The Screenwriter's Bible: A Complete Guide to Writing, Formatting, and Selling Your Script

by Trottier, David

• ISBN13: 9781879505841
• ISBN10: 1879505843
• Edition: 4th
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2005-08-20
• Publisher: SILMAN-JAMES PRESS

Summary

This is six books in one. Book 1 -- A screenwriting primer that provides a concise presentation of screenwriting basics. Book 2 -- A workbook that walks the writer through the writing process, from nascent ideas through revisions. Book 3 -- A formatting guide that presents correct formats for both screenplays and TV scripts. Book 4 -- A spec writing guide that demonstrates today's spec style through sample scenes and analysis. Book 5 -- A sales and marketing guide that presents proven strategies to help you create a laser-sharp marketing plan. Book 6 -- A resource guide that provides addresses and contacts for industry organisations, schools, publications, support groups, services, contests, etc. Among its wealth of practical information are sample query letters, useful worksheets and checklists, hundreds of examples, sample scenes, and straightforward explanations of screenwriting fundamentals.

Table of Contents

How to Write a Screenplay-A Primer
How stories work	p. 3
Situation, conflict, and resolution-the flow of the story	p. 10
The low-down on high concept	p. 23
Story-layering, plot, and genre	p. 30
Ten keys to creating captivating characters	p. 43
Theme	p. 59
Dialogue, subtext, and exposition	p. 62
How to make a scene	p. 68
Suspense, comedy, and television	p. 73
7 Steps to a Stunning Script-A Workbook
About this workbook	p. 83
Summon your Muse	p. 84
Dream up your movie idea	p. 87
Develop your core story	p. 92
Create your movie people	p. 96
Step-out your story	p. 99
Write your first draft	p. 101
Make the necessary revisions	p. 102
Proper Formatting Technique-A Style Guide
How to use this guide to craft a compelling and professional screenplay	p. 113
Sample script	p. 118
Formatting in a nutshell	p. 122
Overall screenplay appearance	p. 123
Headings (slug lines)	p. 129
Narrative description	p. 146
Dialogue	p. 166
How to format TV scripts	p. 186
Glossary	p. 194
Formatting index	p. 195
Writing & Revising Your Breakthrough Script-A Script Consultant's View
The spec script-your key to breaking in	p. 201
Key principles and exercises in revising scenes	p. 202
When to break formatting rules	p. 228
The first ten pages	p. 233
How to Sell Your Script-A Marketing Plan
Five steps to selling your work	p. 257
Protect your work	p. 258
Prepare your script for market	p. 262
Assemble your selling tools	p. 268
Create your strategic marketing plan	p. 272
Implement your plan	p. 294
How to find an agent	p. 294
Crafting the query	p. 299
How to pitch without striking out	p. 315
Synopses, treatments, and outlines	p. 325
How to sell your script without an agent	p. 334
Television and Hollywood's back door	p. 351
How to break into Hollywood when you live in Peoria	p. 358
A personal challenge	p. 359
Resources and General Index
Resources	p. 363
General Index	p. 374
Table of Contents provided by Ingram. All Rights Reserved.