The Heart of the Film

Most movies include a love story, whether it is the central story or a subplot, and knowing how to write a believable relationship is essential to any writer's skill set.

Author: Cynthia Whitcomb

Publisher: Taylor & Francis

ISBN: 9781315513201

Category: Performing Arts

Page: 204

View: 767

DOWNLOAD →

Most movies include a love story, whether it is the central story or a subplot, and knowing how to write a believable relationship is essential to any writer's skill set. Discover the rules and laws of nature at play in a compelling love story and learn and master them. Broken into four sections, The Heart of the Film identifies the critical features of love story development, and explores every variation of this structure as well as a diverse array of relationships and types of love. Author Cynthia Whitcomb has sold over 70 feature-length screenplays and shares the keys to her success in The Heart of the Film, drawing on classic and modern films as well as her own extensive experience.
481 Download

Writing Screenplays

Packed with expert advice, this book will teach readers the fundamentals of writing a compelling screenplay that will pull the readers in.

Author: Jessie Coleman

Publisher: Self Counsel Press

ISBN: 1770401040

Category: Language Arts & Disciplines

Page: 190

View: 571

DOWNLOAD →

Find your voice -- write your unique story that sells!Everyone has a story. Whether it is a drama, thriller, comedy, or horror, writing a screenplay is about finding your voice as a writer and writing your own unique story that will come alive through plays or movies.This book will show you the fundamentals that are essential to writing a compelling screenplay that will pull the readers in, and sell, by using your own memoirs, or life, as a starting point.Whether you are a hopeful wordsmith or a seasoned screenwriter looking for a new approach, you will find sound advice within these pages. Learn how to -- Find your story using your own life Establish an effective schedule Decide which format of writing is right for you Plan, write and revise your memoir-based screenplay Receive help from script consultants Find a market and sell your story In addition to sample screenplay, Writing Screenplays also includes helpful questions and answers, as well as additional resources for further assistance in creating your successful story.
249 Download

Scenario

Written by a highly-experienced and successful screenwriter, this is a book which not only instructs first-time writers how to go about their work but also serves as a valuable check-list for established authors, and for actors, directors ...

Author: Tudor Gates

Publisher: Wallflower Press

ISBN: 1903364264

Category: Performing Arts

Page: 129

View: 648

DOWNLOAD →

Scenario: The Craft of Screenwriting presents a system of logical analysis of the basic structures of successful screenplays, from initial plot-lines to realised scripts. All the essential building blocks are discussed in depth: the need for a strong premise, the roles of protagonist and antagonist, the orchestration of plot, characters and dialogue leading to a clear resolution. Written by a highly-experienced and successful screenwriter, this is a book which not only instructs first-time writers how to go about their work but also serves as a valuable check-list for established authors, and for actors, directors and teachers, in their task of deconstructing and assessing the value of the material placed before them.
491 Download

How to Write Great Screenplays and Get them into Production

Have you got a great idea for a screenplay, but don't know how to write it visually? Then this book is for you.

Author: Linda James

Publisher: Hachette UK

ISBN: 9781848034914

Category: Language Arts & Disciplines

Page: 224

View: 791

DOWNLOAD →

Have you got a great idea for a screenplay, but don't know how to write it visually? Then this book is for you. It will give you the vital information you need to know before you write your script; the vital techniques you need to learn when you're writing your script. But, more importantly, it will show you how to market your script after it's written. These three vitally important stages will make your script STAND OUT from the crowd. Your will learn about:- - Preparing outlines and synopses and treatments. - The Three Act Structure - Writing powerful opening scenes, and compelling scenes to follow - Techniques to make your script stand out - Writing effective dialogue - Writing a logline to use as a powerful marketing tool to interest an agent or producer. - Professional script formatting - Organisations that help screenwriters - How to copyright your work - How to market your script - The Twenty important things to check before you send out your script
175 Download

Writing Screenplays That Sell

—Jim Kouf, screenwriter: Stakeout; Rush Hour; National Treasure “A classic is
reborn. Michael Hauge's newly updated Writing Screenplays That Sell is flat-out
one of the best books on screenwriting available. Open it to any page and
become ...

