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Here is a feature chart comparing various scheduling packages as of 1 Jan 2006. |
Sunfrog Film Scheduling 1.611 | Movie Magic Scheduling 3.7 | EP Scheduling 4.0 | Gorilla 2.0 | Cinetools | Cinergy | |
Underlying Platform |
.NET | MFC | Java | Filemaker | Filemaker | MFC |
Native Windows User Interface |
Yes | Yes | No | No | No | Yes |
Multiple schedules / Board Swap |
Yes | Yes / Board Swap | Yes | Yes | No | ?/Yes |
Cast/Crew Contact Management |
Yes | No/Limited | No/Limited | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Track cast/crew availability |
Yes | No | No | ?/No | No | ?/No |
Track location availability |
Yes | No | No | ?/No | No | ?/No |
Auto Import Script from Final Draft | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Interactive Breakdown |
Export Reports to PDF, HTML and Word |
Yes | No | Yes (PDF) | ?/Yes | ?/No | ?/No |
Free viewer (Can use unregistered app to view files for free) |
Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | No |
Rental Option |
Yes | No | No | No | No | No |
Price of Full Featured Version | $149 | $600+ | $350+ | $349 | $149 | $499 |
Academic discounts | Yes | ?/Yes | Yes | Yes | ?/No | ?/No |
Underlying
Platform: Sunfrog is built on .NET, Microsoft's development
platform. When buying software generally, you are better off
choosing products built on a modern platform such as .NET or Java.
This impacts many important metrics - especially stability, performance
and ease of use.
Native Windows User Interface: Sunfrog has been built with native Windows components. Most of Sunfrog's competitors decided to save money by developing with "cross platform" components, making their user interfaces clunky and forcing customers to adopt a steeper learning curve. Multiple Schedules / Board Swap: When evaluating the scheduler, especially products built on Filemaker, make sure that the scheduler actually works! What is the performance when you move a single schedule entry? Does it cause the screen to flash and a 2 to 3 second delay as the schedule is recalculated? Could you really schedule your production with it? Cast/Crew/Location Contact Management: Can you import your contacts from an existing address book? Are you forced to enter your actors in a separate module instead of having all your contacts in one place? Can you recast a role quickly? Can you keep track of a cast, crew, or location's availability? Report Export: Can you generate reports in PDF, HTML or Word? This is especially important when disseminating reports to your cast and crew. Script Import: Can you import a script from Final Draft? Pricing Options: Can you rent the software if you only need to use it for a specific time? Can you use the app for free as a "viewer"? Are there academic discounts? Do you get the full product even if you are buying less expensive academic version? I believe that Sunfrog is already the best film scheduling package available. But don't take my word for it. Compare competing products and make your own decision. I look forward to healthy competition which will benefit all users in the long run.
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