A Quick Guide to Screenwriting by Ray Morton
Release Date: May 9, 2013
Publisher: Limelight Editions
Genre: Performing Arts
ISBN: 978-0879108045
Source: Received from Publisher
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The Quick Guide to Screenwriting is the ultimate reference manual to the art, craft, and business of writing for the movies. In a series of brief but comprehensive segments, the book covers the entire process of creating a film script, from conceiving the initial idea, to developing the story, to producing a polished and professional final draft. Covered topics include the history of screenwriting; commercial vs. “personal” writing; the three basic types of screenplays; how to brainstorm ideas; developing and structuring a story; the techniques of cinematic storytelling; screenplay style and formatting; essential tools of the screenwriting trade; the seven basic steps to writing a screenplay; important screenwriting dos and don’ts; how to get quality feedback and then use it to improve your work; and the business of screenwriting, including copyright and registration of finished material, the function of agents and managers, the Writers Guild, contracts, the development process, and how to bring your work to the attention of the industry. Written in smart, reader-friendly prose, the book is chock-full of the vital information, helpful tips, and keen advice that will help you make your script the best it can be.
If you’re thinking about writing a screenplay and are not sure about how or where to start, A Quick Guide to Screenwriting is the book for you. There’s nothing new here for people who are familiar with how screenplays work and the bones of writing a good screenplay but if you need a refresher, you can read this in one sitting as well. This book is divided into ten chapters and covers everything from the history of screenwriting and constructing the plot of your screenplay to formatting and what to do once your screenplay is written and polished. I loved the format of the book, it was very easy to follow and hit just enough of the major points to get you on your way!
Since this is such a quick guide, it is impossible to cover everything there is to know about the business but it’s a good start. I admit, I was taken aback by how quickly certain issues were mentioned in the history of screenwriting chapter. A lot is brushed over and there’s not much time to get into everything, so the opening chapter did make me laugh a bit. Other times, I found myself intrigued with the examples that were used in the book whether it be about the premise, storytelling devices, etc… This book is very basic, simple and to the point, kind of like a dive. All in all, this is a great tool for beginners but please know that this is literally just the beginning. There is so much more to learn about craft and the business but for a quick introduction to set you on your way, A Quick Guide to Screenwriting is a great book to pick up!
Own A Quick Guide to Screenwriting by Ray Morton today.