-
Wondering which camera, gear, computer, or software to buy? Ask in our Gear Guide.
Books on screenwriting
- Thread starter Crippler
- Start date
Story: Substance, Structure, Style and The Principles of Screenwriting by Robert Mckee
and
Screenplay: The Foundations of Screenwriting,
The Screenwriter's Workbook,
The Screenwriter's Problem Solver, all by Syd Field
these are always by my desk
and
Screenplay: The Foundations of Screenwriting,
The Screenwriter's Workbook,
The Screenwriter's Problem Solver, all by Syd Field
these are always by my desk
I probably have every one ever published sitting on my shelf. I am currently reading Robert McKee's book (Story) mentioned above. John Truby's book, The Anatomy of Story, is also good for understanding the art of storytelling in general. And definitely look into Karl Iglesias's books. Writing for Emotional Impact is a must read for any aspiring screenwriter, IMO.
For script style and formatting (aside from Final Draft), I use The Hollywood Standard: The Complete and Authoritative Guide to Script Format and Style by Christopher Riley.
Other recommended reading:
The Writer's Journey by Christopher Vogler
The Hero with a Thousand Faces by Joseph Campbell
Save the Cat! by Blake Snyder
Creating Unforgettable Characters by Linda Segar
The Writer's Portable Therapist by Rachel Ballon (trust me, you'll need it
)
For script style and formatting (aside from Final Draft), I use The Hollywood Standard: The Complete and Authoritative Guide to Script Format and Style by Christopher Riley.
Other recommended reading:
The Writer's Journey by Christopher Vogler
The Hero with a Thousand Faces by Joseph Campbell
Save the Cat! by Blake Snyder
Creating Unforgettable Characters by Linda Segar
The Writer's Portable Therapist by Rachel Ballon (trust me, you'll need it
)
Last edited:
A great site from where you can learn all the basics about script writing is
http://www.filmscriptwriting.com/
http://www.filmscriptwriting.com/
Story by McKee is the best screenwriting book I've ever read (and I've read many).
I think a lot of people completely miss the points in the book. Unlike other books which usually offer up a formula, Story teaches you principles. You have to have the kind of mind where you read the material, and then think it over on your own, reread it, understand it, but also let it carry you into your own thoughts where you can come up with your own ideas on any given topic.
Again, it won't teach you a formula where you read it and try to copy it into your future script. Doesn't work that way, nor should it. You need to really think and get it.
Get some other book for actual technical writing instuction however. There are many books out there that will teach you formatting and writing style and the like.
Add: read scripts and watch movies. My personal advice is to read a few scripts at first to get a feel for the style. After that, focus more on watching as many films as you can.
I think a lot of people completely miss the points in the book. Unlike other books which usually offer up a formula, Story teaches you principles. You have to have the kind of mind where you read the material, and then think it over on your own, reread it, understand it, but also let it carry you into your own thoughts where you can come up with your own ideas on any given topic.
Again, it won't teach you a formula where you read it and try to copy it into your future script. Doesn't work that way, nor should it. You need to really think and get it.
Get some other book for actual technical writing instuction however. There are many books out there that will teach you formatting and writing style and the like.
Add: read scripts and watch movies. My personal advice is to read a few scripts at first to get a feel for the style. After that, focus more on watching as many films as you can.
http://www.screenwriting.info/
This site is very useful. Every element of screenwriting is broken down and explained.
This site is very useful. Every element of screenwriting is broken down and explained.