Elements of Style for Screenwriters: The Essential Manual for Writers of Screenplays

by Paul M. Argentini

Book Overview

In the grand tradition of Strunk and White's Elements of Style , Paul Argentini presents an essential reference masterpiece in screenwriting. He provides clear and concise principles of screenplay... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1580650031
• ISBN13: 9781580650038
• Release Date: September 1998
• Publisher: Clarkson Potter/Ten Speed
• Length: 176 Pages
• Weight: 0.60 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 5.6" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

THE Screenplay Writer's Guide

If you're into writing screenplays, this is THE Essential Screenplay Writer's Guide. I used it to write a couple of screenplays for Triggerstreet.com. In all of the feedback I received, not one person knocked the style of my works.

Easy to understand..

Paul Argentini's Elements of Style covers the bulk of the details required for those who want to make up a decent screenplay consistent with accepted formatting standards.. It also covers stage plays. The creation of a screenplay template for word processors is discussed, but few details are given on how to do this. But - to be fair - this is different from version and vendor, so it's a minor point. Creating macros in Word 95 and 2000, for example, is a different procedure for each one, the 20000 version being less than obvious.For the more ambitious student, I would recommend getting the Cole and Haag book. It's more comprehensive, explains the general background to screenplays, and has many examples of real screenplays, with worked exercises.

informative

this book has pretty much all the elements and their defenitions of screenwriting.it explains with clarity what the purpose of that term is on the screenplay.you should try "the screenwriters bible" by david trottier to get a full explanation of what it takes to write screenplays.

Packed infor beyond formatting

In a cover resembling the classic Stunk and White's Elements of Style, Paul's little gold book lives up to its predecessor. Packing its lean pages with up-to-date formatting information, it also adds tidbits like, how to submit a screenplay, bind a manuscript, or register your screenplay. You can read it cover to cover or thumb through its alphabetized pages for a quick fix to your problem. As the cover states it indeed is "The Essentail Manual for Writers of Screenplays." At a bargain price, it is worth keeping with your Strunk and White. It's the best I've read. Playwrites also take note. Elements of Style for Screenwriters includes a special section for play scribes.

I will always keep this book within arms' reach!

So easy to understand. Comprehensive and clear. Paul Argentini understands the world of screenwriting. Thank you for writing this much needed book!