Author: Michael Hauge

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing

ISBN: 9781408174463

Category: Performing Arts

Page: 384

View: 777

DOWNLOAD →

"No one is better than Michael Hauge at finding what is most authentic in every moment of a story...." Will Smith, actor "In the field of teaching screenwriting, Michael Hauge is indeed a master." The Freelance Screenwriter's Forum A bestseller for 20 years, Hauge's unique 'six step' approach to screenwriting cuts through nonsense, striking the perfect balance between commercial advice, artistic encouragement and lucid examples from hundreds of great films. Never losing sight of the fundamental purpose of a script: emotional impact, Hauge's engaging and inspiring book takes you on a journey through story concept, character development, theme, structure and scenes. Screenwriting is an art, but Hague's book is unashamedly commercial with advice on how to submit a manuscript, select an agent and market yourself. Updates to this edition include a new, masterful analysis of Avatar's script, new scripts examples, a new chapter on breaking the rules - succussful scripts that don't follow the traditional Hollywood model and online marketing tools for screenwriters.
731 Download

Writing Screenplays That Sell New Twentieth Anniversary Edition

—Jim Kouf, screenwriter: Stakeout; Rush Hour; National Treasure “A classic is
reborn. Michael Hauge's newly updated Writing Screenplays That Sell is flat-out
one of the best books on screenwriting available. Open it to any page and
become ...

Author: Michael Hauge

Publisher: Harper Collins

ISBN: 9780062293114

Category: Language Arts & Disciplines

Page: 384

View: 131

DOWNLOAD →

For more than twenty years, Writing Screenplays That Sell has been hailed as the most complete guide available on the art, craft, and business of writing for movies and television. Now fully revised and updated to reflect the latest trends and scripts, Hollywood story expert and script consultant Michael Hauge walks readers through every step of writing and selling successful screenplays. If you read only one book on the screenwriter's craft, this must be the one.
622 Download

Short Films

The book also includes a number of award-winning scripts and interviews, advice and contributions from their award-winning screenwriters and a discussion of the benefits to writers of writing short screenplays.

Author: Patrick Nash

Publisher: Old Castle

ISBN: 1842435019

Category: Performing Arts

Page: 255

View: 374

DOWNLOAD →

Every award-winning short film begins its life with a clever idea, a good story and a screenplay. Patrick Nash here analyses the process of writing short film screenplays and gives advice on story and structure, idea generation, plot and pace, screenplay format, character motivation and goals, cliches and stereotypes, hooking the viewer, rewriting and much more. The book also includes a number of award-winning scripts and interviews, advice and contributions from award-winning screenwriters and a discussion of the benefits to writing a short screenplay.
688 Download

How To Write a Screenplay

Are you unsure of the "rules" of screenwriting, but are willing to learn? HOW TO WRITE A SCREENPLAY, by Travis Seppala, may just be the book for you. In it, Travis outlines very clearly the dos and don'ts of writing a screenplay.

Author: HowExpert

Publisher: HowExpert

ISBN: 9781647588328

Category: Performing Arts

Page: 79

View: 747

DOWNLOAD →

Do you have a Big Movie Idea that you're just dying to write, but aren't quite sure how to do it? Don't know how to compile and organize your ideas in a cohesive manner? Are you unsure of the "rules" of screenwriting, but are willing to learn? HOW TO WRITE A SCREENPLAY, by Travis Seppala, may just be the book for you. In it, Travis outlines very clearly the dos and don'ts of writing a screenplay. He will help you through the whole process from coming up with a high concept idea that is marketable, and walks through the steps to plan your story and characters out, write the script, edit and rewrite, and finally how to get your finished screenplay out into the world. Travis's detailed and easy to understand text is accompanied by pictures and screenshots to help you see exactly what he's talking about and lets you learn by example. No corner is unturned as this book walks you through everything you need to know on your screenwriting journey using tools like character webbing, screenwriting software, and online services to find producers looking for your scripts. So if you've always wanted to write a script to be turned into a major motion picture on the big screen, now you can find out how with HOW TO WRITE A SCREENPLAY, by Travis Seppala. HowExpert publishes quick 'how to' guides on all topics from A to Z by everyday experts.
611 Download

Writing the Character Centered Screenplay Updated and Expanded edition

With this book, Horton, a film scholar and successful screenwriter, provides the definitive work on the character-based screenplay.

