Screenplay

Screenplay
Author: Syd Field
Publisher: Delta
Total Pages: 338
Release: 2005-11-29
Genre: Reference
ISBN: 0385339038

Hollywood’s script guru teaches you how to write a screenplay in “the ‘bible’ of screenwriting” (The New York Times)—now celebrating forty years of screenwriting success! Syd Field’s books on the essential structure of emotionally satisfying screenplays have ignited lucrative careers in film and television since 1979. In this revised edition of his premiere guide, the underpinnings of successful onscreen narratives are revealed in clear and encouraging language that will remain wise and practical as long as audiences watch stories unfold visually—from hand-held devices to IMAX to virtual reality . . . and whatever comes next. As the first person to articulate common structural elements unique to successful movies, celebrated producer, lecturer, teacher and bestselling author Syd Field has gifted us a classic text. From concept to character, from opening scene to finished script, here are fundamental guidelines to help all screenwriters—novices and Oscar-winners—hone their craft and sell their work. In Screenplay, Syd Field can help you discover: • Why the first ten pages of every script are crucial to keeping professional readers’ interest • How to visually “grab” these influential readers from page one, word one • Why structure and character are the basic components of all narrative screenplays • How to adapt a novel, a play, or an article into a saleable script • Tips on protecting your work—three ways to establish legal ownership of screenplays • Vital insights on writing authentic dialogue, crafting memorable characters, building strong yet flexible storylines (form, not formula), overcoming writer's block, and much more Syd Field is revered as the original master of screenplay story structure, and this guide continues to be the industry’s gold standard for learning the foundations of screenwriting.

Writing Short Films

Writing Short Films
Author: Linda J. Cowgill
Publisher: Lone Eagle
Total Pages: 273
Release: 2005-09-01
Genre: Performing Arts
ISBN: 1580650635

Writing Short Films is one of the bestselling university text books on writing short film screenplays. This updated and revised edition includes several new chapters.

The Essential Screenplay (3-Book Bundle)

The Essential Screenplay (3-Book Bundle)
Author: Syd Field
Publisher: Bantam
Total Pages: 965
Release: 2018-04-24
Genre: Reference
ISBN: 1101969598

Hollywood’s script guru teaches you how to write a screenplay in the ultimate three-volume guide to writing for film, featuring “the ‘bible’ of screenwriting” (The New York Times), Screenplay—now celebrating forty years of screenwriting success! This blockbuster ebook bundle includes: SCREENPLAY: FOUNDATIONS OF SCREENWRITING • THE SCREENWRITER’S WORKBOOK • THE SCREENWRITER’S PROBLEM SOLVER Syd Field was “the most sought-after screenwriting teacher in the world” according to The Hollywood Reporter. His pioneering insights into structure, concept, and character launched innumerable careers. Now in one handy collection, his invaluable expertise is available to aspiring writers and working professionals alike. The Essential Screenplay contains Syd Field’s Screenplay: The Foundations of Screenwriting, the industry standard for script development; The Screenwriter’s Workbook, a hands-on workshop full of practical exercises for creating successful screenplays; and The Screenwriter’s Problem Solver, a guide to identifying and fixing problems in your latest draft. Throughout, you’ll learn: • why the first ten pages of your script are crucially important • how to visually “grab” the reader from page one • what makes great stories work • the basics of writing dialogue • the essentials of creating great characters • how to adapt a novel, a play, or an article for the screen • the three ways to claim legal ownership of your work • tips for allowing your creative self to break free when you hit the “wall” • how to overcome writer’s block forever Featuring expert analysis of popular films including Pulp Fiction, Thelma & Louise, and the Lord of the Rings trilogy, The Essential Screenplay will transform your initial idea into a screenplay that’s destined for success—and maybe even Cannes. Praise for Syd Field “The most sought-after screenwriting teacher in the world.”—The Hollywood Reporter “Syd Field is the preeminent analyzer in the study of American screenplays.”—James L. Brooks, Academy Award–winning writer, director, producer

Spike Lee

Spike Lee
Author: Jason P. Vest
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing USA
Total Pages: 384
Release: 2014-09-30
Genre: Performing Arts
ISBN: 0313392277

Spike Lee's journey from guerrilla filmmaker to Hollywood insider is explored in light of his personal background, the cultural influence of his films, and the extensive scholarship his movies have inspired. This insightful study probes the iconic filmmaker's career as a director and shaper of American culture. It not only sheds light on the ways in which Lee's background, influences, and outlook affect his films but also discusses how he participates in, transforms, and transcends the tradition of black American filmmaking. Each chapter offers a critical assessment of at least one, and sometimes multiple, Lee films, examining their production history; their place in Lee's filmography; and their aesthetic, cultural, and historical significance. Readers will come away from this first scholarly assessment of Lee's career and work with a better understanding of his penchant for stirring up controversy about significant social, political, and artistic issues as well as his role as an American artist who provokes his audiences as much as he pacifies them.

The Art and Craft of Screenwriting

The Art and Craft of Screenwriting
Author: Shelly Frome
Publisher: McFarland
Total Pages: 264
Release: 2014-11-21
Genre: Performing Arts
ISBN: 0786482672

This guide for screenwriters and those interested in the screenwriting process has important information on every facet of the screenwriter's trade. Introductory chapters discuss skills essential for all screenwriters. The second part covers various options available to screenwriters (such as different genres, indie films, adaptation) with important methods for each. Part Three is a collection of revealing interviews by the author with several established and seasoned professionals. Instructors considering this book for use in a course may request an examination copy here.

Script Analysis

Script Analysis
Author: James Bang
Publisher: Taylor & Francis
Total Pages: 180
Release: 2022-08-19
Genre: Performing Arts
ISBN: 1000590518

A comprehensive step-by-step guide to deconstructing screenplay fundamentals, this book will allow readers to understand the elements, functions, and anatomy of a screenplay. Not only will this book enable readers to accomplish a thorough analysis of a screenplay and understand the dramatic elements and their functions, but screenwriters will be able to apply these steps to their own writing. The book explores theme and premise, provides an in-depth study of character development, and breaks down the dramatic elements needed to construct a solid screenplay. It provides examples of the three-act structure, the hero’s journey, and the sequence method. Furthermore, it explores how the main plot and subplots are used in a storyline and discusses the importance of setting. Finally, it reveals screenwriting techniques and tools used by professional screenwriters, such as dramatic irony, reversal, and setup/payoff. To connect with a broad range of readers, the case studies used in this book are mainly from contemporary films, including Get Out (2017), Lady Bird (2017), The Dark Knight (2008), Toy Story (1995), Parasite (2019), and Whiplash (2014). Readers will understand how professional screenwriters use fundamental elements to construct, shape, develop, and tell a visual story. After reading this book, readers will comprehend the components critical to developing a screenplay. This book is ideal for students of screenwriting and filmmaking who want to better understand how to comprehensively analyze a screenplay, as well as screenwriters who want to utilize this method to develop their own scripts.

Screenwriting for a Global Market

Screenwriting for a Global Market
Author: Andrew Horton
Publisher: Univ of California Press
Total Pages: 229
Release: 2004-04-01
Genre: Performing Arts
ISBN: 0520232704

Cinema is a truly global phenomenon and screenwriters who limit their ambitions to Hollywood can unnecessarily limit their careers. This text provides the practical know-how for breaking into the global marketplace.