Scriptwriting for the Screen

Author: Charlie Moritz
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 1317796799
Category : Performing Arts
Languages : en
Pages : 233

Book Description
'If I was setting out as a screenwriter, this is the book I would read first and keep by me'– Melanie Harris, Producer, Crosslab Productions 'An excellent resource for students and teachers alike'– In the Picture '...a valuable addition to every screenwriting bookshelf' – Screentalk 'This is one of the best guides to help screenwriters think visually that I have ever read' – Creative Screenwriting 'The inventive exercises in Scriptwriting for the Screen give it the potential for revitalizing the experience of even experienced scriptwriters' – ' Scope’ Online Journal of Film Studies Scriptwriting for the Screen is an accessible guide to writing for film and television. It details the first principles of screenwriting and advises on the best way to identify and formulate a story and develop ideas in order to build a vivid, animated and entertaining script. Scriptwriting for the Screen introduces the reader to essential skills needed to write effective drama. This edition has been updated to include new examples and an entirely new chapter on adaptation. There are examples of scripts from a wide range of films and television dramas such as Heroes, Brokeback Mountain, Coronation Street, The English Patient, Shooting The Past, Spaced, Our Friends In the North and American Beauty. Scriptwriting for the Screen includes: advice on how to visualise action and translate this into energetic writing how to dramatise writing, use metaphor and deepen meaning tips on how to determine the appropriate level of characterisation for different types of drama practical exercises and examples which help develop technique and style a section on how to trouble-shoot and sharpen dialogue a guide to further reading

Screenwriters on Screen-Writing

Author: Joel Engel
Publisher: Hachette Books
ISBN: 1401305571
Category : Performing Arts
Languages : en
Pages : 241

Book Description
Before any lights, camera, or action, there's the script -- arguably the most important single element in filmmaking, and Screenwriters on Screen-Writing introduces the men and women responsible for the screenplays that have produced some of the most successful and acclaimed films in Hollywood history. In each interview, not only do the writers explore the craft and technique of creating a filmic blueprint, but they recount the colorful tales of coming up in the ranks of the movie business and of bringing their stories to the screen, in a way that only natural-born storytellers such as themselves can. These and other screenwriters have garnered the attention of the movie-going population not only with their words, but with headlines announcing the sales of their scripts for hundreds of thousands and sometimes millions of dollars. Anyone interested in writing, making, or learning about movies will enjoy reading this fascinating behind-the-scenes compendium that brings together some of the most prominent and talented screenwriters in modern-day filmmaking.

Screen Adaptation

Author: Kenneth Portnoy
Publisher: CRC Press
ISBN: 1136049061
Category : Performing Arts
Languages : en
Pages : 167

Book Description
Screen Adaptation : A Scriptwriting Handbook, 2nd ed. examines the challenge screenwriters face when adapting novels, plays, and short stories for the screen. Thoroughly updated to include new exercises and example from current films, this book provides practical, usable information on how to find the best plot line for a script, choose key characters, and understand the goals and formats of different genres. Topics include: determining which characters and events are most valuable on developing the main story; expanding short novellas and condensing long novels; using dialog to advance the story and reveal character; comparing the formats of plays, short stories, and novels to those of screenplays approaching the marketplace In this book, both beginning writers and professionals will find the tools necessary to evaluate a prospective source and create a successful screenplay

The Complete Book of Scriptwriting

Author: J. Michael Straczynski
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Language Arts & Disciplines
Languages : en
Pages : 296

Book Description
To survive and thrive in the fantasyland that is show business, you need to know the realities of writing and selling. J. Michael Straczynski learned these realities the hard way. With his help, you'll learn them the easy way. Here the writer/producer of Murder, She Wrote and creator of Babylon 5 tells you how it really is - and how you can really succeed writing scripts. Straczynski shows you the importance of distinguishing yourself, through professionalism and discipline, from the wannabes. He helps you strengthen your writing technique while urging you to bring your own vision to your work, avoid formula, and create from passion. And he takes you in for a close look at every entertainment medium hungry for good scriptwriters.