Author: Andrew Horton

Publisher: Univ of California Press

ISBN: 0520924177

Category: Performing Arts

Page: 249

View: 132

DOWNLOAD →

"We need good screenwriters who understand character." Everywhere Andrew Horton traveled in researching this book—from Hollywood to Hungary—he heard the same refrain. Yet most of the standard how-to books on screenwriting follow the film industry's earlier lead in focusing almost exclusively on plot and formulaic structures. With this book, Horton, a film scholar and successful screenwriter, provides the definitive work on the character-based screenplay. Exceptionally wide-ranging—covering American, international, mainstream, and "off-Hollywood" films, as well as television—the book offers creative strategies and essential practical information. Horton begins by placing screenwriting in the context of the storytelling tradition, arguing through literary and cultural analysis that all great stories revolve around a strong central character. He then suggests specific techniques and concepts to help any writer—whether new or experienced—build more vivid characters and screenplays. Centering his discussion around four film examples—including Thelma & Louise and The Silence of the Lambs—and the television series, Northern Exposure, he takes the reader step-by-step through the screenwriting process, starting with the development of multi-dimensional characters and continuing through to rewrite. Finally, he includes a wealth of information about contests, fellowships, and film festivals. Espousing a new, character-based approach to screenwriting, this engaging, insightful work will prove an essential guide to all of those involved in the writing and development of film scripts.
761 Download

The Screenwriter Activist

Using examples from classic and recent popular films, The Screenwriter Activist Explores the motivation and sensibility a screenwriter needs to embark on a social issue project Gives techniques for choosing compelling subjects Provides ...

Author: Marilyn Beker

Publisher: Routledge

ISBN: 9780415897143

Category: Social Science

Page: 186

View: 650

DOWNLOAD →

Hotel Rwanda. Philadelphia. Silkwood. Some of the most important films ever made have tackled real-world social issues, from genocide to homophobia to corporate greed. As storytellers, activist screenwriters recognize that social issues make great stories that can be gut-wrenching, heart-tugging, funny, tragic, and interesting to watch. The Screenwriter Activist helps screenwriters tell those stories in compelling, non-preachy, and inspiring ways. The Screenwriter Activist is an in-depth, practical guide, appropriate for students in intermediate or graduate screenwriting courses in Film and English Programs as well as professionals who want to write a movie that can make a difference in the world. Using examples from classic and recent popular films, The Screenwriter Activist: Explores the motivation and sensibility a screenwriter needs to embark on a social issue project Gives techniques for choosing compelling subjects Provides historical context for social issue movies Explains how characters legitimize social issue themes Puts forward specific models for structuring advocacy screenplays Lays out a roadmap for how screenwriters can get a social issue movie made If you care deeply about social issues and recognize that films can be highly effective platforms for motivativng audiences to civic involvement and social action, this is the one screenwriting book you need to read.
399 Download

Writing and Selling Romantic Comedy Screenplays

Moving away from rigid and limited definitions that have evolved out of mainstream genre films, the book embraces a working definition that crosses cultural and national boundaries to give screenwriters around the world a truly ...

Author: Craig Batty

Publisher: Oldcastle Books

ISBN: 9781843441113

Category: Performing Arts

Page: 192

View: 540

DOWNLOAD →

What happens when 'happy ever after' isn't quite so simple? Today's attitudes to love and romance are as varied and diverse as individuals, and audiences want and need more sophisticated, authentic films that show how we live and love now. So what does this mean for the screenwriter developing a romcom? And how do they write heart-warming stories for a genre that is constantly evolving, from bromcom to zomcom to famcom? Writing and Selling Romantic Comedy Screenplays offers a fresh approach to creating narratives for this ever-changing genre. Moving away from rigid and limited definitions that have evolved out of mainstream genre films, the book embraces a working definition that crosses cultural and national boundaries to give screenwriters around the world a truly international perspective on writing comedic love stories. It will be the first screenwriting guide to reflect the diversity of approaches in today's films that deal with the human need for emotional and physical intimacy using humour - the contemporary romantic comedy.
168 Download

Screenwriting

This book explores the social, political, and economic implications of the changing craft of American screenwriting from the silent screen through the classical Hollywood years, the rise of independent cinema, and on to the contemporary ...

