Screenwriting For Dummies

By (author) Laura Schellhardt; By (author) Schellhardt Laura; Foreword by Logan, John
Short description/annotation
Whether you want to write a feature film or a TV script, this guide gives you advice - from creating your story and developing memorable characters to formatting your script and selling it to the studios. It explains the screenwriting process - from developing a concept and thinking visually to plotline, conflicts, pacing and the conclusion.
Description
Write a great script and get it into the hands of the Hollywood players! So you want to be a screenwriter? Whether you want to write a feature film or a TV script or adapt your favorite book, this friendly guide gives you expert advice in everything from creating your story and developing memorable characters to formatting your script and selling it to the studios. You get savvy industry tips and strategies for getting your screenplay noticed! * The screenwriting process from A to Z -- from developing a concept and thinking visually to plotline, conflicts, pacing, and the conclusion * Craft living, breathing characters -- from creating the backstory to letting your characters speak to balancing dialogue with action * Turn your story into a script -- from developing an outline and getting over writer''s block to formatting your screenplay and handling rewrites * Prepare for Hollywood -- from understanding the players and setting your expectations to polishing your copy and protecting your work * Sell your script to the industry -- from preparing your pitch and finding an agent to meeting with executives and making a deal Open the book and find: * The latest on the biz, from entertainment blogs to top agents to box office jargon * New story examples from recently released films * Tips on character development, a story''s time clock, dramatic structure, and dialogue * New details on developing the nontraditional screenplay -- from musicals to animation to high dramatic style * Expanded information on adaptation and collaboration, with examples from successful screenwriting duos
Table of contents
Foreword. Introduction. Part I: So You Want to Write for Pictures. Chapter 1: Introducing the Art of Screenwriting. Chapter 2: Preparing to Think Visually. Chapter 3: Diving In to the Screenwriter''s Mind. Chapter 4: Approaching Screenwriting as a Craft. Part II: Breaking Down the Elements of a Story. Chapter 5: Unpacking Your Idea. Chapter 6: Plot Part I: Beginnings. Chapter 7: Plot Part II: Middles. Chapter 8: Plot Part III: Endings. Chapter 9: Character Building. Chapter 10: Say What? Constructing Dynamic Dialogue. Chapter 11: The Nontraditional Film. Chapter 12: Maintaining an Audience''s Trust. Part III: Turning Your Story into a Script. Chapter 13: Mapping Out Your Screenplay. Chapter 14: Surviving Writer''s Block. Chapter 15: Formatting Your Screenplay. Chapter 16: Putting It Together: Structuring Your First Draft. Chapter 17: Take Two: Rewriting Your Script. Chapter 18: Adaptation and Collaboration: Two Alternate Ways to Work. Part IV: Selling Your Script to Show Business. Chapter 19: Before You Send It: Premarketing Considerations. Chapter 20: Getting Your Screenplay Noticed. Part V: The Part of Tens. Chapter 21: Ten Screenwriters You Should Know. Chapter 22: Ten Screenwriting Myths. Index.
Review quote
"Ideal for general readers, the book uses everyday examples and addresses social issues such as sweatshops and fair trade." Moneywise June 2008 "A guide for absolute beginners, it will take you through the whole process".Writers Forum June 2008
Biographical note
Laura Schellhardt holds an MFA in Literary Arts from Brown University and degrees in Theatre and Creative Writing from Northwestern University in Chicago. Her scripts have been produced in New York (SPF, The Hangar, The Exchange Theatre), Seattle (Seattle Repertory Theatre, ACT), Chicago (Northlight Theatre, Seren