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Attention scriptwriters and storyboarders: media pre-production software Celtx is out in a new version 2.0 - but brings some non-free services. The Canadian company certainly made a major version change with the release, basing it fully on the XML User Interface Language (XUL) from Mozilla's Firefox 3.0. This support should better integrate the Celtx web services so that users can collaborate on their scripts, storyboards, character development and production notes over the Internet. The developers also took advantage of other Mozilla features.

The Celtx Studios services, for storage, sharing, archives and previews, is the non-free part of the deal. After a commercial beta that ends March 24, the services will have a $50 per year subscription fee - not so much a problem, but which might make it a bit less attractive for some authors.

The software provides a few enhancements and improvements available even to the non-paying public. The Firefox 3 base also brings along the TraceMonkey JavaScript engine resulting in faster load times for the graphical interface. Mozilla's Sunbird 0.8 serves as calendar and production scheduler. Users can also extend the software through add-ons using the Toolbox. Dictionaries are provided for the several language versions beside English.

The numerous bug fixes address, among other things, usability issues. Numerous language download sites are available.

Celtx positions itself as a soup-to-nuts solution for the entire media pre-production process - scripts, storyboards, character development, scheduling and production reports. It is used by independent filmmakers and at many universities and film schools worldwide.

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