Author: Andrew Horton

Publisher: Rutgers University Press

ISBN: 9780813563428

Category: Performing Arts

Page: 224

View: 964

DOWNLOAD →

Screenwriters often joke that “no one ever paid a dollar at a movie theater to watch a screenplay.” Yet the screenplay is where a movie begins, determining whether a production gets the “green light” from its financial backers and wins approval from its audience. This innovative volume gives readers a comprehensive portrait of the art and business of screenwriting, while showing how the role of the screenwriter has evolved over the years. Reaching back to the early days of Hollywood, when moonlighting novelists, playwrights, and journalists were first hired to write scenarios and photoplays, Screenwriting illuminates the profound ways that screenwriters have contributed to the films we love. This book explores the social, political, and economic implications of the changing craft of American screenwriting from the silent screen through the classical Hollywood years, the rise of independent cinema, and on to the contemporary global multi-media marketplace. From The Birth of a Nation (1915), Gone With the Wind (1939), and Gentleman’s Agreement (1947) to Chinatown (1974), American Beauty (1999), and Lost in Translation (2003), each project began as writers with pen and ink, typewriters, or computers captured the hopes and dreams, the nightmares and concerns of the periods in which they were writing. As the contributors take us behind the silver screen to chronicle the history of screenwriting, they spotlight a range of key screenplays that changed the game in Hollywood and beyond. With original essays from both distinguished film scholars and accomplished screenwriters, Screenwriting is sure to fascinate anyone with an interest in Hollywood, from movie buffs to industry professionals.
446 Download

A Guide to Screenwriting Success

These are screenplays written outside the influence of a studio or producer or
pay, with the hope they'll be produced. Some big producers even work with
screenwriters while they're writing a spec script, before taking it to a studio. Studio
deals ...

Author: Stephen V. Duncan

Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield

ISBN: 0742553019

Category: Business & Economics

Page: 384

View: 491

DOWNLOAD →

A Guide to Screenwriting Success provides a comprehensive overview of writing and rewriting a screenplay. Duncan's handy book teaches new screenwriters the process of creating a professional screenplay from beginning to end from character development to story templates. It shows that inspiration, creativity, and good writing are not elusive concepts but attainable goals. The book contains dozens of exercises to help writers through these steps. The second half of the book covers the teleplay, an often-overlooked but rewarding side of screenwriting. Success in screenwriting is no longer a pipe dream for those who pick up Duncan's guide."
448 Download

Screenplays how to write sell them

The book's approach is both creative and reflective, giving readers the opportunity to learn a wealth of creative skills alongside skills that will encourage them to think about themselves as writers and the work that they are developing.

Author: Craig Batty

Publisher: Oldcastle Books

ISBN: 9781842436431

Category: Performing Arts

Page: 224

View: 279

DOWNLOAD →

Screenplays ... How to Write and Market Them is an accessible yet comprehensive book aimed at those with a keen interest in writing feature film screenplays. Using case studies, creative exercises and interviews from the industry, the book will guide readers through the necessary stages of writing a screenplay, from finding and developing ideas to creating and executing characters to shaping structure and constructing scenes. It will also consider how a screenplay might be sold, or used to raise interest in the writer, looking at areas such as finding and working with an agent, networking, using competitions, and raising private production funds. The book's approach is both creative and reflective, giving readers the opportunity to learn a wealth of creative skills alongside skills that will encourage them to think about themselves as writers and the work that they are developing. As such, the book will empower readers in their own creative processes and allow them to successfully tell the stories they want to tell. Rich with analyses from classic and contemporary films, littered with practical models, paradigms and creative tasks, and enhanced by the views of key industry figures, the book is a must for any aspiring feature film screenwriter.
962 Download

Writing the Screenplay

Full of insight and drawing on the author’s many years experience of writing and teaching, this book uses a wide range of examples from screenplays to illustrate the process of screenwriting in an entertaining and informative way.

