Contour is a system to produce a comprehensive outline that will take you through steps needed to write a good screenplay. This creative writing software guides you through the process of defining characters, scenes, plot points, action and all the elements that make for a good movie.
Contour has a specific system that takes you through a series of simple questions to define your characters and set them in action. It helps you to write 44 plot points in three acts and gives you examples from top-rated movies to help you through the process.
Contour works easily if you follow the application's structured steps. It takes time, but screenplay writing is hard work and this software gives you the prompts and tools to complete a comprehensive outline from which to write your movie script.
Contour breaks a story into three acts, and Act II is divided into two parts. The user interface divides each act into scenes, in which you can develop plot points, characters and action, giving a strategic outline for your screenplay. The process forces you to think about story coordination and keeps you on track with each scene and event, lending structure to your writing.
Contour offers suggestions to paint compelling scenes. This creative writing software provides details and tips to help you model your story after the best screenplays. It comes with unique features, such as screenplay templates from popular movies that serve as reference guides for a point-by-point breakdown of good movie making.
This is a great feature because it draws from 18 successful movies including "American Beauty," "Slumdog Millionaire," "The Sixth Sense," "King Kong," "Up" and more. The movies represent 10 genres including Thriller, Horror, Drama, Action, Science Fiction, Action, Comedy, Adventure, Suspense and Animated.
The Contour model centers on four questions and four archetypes. The questions help define your protagonist and include:
1. Who is your main character?
2. What is he trying to accomplish?
3. Who is trying to stop him?
4. What happens if he fails?
The four archetypes are transitions through which your protagonist moves. They include Orphan, Wanderer, Warrior and Martyr and represent your protagonist's development as the outline progresses.
This creative writing software has an Ideas panel to write ideas or inspiration that may come to you during the writing process. Simply click the Ideas button in the lower right corner of the user interface and a window pops up in which to write your ideas. Your ideas always are accessible by simply opening the window.
Contour has a progress bar that lights in green at the top of the user interface as you fill in each of the steps of writing your outline. It's a good way to see how far you've come and need to go in your screenplay.
This software lacks a feature to develop settings, and when testing the archetype questions, we could not tab to question fields, as directed by the user guide. Instead, we had to use the pull-down menu, under View in the interface, to access the archetype question fields.
Contour's user interface breaks your screenplay into 44 plot points, with 12 points in Act I, 14 points in the first half of Act II and another 14 in the second half. There are four plot points in Act III. You must fill in each of these plot points to progress in your outline.
Contour coordinates each act of your screenplay with the archetype phases of your protagonist. For example, Act I is the Orphan phase. The first part of Act II is the Wanderer phase and the second part of Act II is the Warrior phase. Act III is the Martyr phase.
Each of these phases is broader than their namesakes portray. The Orphan phase illustrates the protagonist as an outcast or outsider or someone distanced from others. At this phase, your protagonist is unique from those around him. In the Wanderer phase, your protagonist sets out in search of answers or something needful, and meets friends and opponents. He or she overcomes obstacles and gains necessary skills or tools.
In the Warrior phase, your protagonist is beaten or defeated and dies figuratively, or literally. Your protagonist faces his or her worst fears and learns to overcome. The protagonist is thus resurrected, figuratively or literally. In the Martyr phase, your protagonist becomes selfless and motivated by the desire to do the right thing. Your protagonist gains success.
Contour has a host of tools within the application to let you outline your screenplay. They include a word processor, dictionary, writing examples and automatic spell check. It lacks a thesaurus and has no word-count function or built-in troubleshooter to fix any problems that may arise with the application.
This creative writing software is easy to use but the key to learning its features and functions is its built-in user guide. The comprehensive guide gives simple usage instructions and more importantly explains how a good story should be structured and developed.
The multi-paneled user interface is easy to navigate, and the progress bar at the top of the screen gives you the ability to navigate to any section of the outline by simply clicking on the lighted, green timeline. In comparison to other products, however, the interface is a bit old-fashioned.
Tips for your story or screenplay are included on the right side of your screen. Covering everything from character traits and motivation to scene composition and plot progression, these convenient tips are taken from successful movies such as "Titanic" and are invaluable in the proper development of your storyline.
Multiple options are available for technical questions regarding Contour. If you aren’t able to find an answer to your question in their FAQs page, email services and phone lines are ready for your inquiries.
Another exceptional technical support feature offered by the Contour creative writing software package is their online forum. Contour’s forum is a message board where you can post experiences you’ve had with Contour, problems you’re having trouble resolving and even story ideas. All Contour users are free to respond or comment, leading to some very thought-provoking discussions and helpful solutions.
Contour creative writing software offers a host of features and tools to help you write a detailed outline for your screenplay. It guides you through a series of pointed questions and plot points toward developing a three-act script. The software lacks a feature to develop settings and has no thesaurus or word-count function. It offers expert examples to follow, and leads you through a structured process that makes you think every step of the way to foster inspiration. Contour is designed to help you buckle down and follow steps to successful writing.
