A Quick Guide to Screenwriting
The Quick Guide to Screenwriting is the ultimate reference manual to the art, craft, and business of writing for the movies.
In a series of brief but comprehensive segments, the book covers the entire process of creating a film script, from conceiving the initial idea, to developing the story, to producing a polished and professional final draft. Covered topics include the history of screenwriting; commercial vs. "personal" writing; the three basic types of screenplays; how to brainstorm ideas; developing and structuring a story; the techniques of cinematic storytelling; screenplay style and formatting; essential tools of the screenwriting trade; the seven basic steps to writing a screenplay; important screenwriting dos and don'ts; how to get quality feedback and then use it to improve your work; and the business of screenwriting, including copyright and registration of finished material, the function of agents and managers, the Writers Guild, contracts, the development process, and how to bring your work to the attention of the industry.
Written in smart, reader-friendly prose, the book is chock-full of the vital information, helpful tips, and keen advice that will help you make your script the best it can be.
CHAPTER 1: What is a Screenplay?
CHAPTER 2: A Brief History of Screenwriting.
CHAPTER 3: Ideas.
CHAPTER 4: The Premise
CHAPTER 5: Constructing the Plot
CHAPTER 6: Additional Storytelling Elements
CHAPTER 7: Some Essential Principals of Screen Storytelling
CHAPTER 8: Screenplay Format, Style, and Length
CHAPTER 9: The Screenwriting Process
CHAPTER 10: After the Script is Finished
The book is published by
Limelight Editions
Hal Leonard Performing Arts Publishing Group
33 Plymouth Street, Suite 302
Montclair, NJ 07042
Phone: 973-337-5034 ext. 203
Fax: 973-337-5227
It is available in bookstores and at Amazon.com and other online retailers.