FILMandMOVIEmaking.com

Our rating 93%

If you only choose one book on being a screenplay writer, then this should be your choice.

This is the book that takes you through the various parts of writing your screenplay, how to complete it, who to get it to and lays out all of your business resources exactly where you want them in enough detail, but not needing a Harvard degree to understand them.

This isn’t the book you need if you want to write a screenplay that will sell for a million dollars, because it isn’t a writer’s bible on structure, methodology etc. This book gives you the basics in all areas. It informs and lets you do the hard work of actually writing a script without being bogged down in 22 point structures or 7 point analysis.

First and foremost it tells you that script must be hot, not average, not good, but the best it can be. Less is not good enough.

Planning your script, scene assembly, characters, scene writing and then dialogue takes first timers through the initial stages required.

A good section on copyright is followed by marketing your script, because without marketing, it’s a collection of typed papers.

You’ll learn about the movie game and how to start a networking file with good advice the whole time.

The life of a screenwriter is important; how do you manage your life while writing?

The section on rejection is most useful; it will happen. Be there and deal with it.

The resources guide is a good starting point, but I guess (not!) that the writer really wants you to go to his website and use his facilities – and why not; they’re great.

It teaches you all you need to know to get going and if that isn’t enough for you, then the accompanying CD (make sure you get it if you’re buying this book second hand) provides plenty of extras to guide you further. The format guide is most useful, the blank pages for story planning should be used often instead of blindly going at it without preparation; but some writing is better than procrastination.

There are sections about writing letters; pitching your screenplay and the possible deals you may be offered.

I like the part that helps you watch out for the scam artists, producers and directors!

This book is as good as Elliot Grove’s other titled ‘Lo to No Budget Filmmaking’. Have the two and you’ll have all you need to write, sell, make the movie and watch the profits come rolling in.