Screenwriting For Dummies^®

by Laura Schellhardt (Northwestern Univ., Chicago, Illinois); Foreword by: John Logan

• ISBN13: 9780764554865
• ISBN10: 0764554867
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2003-01-01
• Publisher: For Dummies

Summary

Includes all the essentials for writing a screenplay, from crafting dialogue to marketing a script Packed with easy-to-understand guidelines and writing projects, Screenwriting For Dummies makes film writing accessible to novices and helps more experienced writers improve their scripts. This engaging guide walks readers through the essential elements of every good screenplay, from character development, to creating a story, to writing compelling dialogue, to adopting a screenplay from a different source. It also includes all the specific formatting details that go into writing a visual screenplay from scripting character introductions, to writing the camera into the script, to creating a cinematic collage. In addition, Screenwriting For Dummies covers the important task of selling a screenplay, including tips for getting a spec script into the proper marketing format, protecting intellectual property rights, and securing an agent.

Author Biography

Laura Schellhardt holds degrees in screenwriting, playwriting, and poetry. Schellhardt has taught alongside Oscar nominee John Logan.

Table of Contents

Foreword.

Introduction.

Part I: So You Want to Write for Pictures.

Chapter 1: An Introduction to the Art of Screenwriting.

Chapter 2: Preparing to Think Visually.

Chapter 3: Diving Into the Screenwriter’s Mind.

Chapter 4: Approaching Screenwriting as a Craft.

Part II: Breaking Down the Elements of a Story.

Chapter 5: Unpacking Your Idea.

Chapter 6: Plot Part I: Beginnings.

Chapter 7: Plot Part II: Middles.

Chapter 8: Plot Part III: Endings.

Chapter 9: Character Building.

Chapter 10: Say What? Constructing Dynamic Dialogue.

Chapter 11: Maintaining an Audience’s Trust: A Screenwriter’s Responsibility.

Part III: Turning Your Story into a Script.

Chapter 12: Mapping Out Your Screenplay.

Chapter 13: Surviving Writer’s Block.

Chapter 14: Formatting Your Screenplay.

Chapter 15: Putting It Together: Structuring Your First Draft.

Chapter 16: Take Two: Rewriting Your Script.

Chapter 17: Adaptation and Collaboration: Two Alternate Ways to Work.

Part IV: Selling Your Script to Show Business.

Chapter 18: Before You Send It Out: Pre-Marketing Considerations.

Chapter 19: Getting Your Screenplay Noticed.

Part V: The Part of Tens.

Chapter 20: Ten Screenwriters You Should Know.

Chapter 21: Ten Movies You Should See and/or Read.

Chapter 22: Ten Screenwriting Myths.

Index.