PlotBot is a very helpful application for screenwriters. Users can create a script on their own, with a partner or as a group. PlotBot works much like web based text editors. Each user can add their content and updates to the document. The application records each user’s addition or change so they can be removed if necessary. PlotBot also manages the formatting of the script so the user can focus on the action, dialogue and other creative elements. The application is accessible in numerous languages, including English, French, Spanish, German, Portuguese, Italian, even a comical “pirate” language. Users can also choose to set their projects to private for exclusive access or public so anyone can view and participate.

Visit www.plotbot.com

PlotBot was founded by Brad and Star, two film school graduates who became acquainted while living as roommates at the USC film school. Today, Star works as project manager for the web services team of a large university while Brad puts in time with a web 2.0 start up. The pair came up with the idea behind PlotBot as a way to provide internet users with a fun tool that allowed them to work on a screenplay together.

Similar applications to PlotBot provide users with basic text editing functions. While these could be used to build a script, it would require significantly more effort in formatting. PlotBot is a web based text editor designed specifically for manuscripts. The application handles the basic formatting so the user can work more productively on a polished script. PlotBot makes creating and editing a script with multiple writers much easier. Even individual writers can work on private projects alone using the formatting capabilities of PlotBot.

The PlotBot website has a very fun, welcoming feel to it. New visitors are greeted by a brief explanation of the site’s functionality along with the image of a humorous blue robot. Despite its relatively lighthearted nature, PlotBot is well organized and offers a very helpful service to its users. To begin, users can enter their script items into two data entry fields. Additional buttons appear under the box that allows the user to toggle between slug lines and actions before submitting the script addition.

Visitors can easily find the registration form for PlotBot right on the homepage. Along the right hand column, the user is asked to provide a username, email address and password. A small dark blue Facebook button is found just above the form for users who prefer to register through their existing Facebook profiles. After filling out the form, the user can click the wide blue “Create Account and Start Writing!” button just below it. The following page provides instructions on getting started and supplies the user with their new Plotbot homepage URL.

The price of PlotBot is another attractive feature. Anyone can visit the website and create an account for free. There are no subscription fees or other charges for using PlotBot. The service is relatively simple, but offers a cost effective solution for personal projects or collaborative projects with no financial backing. The free access also makes PlotBot an excellent choice for film students.

PlotBot provides a helpful service that anyone who wants to create a script can appreciate. The free access and simple function make it appealing to internet users of all skill levels. A tight budget makes no difference, so students and ambitious script writers can get to work on a project just as soon as they register for an account.

• Register and connect through an existing Facebook account
• Set public or private access controls for each project
• Invite one or more individuals to collaborate on a script together
• Write a script while PlotBot handles the formatting
• Search for available public projects for viewing or participation

Visit www.plotbot.com