Are you a budding screenwriter just beginning to learn the craft? Or an experienced writer needing a brush-up? Or just an ordinary Joe/Jane peeking under the hood of how movies are made? Regardless, there's a jungle of material -- books, DVDs, websites -- that wants to teach you how. But where to start?
There's no better way to learn than to read scripts. Lots and lots of them. Some are commercially available from your local bookstore. There are also several websites where you can find things for free: Drew's Script-o-rama, SimplyScripts, and JoBlo are but a few. One word of caution: Avoid transcriptions. You want the real scripts!
FORMATTING
As you begin writing, make sure you use the correct format. If you use a screenwriting software like Final Draft or Movie Magic, a lot of the work is done for you. But it's still worthwhile to pick up a manual to make sure you get it right. The Hollywood Standard by Christopher Riley is decent enough.
Why does format matter so much? Readers have to read many scripts a day. They expect certain formatting, because it helps them stay “in the zone.” If you deviate too far from the standard, you’re going to tick some of them off –- and they won’t like your piece for that reason alone. Not exactly fair, but that’s how it is.
WRITING MOVIES
With screenwriting books, there seems to be two overall schools of approach: the first takes a practical attitude, stressing mechanics and "do what works." The second takes a more ethereal "connect to your inner myth-creator and roar" angle. It's entirely a matter of taste which one you prefer. Personally, I'm firmly in the practical camp.
With that in mind, here are my recommendations for the materials I've found the most helpful. The people here oughtta pay me. But they don't.
1. Save the Cat! by Blake Snyder
Maybe not the last screenwriting book you'll read, but certainly the best. If you want to write something with an actual shot at getting made and, more importantly, that people will want to see, this is a must. The book presents and fresh take on the script structure model (first suggested by Syd Field). But the truly interesting part is the unique take on genre and types of story, a theme explored further in the sequel Save the Cat! Goes to the Movies. The third installment in the series, Save the Cat! Strikes Back, adds new points and wraps up topics from the first two. Though the tone can come off as glib, for my money Mr. Snyder is rarely wrong. All three are well worth reading.
Sadly, Mr. Snyder passed away unexpectedly in 2009, but the folks over at his website continue the good work.
2. Crafty Screenwriting by Alex Epstein
A close second. Mr. Epstein's background as a development executive gives him insight into what works in the marketplace. A clear focus (again) on creating something that people other than yourself may actually be interested in. His site is here.
3. The Hero's Two Journeys (DVD) with Michael Hague and Chris Vogler
A video-recording of the two gurus teaching a class on outer (plot) and inner (character) story structure, this DVD lecture is a mixed bag for me. I find Mr. Hague's insights incredibly useful, while I do not respond to Mr. Vogler's presentation. But worth seeing for Mr. Hague. You can find his site here. And speaking of him...
4. A tie:
Writing Screenplays That Sell by Michael Hauge
Teach Yourself Screenwriting by Raymond G. Frensham
The two best books for beginners to learn the basics. Perhaps a little meat-and-potatoes. But I like meat and potatoes!
5. Screenwriting: The Sequence Approach by Paul Joseph Gulino
An excellent book for folks who already have a thorough understanding of traditional 3-act structure -- I wouldn't read this first, if I were just starting out. While the material here may purport to "replace" the 3 acts, it really expands and clarifies the concept.
6. Your Screenplay Sucks by William M. Akers
One of the better re-write guides out there. (And the re-write stage is of course where the real work is done.) A check-list of 100 things to do to improve a script, ranging from common-sense items to deeper advice. Mr. Akers' site can be found here.
... Wait, why am I such a movie-snob? What about:
WRITING TELEVISION
1. Crafty TV Writing by Alex Epstein
Given the large amount of screenwriting books out there, it's odd there aren't more quality information about writing TV. There are differences. Mr. Epstein's companion-piece to Crafty Screenwriting is the only one I've seen that actually discusses TV act-structure in any detail.
ONCE IT'S WRITTEN...
... You're going to want to sell it, right? You'll need these.
1. How To Sell Your Screenplay by Lydia Wilen & Joan Wilen
The selling bible. Incredibly comprehensive, and though it's been around a few years, it still feels current. Hats off to the Wilen sisters!
2. Selling Your Story in 60 Seconds by Michael Hague
Some final love for Mr. Hague. A guide to constructing the various types/lengths of pitches. You're not going to get far without knowing how to do this, and Mr. Hague's guide is as solid as they come.
FORMATTING
As you begin writing, make sure you use the correct format. If you use a screenwriting software like Final Draft or Movie Magic, a lot of the work is done for you. But it's still worthwhile to pick up a manual to make sure you get it right. The Hollywood Standard by Christopher Riley is decent enough.
WRITING MOVIES
With screenwriting books, there seems to be two overall schools of approach: the first takes a practical attitude, stressing mechanics and "do what works." The second takes a more ethereal "connect to your inner myth-creator and roar" angle. It's entirely a matter of taste which one you prefer. Personally, I'm firmly in the practical camp.
With that in mind, here are my recommendations for the materials I've found the most helpful. The people here oughtta pay me. But they don't.
1. Save the Cat! by Blake Snyder
2. Crafty Screenwriting by Alex Epstein
3. The Hero's Two Journeys (DVD) with Michael Hague and Chris Vogler
4. A tie:
Writing Screenplays That Sell by Michael Hauge
Teach Yourself Screenwriting by Raymond G. Frensham
5. Screenwriting: The Sequence Approach by Paul Joseph Gulino
6. Your Screenplay Sucks by William M. Akers
... Wait, why am I such a movie-snob? What about:
WRITING TELEVISION
1. Crafty TV Writing by Alex Epstein
Given the large amount of screenwriting books out there, it's odd there aren't more quality information about writing TV. There are differences. Mr. Epstein's companion-piece to Crafty Screenwriting is the only one I've seen that actually discusses TV act-structure in any detail.
ONCE IT'S WRITTEN...
... You're going to want to sell it, right? You'll need these.
1. How To Sell Your Screenplay by Lydia Wilen & Joan Wilen
The selling bible. Incredibly comprehensive, and though it's been around a few years, it still feels current. Hats off to the Wilen sisters!
2. Selling Your Story in 60 Seconds by Michael Hague
