How to Write: A Screenplay, 2nd Edition
Posted by adminOct 1
Product Description
There are hundreds of books on the market, all trying to teach you how to write a screenplay. Several of them are excellent and useful books. But never – until now – has there been a screenwriting manual written in the form of a screenplay. Our hero, the aspiring screenwriter Danny, is hopelessly in love with Bebe, a hot young starlet. But Bebe won’t go out with Danny until he proves that he can write a brilliant screenplay for her. Helped along the wa… More >>
How to Write: A Screenplay, 2nd Edition
I bought this book based on the great reviews it received here, and I was not dissapointed.
From the opening page to the “Fade to Black”, this book contains everything an aspiring screenwriter needs to know. Could you read about format, dialogue, conflict and resolution in other books? Sure.
But the thing that sets this book apart is the clever format in which it is written. It is very easy to understand and follow along. It is also written so that a first-time writer can start writing their own script immediately.
I have read dozens of books on screenwriting, and while most of those books are collecting dust on my bookshelf, this book is one that I will keep next to my computer when I write.
Rating: 5 / 5
Where was this book when I started writing screenplays 15 years ago?!?!? Had I known then what this book imparts, it wouldn’t have taken me so long to have my first sale to Warner Bros. Now, even after several spec script sales, I find Mr. Schwartz’s book offers up techniques and hints that are extraordinarily helpful. Add the fact that it’s fun to read… Highly recommended for aspiring writers and even cynical vets like me!
Rating: 5 / 5
“How to Write a Screenplay” is a superb guide to the craft of cinematic storytelling and the process of rendering that story into the standard screenplay format. The book also includes detailed guidance on the pitch and development stages of the screenwriting process. Schwartz effectively delivers his lessons because “How to Write a Screenplay” seamlessly marries form and function. The book itself is in the form of a screenplay, and therefore serves as an ongoing example of the points it presents. This is an extremely effective pedagogical approach because the reader’s attention is not divided between separate narrative text and examples, but fully engaged at any moment in an interesting story that illustrates its points in concrete terms.
In the introduction to his book, Schwartz states he has seen the quality of his screenwriting students’ work dramatically improve after utilizing this approach; I have no doubt that this has been true for him, and will also apply to those who read his excellent book.
Rating: 5 / 5
This is by far and away the best book I’ve read on screenwriting. It’s really insightful, informative, and entertaining. I found myself laughing while learning! As others have noted, this clever little gem is a fast and fun read, a how-to book that is actually written in the form of a character and story-driven screenplay. Like a good movie, I kept turning the pages, wanting to “see” what would happen next. Before you get to the feature length screenplay (titled Screenwriting for the Hell of It!),it has a funny short script about pitching, and takes you by example through the steps of development. I can see why a great director like Wes Craven recommends it. Very cool!
Rating: 5 / 5
The genius of this book is that it combines the two most important facets of screenwriting basics – easy to understand instructions and an example script to reference – in one fantastic primer. Far and away the best screenwriting book I’ve encountered, it’s thourough, witty, and easy reading.
Rating: 5 / 5