Celtx
| Celtx
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| Basic data
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| developer | Grayfirst Corporation |
| Current version | 2.9.7 (March 30, 2012) |
| operating system | Windows , Mac OS X , Linux |
| programming language | JavaScript |
| category | Screenwriting software, media preproduction |
| License | Commercially |
| German speaking | Yes |
| www.celtx.com | |
Celtx is a commercial software for the pre-production of media projects such as films, videos, radio plays, plays, documentaries and games. It offers extensive functions for creating, planning and organizing a project.
The basic function of Celtx is the editing of scripts that correspond to the international industry standard. A client-server system enables collaboration within projects via the Internet and promotes integrated and non-linear implementation.
Celtx is based on free, non-proprietary standards (e.g. HTML , XML , RDF and TXT ) and is licensed under the Celtx Public License. The software is developed and translated by voluntary members of the international Celtx community. There are versions for Windows , Mac OS X and Linux .
Celtx is the English acronym for crew, equipment, location, talent and XML. The pronunciation is "keltix".
Overview
In contrast to other script software ( Final Draft etc.), Celtx focuses on the all-in-one concept. The entire preparation phase of a project can be implemented with just one program, making implementation easier. The creation of a script, notes, characters, storyboard sequences, task distribution and detailed reports for cast and crew can be implemented in one software. Since projects can be saved on a generally accessible server, several team members can work together. Files can be organized so that they are only accessible to specific members or can be exchanged and published. This eliminates the frequent printing of scripts and the development of a project can be done much faster.
Functions
Text editor
Celtx contains various editors that correspond to the respective industry standards.
- Script (US standard and format change to DIN A4)
- Play (international and US standard)
- Storyboard
- Audiovisual scripts ( documentaries , music videos and commercials )
- Radio play ( radio broadcasts and podcasts )
- Comic
- novel
- Text for notes, drafts etc.
Comprehensive formatting functions, automatic completion of text and an integrated spell checker make writing easier. Additional formatting options are page breaks and dual dialog. Lines of text or individual elements can be marked in color and linked to other functions of Celtx. In the further course of the planning it is possible to create reports on which, for example, the individual characters or props are listed.
Celtx scripts can either be printed out directly or exported to HTML or PDF .
The application uses the extensive LaTeX type setting to format the scripts without deviating from the recognized industry standards. This is done on the Celtx server, i. i.e. the file must first be transferred to this. The PDF function can also only be done in this way. Scene or dialog continuations (Continueds and Mores) and page numbering are generated automatically and are optional. Encryption technology is used to ensure security between the desktop application and the Celtx server.
The index cards function allows a better overview of particularly large projects. These are also created automatically for each new scene , and can be colored and described. You can also change the order of the individual scenes using drag and drop .
Visualization tools
Storyboards can be inserted into the media project and given descriptions. This function is another component of the planning process and helps to visualize the project before production. The images can be played back with the slideshow.
Celtx also includes the function to integrate digital photos, scanned documents, video clips and audio files into the project. The Celtx format is designed so that all files are in a kind of container (in a ZIP archive, to be precise ). A media project therefore consists of only one file.
Organizational tools
A new type of organization in Celtx are catalogs, on which detailed information about the project is listed and output. Each new Celtx file contains a main catalog that contains the most important elements of the story created. In addition, secondary catalogs can be created that contain specific production information from different categories.
Celtx contains a schedule in the form of an appointment calendar. Information for the implementation dates is entered in these in connection with the script. The close connection with the project has the advantage that specific calendar sheets are easier for the individual team members. The calendar sheets can be printed out, but can also be viewed by other team members through the Celtx client server.
The Celtx client server is often used as a backup system. To prevent unintentional overwriting or to fall back on older versions, snapshots can be created which are also stored on the server.
collaboration
All functions of Celtx are only released by creating an account . This account is password-protected and the encryption means that it is not possible for outsiders to view a project, unless you want to. The uploader can share his project with other members and barrier-free collaboration is possible. After the release of version 1.0, the account system was renamed Celtx-Studio and after the changeover also paid for. Membership currently (2010) costs $ 4.99 a month or $ 49 a year and can be used by five people at a time. Downloading the software remains free.
criticism
The software only works to a limited extent offline. For example, the program only creates PDF files with online access to the manufacturer's servers, unless the print function is used in conjunction with independent additional software such as Ghostscript (and its GUIs ). There is hardly any information on the Internet about the manufacturer itself, the Grayfirst Corporation . All payment processes, including the transfer of credit card data, run on the manufacturer's own server. Celtx has published a very brief privacy policy on the Internet. Grayfirst Corporation, whose company name is in Canada with the same address as Celtx, has not published any.
The website lists the desktop software under the Mozilla Public License . The desktop software itself does not come with a license or copyright notice.
Individual evidence
- ↑ The p_9821 Open Source Project on Open Hub: Languages Page . In: Open Hub . (accessed October 18, 2018).
- ↑ Celtx Privacy Policy. Retrieved July 27, 2011 .