On Story—Screenwriters and Their Craft

Author: Barbara Morgan
Publisher: University of Texas Press
ISBN: 0292754604
Category : Performing Arts
Languages : en
Pages : 197

Book Description
Introduction / by Barbara Morgan -- 1. Inspiration. A conversation with Randall Wallace -- 2. Story. What makes a great story : a conversation with Bill Wittliff ; Steven Zaillian on where the story originates ; Peter Hedges on crafting story ; Lawrence Kasdan on story and theme -- 3. Process. A conversation with John Lee Hancock ; Sacha Gervasi on getting started ; The basics with Nicholas Kazan ; Advice from Bill Wittliff ; Anne Rapp's writing routine ; Caroline Thompson's writing process ; Lawrence Kasdan on the challenges of writing -- 4. Structure. Structure and format : a conversation with Frank Pierson, Whit Stillman, Robin Swicord, and Nicholas Kazan ; Caroline Thompson on structure ; Lawrence Kasdan on the rules of script formatting ; Visual storytelling : a conversation with John August, John Lee Hancock, and Randall Wallace -- 5. Character and dialogue. Building characters and mapping their journeys : a conversation with Lawrence Kasdan and Anne Rapp ; Nicholas Kazan on writing characters ; Crafting characters : a conversation with Lawrence Kasdan ; Dialogue and finding the voice : a conversation with John August and John Lee Hancock -- 6. Rewritng. Writer's block : a conversation with Bud Shrake and Bill Wittliff ; Bill Wittliff on when to let something go ; Steven Zaillian on defining scenes : what to keep in, what to leave out ; Anne Rapp on keeping writing fresh ; Nicholas Kazan's rewriting process ; On rewriting : a conversation with Daniel Petrie Jr., Peter Hedges, and Sacha Gervasi ; Lawrence Kasdan on how to know when you're done -- 7. Collaboration. A conversation with Steven Zaillian ; Peter Hedges on collaborating ; Lawrence Kasdan on writing with a partner ; Randall Wallace on working with other writers -- 8. Go forth.

Scriptwriting for Film, Television and New Media

Author: Alan Hueth
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 0429866488
Category : Performing Arts
Languages : en
Pages : 482

Book Description
What are the foundations of scriptwriting? Why do some scripts gain more prestige than others? How do you write a script and get it noticed? Scriptwriting for Film, Television and New Media answers these questions and more, offering a comprehensive introduction to writing scripts for film, television, the Internet, and interactive multimedia. Author Alan C. Hueth explains not just how to write, but how to think and apply the fundamental principles of screenwriting to multiple platforms and genres. This includes chapters on numerous script formats, including drama and comedy in film and TV, short films, commercials and PSAs, news and sports, interview shows, documentaries, reality shows, and corporate and educational media, including interactive multimedia. This book also addresses legal and ethical issues, how to become a professional scriptwriter, and a section on production language that provides helpful explanations of how camera, locations, visual and audio effects combine on screen to engage and sustain viewer attention, and, consequently, how to improve scriptwriting technique. The book features numerous case studies and detailed examples, including chapter by chapter exercises, plot diagrams, quick-look and learn tables that assist readers to quickly understand genre related script elements, and in-depth script close-ups to examine precisely how writers utilize the principles and elements of drama to create a successful script. It is also supported by a comprehensive companion website with further case studies, assignments, video clips, and examples of films and programs discussed in the book. Scriptwriting for Film, Television, and New Media is ideal for aspiring scriptwriters and anyone wanting to broaden their understanding of how successful scripts are created.

Screenplay

Author: Syd Field
Publisher: M J F Books
ISBN: 9781567312393
Category : Motion picture authorship
Languages : en
Pages : 0

Book Description
Providing examples from well-known movies, Field explains the structural and stylistic elements as well as writing techniques basic to the creation of a successful film script.