Author: Jill Nelmes

Publisher: Robert Hale Limited

ISBN: 0709089163

Category: Language Arts & Disciplines

Page: 301

View: 490

DOWNLOAD →

Writing the Screenplay not only guides you through the stages needed to create a good screenplay but also encourages you to develop dramatic situations, as well as creating vivid characters and the right structure for your story. The book is divided into two sections. Part one focuses on preparing to write, while part two goes through the writing process in straightforward and easy steps, from developing the idea to the final rewrite. Full of insight and drawing on the author’s many years experience of writing and teaching, this book uses a wide range of examples from screenplays to illustrate the process of screenwriting in an entertaining and informative way.
157 Download

Writing and Selling Drama Screenplays

It looks in-depth at Scottish BAFTA-winning Night People, the iconic coming out movie Beautiful Thing, the touching New Orleans drama Hours, starring the late Paul Walker, and the ambitious true story of Saving Mr Banks, based on the battle ...

Author: Lucy V. Hay

Publisher: Oldcastle Books

ISBN: 9781843444138

Category: Performing Arts

Page: 192

View: 230

DOWNLOAD →

It may be drama features that win the most awards and kudos from critics, but in the current marketplace you're unlikely to sell a drama screenplay in the way you would a genre script. Breaking down the nuts and bolts of what differentiates drama from genre, Writing and Selling Drama Screenplays will consider questions such as: What is 'emotional truth'? What separates stereotypical and authentic characters? What are the different types of drama feature screenplay? How do we make these films, when there's 'no money'? What are the distribution opportunities for dramas? Exploring the ways in which drama and authenticity work, it will empower screenwriters to make their own story and character choices, so they can write and also help to package, finance and even make their own drama features. Writing and Selling Drama Screenplays will include detailed case studies of produced dramas made on both shoestring and bigger budgets, and industry insights from their writers, directors and producers. It looks in-depth at Scottish BAFTA-winning Night People, the iconic coming out movie Beautiful Thing, the touching New Orleans drama Hours, starring the late Paul Walker, and the ambitious true story of Saving Mr Banks, based on the battle of wills between Mary Poppins author PL Travers and Walt Disney himself. It will also discuss films such as Brokeback Mountain, American Beauty, The King's Speech, Juno, Erin Brockovich, Changeling and Girl, Interrupted.
505 Download

Writing Great Screenplays for Film and TV

Uses the image of the roller coaster to provide advice on plot, characters, and other script elements

Author: Dona Cooper

Publisher: Arco

ISBN: 0028615557

Category: Performing Arts

Page: 190

View: 630

DOWNLOAD →

Uses the image of the roller coaster to provide advice on plot, characters, and other script elements
329 Download

Writing and Selling Thriller Screenplays

It could also be immensely useful for those generally curious about the genre or looking to learn more' - Film Doctor 'This book should form part of the armoury for any screenplay writers bookshelf' - Stephen Hall Check out Lucy V. Hay's ...

Author: Lucy V. Hay

Publisher: Oldcastle Books

ISBN: 9781842439722

Category: Performing Arts

Page: 192

View: 776

DOWNLOAD →

Writing and Selling Thriller Screenplays has the lowdown not only on getting your thriller feature script on the page, but getting it in front of producers and investors. From premise to resolution, Lucy V. Hay guides you through the craft of thriller writing, citing classic thrillers such as Psycho, The Shining, The Sixth Sense and Fatal Attraction and lesser-known gems like Red Eye, Desperate Measures, Impostor and Deviation. The book also considers how the screenplay might be sold to investors, looking at high concept ideas, pitching, packaging and the realities of film finance. Lucy V. Hay asks: what is flight vs. fight? What is the difference between horror and thriller? What are the different sub genres of thriller? What part do actors play in film finance? How can limited locations create new opportunities in storytelling and financing? Why is the lone protagonist so in demand? Why are female characters so popular in thriller? And much, much more... 'Really hones in on the specific genre of thrillers with expertise' - Write So Fluid 'A must-read for any writer, producer or director looking to create (or in the process of creating) a thriller production. It could also be immensely useful for those generally curious about the genre or looking to learn more' - Film Doctor 'This book should form part of the armoury for any screenplay writers bookshelf' - Stephen Hall Check out Lucy V. Hay's other screenwriting books: Writing & Selling Drama Screenplays and Writing Diverse Characters for Fiction, Film and TV
778 Download

