Script Partners: What Makes Film and TV Writing Teams Work

by Claudia Johnson and Matt Stevens

This book brings together the experience, knowledge, techniques, and wisdom of many of our most successful writing teams for film and television. Includes interviews with successful collaborators from film and TV.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0941188752
• ISBN13: 9780941188753
• Release Date: February 2003
• Publisher: Michael Wiese Productions
• Length: 298 Pages
• Weight: 0.65 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 6.1" x 9.6"

Customer Reviews

A Great Addition to Any Writer's Library

In the interest of full disclosure, I should say first that Matt Stevens and I are long-time friends. That noted, I can honestly say that "Screen Partners: What Makes Film and TV Writing Teams Work" is one of the most useful and entertaining books on writing that I've ever read, and I've read quite a few. By focusing on how screenwriting teams operate, Johnson and Stevens provide not only a view into the inner workings of the collaborative artistic relationship, but also an original, engaging and illuminating look at the craft of screenwriting. Any working or would-be screenwriting team can certainly benefit by reading (and re-reading) this text, while even the most dedicated "go it alone" soloist may be inspired to keep his/her eyes open for the right writing partner after reading this book. Writing in a personable and humorous style, Johnson and Stevens generously share what they've learned about collaboration during the course of their own artistic partnership, and they extensively quote other working writers and writing teams that they interviewed for the book. Occasionally, scenes or snippets from finished scripts are included to further illuminate certain points. The book follows a clear, straightforward structure as Johnson and Stevens explore collaborative screenwriting from every angle. First, they focus the hows and whys, with three chapters that identify the various mental and creative benefits of collaboration, explain how writers go about finding appropriate partners, and explore how teams decide when, where and how to get the actual writing done. The middle section of the book focuses on the work itself, with four chapters dedicated to choice of project, character development, story development and structure, and drafting of the script. The last two chapters address a range of creative and business issues that every writing team should seriously consider up-front, from how to handle disagreements to how to split the money to how to part if the collaboration ends. Additional material includes useful checklists of "Screen Partner Points" that follow each chapter as well as the to-be-expected Introduction, Afterword, Filmography, etc. While a fast reader can make pretty quick work of this book, it's chock-full of thoughtful, useful material that screenwriters and screenwriting teams can return to again and again for support, ideas and inspiration.

A True Pleasure!

Let's be honest here. Although I may toy with the idea of writing a great screenplay, the truth is that I probably never will. That being said, I must say that this book was an absolute delight to read! The 'insider' stories were funny and fascinating. I found myself reveling in the anecdotes and in the authors' self-deprecating humor. I thought I'd find the book mildly interesting, since I'm not really and truly in the industry. However, I was pleased to discover that the material was thoroughly engaging and had me laughing out loud on more than one occasion. In the event that I ever decide to get serious about writing, this book will be an invaluable source of information. Thank you Matt and Claudia...for giving us an definitive alternative to sitting in front of a computer screen just waiting for wisdom to spring forth! I am quite sure I will never again underestimate the value of a good kick in the pants (nor the unwavering support) from a 'script partner'!

Can't put it down

Often script writing how-to books are intimidating and off putting. They make the reader feel as though writing is impossible and scary whereas Johnson and Stevens make me feel encouraged. This book is written in such a welcoming and conversational tone that as one reviewer put it, I too feel as though I am chatting with the writers, wine in hand, with a warm fire as background music. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is venturing into the world as a writer. If you have a writing partner, you'll be further convinced that the duet is the way to go. If you're writing solo, you'll soon be shopping for a partner.

So, could I get a autographed copy?

I read this book from perhaps a different perspective than the previous reviewers. I am a theatre artist (read "actor") who works closely with New Play development and finds the concept of collaboration fascinating and necessary. The tone of the book was refreshing--I felt as if I were in the same room with the authors and their subjects, sharing a glass of wine over interesting conversation. I thought the book was very accessible for non-writers and found a great deal of truth in their observations about working together. Most importantly for me and my work, I felt enlightened about that magical and mystical process of writing. A great read.

Advice & Info For the Team Approach

SCRIPT PARTNERS is aptly written by writing partners who've taken the time to collect the information, advice and anecdotes from writers who've experienced the ups and downs of working with partners. It's a book whose time is long overdue, but will be welcomed with open arms by all writers who've either worked as part of a team or are considering the collaborative process of scribing. Insightful and seasoned with humor for good measure!