Vale's Technique of Screen and Television Writing

Author: Eugene Vale
Publisher: Taylor & Francis
ISBN: 1136051538
Category : Performing Arts
Languages : en
Pages : 223

Book Description
Vale's Technique of Screen and Television Writing is an updated and expanded edition of a valuable guide to writing for film and television. Mr. Vale takes the aspiring writer through every phase of a film's development, from the original concept to the final shooting script. Teachers of the craft as well as writers and directors have acclaimed it as one of the best books ever written on how to write a screenplay. This book combines practical advice for the aspiring or established writer with a lucid overview of the unique features of this most contemporary art form, distinguishing film and video from other media and other kinds of storytelling. It teaches the reader to think in terms of the camera and gives practical advice on the realities of filmmaking. At the same time, Vale, who began his own career as a scriptwriter for the great French director Jean Renoir, provides a solid grounding in the history of drama from the Classical Greek theater through the great cinematic works of the twentieth century. Both philosophical and pragmatic, this is a very readable book for students and active professionals who want to improve their writing skills, and for film enthusiasts interested in knowing more about what they see on the screen. Mr. Vale is that rare combination, a practitioner of great experience who can offer a lucid explanation of his craft. Eugene Vale was born in Switzerland and began his career in France in the 1930s. He was an award-winning novelist, film and TV scriptwriter and teacher, whose works include the bestselling novel The Thirteenth Apostle and the scripts for Francis of Assisi, The Bridge of San Luis Rey, and The Second Face. He also worked in many other areas of the motion picture industry, including directing, producing, cutting, distribution and finance. His archives are held by Boston University and University of Southern California. Mr. Vale died in 1997, shortly after he completed the updated version of this handbook.

Screenwriting Updated

Author: Linda Aronson
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781879505599
Category : Motion picture authorship
Languages : en
Pages : 0

Book Description
Today's screenwriter must be adept at today's popular yet often complex and unconventional script forms, such as the parallel storytelling of 'Pulp Fiction' and 'Magnolia', the multiple protagonist narrative of 'American Beauty', and the complex flashback forms of 'The Usual Suspects' and 'The Sweet Hereafter'. Becoming comfortable with and skilled in such modern script forms is the focus of this text which identifies basic parallel structures, clearly explains how and why they work (or fail to work), and establishes the basic principles of their construction. These modern forms are presented in tandem with and in relation to tried-and-true, traditional screenwriting forms, rendering unconventional structures as easily grasped as conventional ones. Unlike any other screenwriting book, this book combines solid, basic screenwriting craft with a thorough presentation of very contemporary script structures. The result is a unique, wide-ranging, in-depth screenwriting text and do-it-yourself script-doctoring manual suitable for both seasoned and novice writers.

Successful Scriptwriting

Author: Jurgen Wolff
Publisher: Penguin
ISBN: 1599634821
Category : Performing Arts
Languages : en
Pages : 389

Book Description
SUCCESSFUL SCRIPTWRITING Let's start with "The End." The credits roll - we see "Screenplay by ..." and there's your name. The show's a hit! It's Emmy/Oscar night, and you're seated up front. The nominations are revealed; your name is called. Your acceptance speech is memorable, an inspiration to the new writers "breaking in." Variety says your "future looks very bright." Hooray for Hollywood! But how did you get here? With talent, determination, and the help of this comprehensive guide, you'll have the wherewithal to move your dream from your mind onto the page and to succeed in this fiercely competitive, highly selective field. Starting with a basic course in scriptwriting, Jurgen Wolff and Kerry Cox teach you the fundamental skills of writing the feature film script, from original idea to finished screenplay. Then you'll learn how to apply your new-found skills to every type of television and film script: movies-of-the week, episodic television, situation comedies and soap operas. You'll also find helpful insight from the greats in the business, like Colin Higgins (Harold and Maude, Foul Play, 9 to 5), Larry Gelbart (Oh, God!, Tootsie, "M*A*S*H"), William Bickley ("Perfect Strangers," "Happy Days"), and Steven Bochco ("Doogie Howser, M.D.," "L.A. Law"). And you'll find answers to these essential questions: • What fundamental skills and essential ingredients do I need to write a feature film script? • By what criteria do producers and studios evaluate scripts or ideas presented to them? • When should I write an outline or a treatment for my script, and what are the formats? • How do I go about protecting my work? • Is there a cut-and-dried technique for pitching my ideas? Every part of this book reflects the needs and realities of today's TV and film industry, providing you with insight as well as practical knowledge. With this book as your guide, you can start at the beginning and follow a well-defined path to successful scriptwriting.