Screenwriting Tips You Hack

Xander started a blog called 'Screenwriting Tips, You Hack', a place designed to provide short, witty tips on screenwriting for amateur writers all the way up to journeymen scribes. This book is the evolution of that blog.

Author: Xander Bennett

Publisher: Taylor & Francis

ISBN: 9780240818245

Category: BIOGRAPHY & AUTOBIOGRAPHY

Page: 210

View: 428

DOWNLOAD →

Screenwriting Tip #99 Voice-over usually feels like scaffolding. You know-something you left in there when you were constructing the first draft, but really should have torn out after it served its purpose. Screenwriting Tip #120 Always remember that funny trumps everything. Your script could be written in crayon with your name spelled wrong on the cover, but if it's genuinely funny, none of that matters. Screenwriting Tip #156 The easiest way to write kick-ass protagonists is to make them incredibly good at what they do. Confused at the outline stage? Stuck in the swamp of Act Two? Don't know who your protagonist is or where she's going? You might feel like a hack. But don't worry-you're not alone. Even the most experienced writers feel like this at times. Sometimes we just need a few short pointers and reminders to set us on the path again. Xander Bennett worked as a script reader in the trenches of Hollywood, reading and covering hundreds of mediocre screenplays. After months of reading about heroic Sea World trainers, transgendered circus detectives and crime-fighting chupacabras, he couldn't take it any more. Xander started a blog called 'Screenwriting Tips, You Hack', a place designed to provide short, witty tips on screenwriting for amateur writers all the way up to journeymen scribes. This book is the evolution of that blog. Dozens of the best scripts (along with many brand-new ones) have been expanded into bite-sized chapters full of funny, insightful, highly usable advice. Let Xander's pain be your gain as you learn about the differences between film and television structure, how to force yourself to write when you really don't want to, and why you probably shouldn't base your first spec script around an alien invasion. Get tips from a script reader from the trenches who can clue you into how to keep your first audience interested Easily digest chunks of wisdom sugar-coated with humor in short tips Expanded tips offer examples of what works and what doesn't, and walk you through the process of writing a screenplay
617 Download

Transcultural Screenwriting

This volume combines methods for studying, as well as methods for doing. It draws on case studies and testimonials from writers from all over the globe including South America, Europe and Asia.

Author: Carmen Sofia Brenes

Publisher: Cambridge Scholars Publishing

ISBN: 9781443893909

Category: Performing Arts

Page: 199

View: 163

DOWNLOAD →

The world in which we live and work today has created new working conditions where storytellers, screenwriters and filmmakers collaborate with colleagues from other countries and cultures. This involves new challenges regarding the practice of transcultural screenwriting and the study of writing screenplays in a multi-cultural environment. Globalisation and its imperatives have seen the film co-production emerge as a means of sharing production costs and creating stories that reach transnational audiences. Transcultural Screenwriting: Telling Stories for a Global World provides an interdisciplinary approach to the study of screenwriting as a creative process by integrating the fields of film and TV production studies, screenwriting studies, narrative studies, rhetorics, transnational cinema studies, and intercultural communication studies. The book applies the emerging theoretical lens of ‘transcultural studies’ to open new perspectives in the debate around notions of transnationalism, imperialism and globalisation, particularly in the screenwriting context, and to build stronger links across academic disciplines. This volume combines methods for studying, as well as methods for doing. It draws on case studies and testimonials from writers from all over the globe including South America, Europe and Asia. Transcultural Screenwriting: Telling Stories for a Global World is characterised by its scope, broad relevance, and emphasis on key aspects of screenwriting in an international environment.
381 Download