise it'll be too late for most of the companies.