The Complete Idiot's Guide to Screenwriting: 4

by Skip Press

Book Overview

Written by someone who has been there, done that, suffered every blow, taken every wrong turn and lived to tell the tale, this is a comprehensive guide to the world of screenwriting and how to succeed in it.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0028639448
• ISBN13: 9780028639444
• Release Date: November 2000
• Publisher: Alpha Books
• Length: 365 Pages
• Weight: 1.48 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 7.3" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

Complete Idiots Guide To Screenwriting

Well, Skip Press has done it once more...written a very good descriptive plan for any potential screenwriter to follow. Although he does conflict with a few other similar writers, it's hard to knock his accomplishments. This is an excellent book, easily recommended.

Ever wondered what a screenwriter is?

Have you ever wondered what a screenwriter is and how one writes for the screen?Prior to my reading this book I had no idea how a screenwriter went about practicing his craft. In all honesty the only knowledge I had of screenwriters is their name flashing on either a movie screen or a television screen. Who are these writers, what do they do, how do they write for the screen? All of these questions are very effectively dealt with in The Complete Idiot's Guide to Screenwriting authored by Skip Press.Skip Press may not be a household name, however, he has had extensive experience in many forms of media such as radio, television, screen, stage, CD and the World Wide Web. He was also a Silver Medal Winner at the New York International Film Festival.The guide is written in a crisp clear style that cuts away all of the fat and gets right down to the fundamental elements of effective screen writing.As soon as you open the book you are presented with a tear out reference card outlining the ten mistakes made by the novice screenwriter: lack of knowledge of the history of drama and filmmaking, how does Hollywood work, ignorance of Hollywood tradition, not writing from derivative material, not understanding core demographics of movie going audiences, screen plays that are not properly formatted, misunderstanding concepts of conflict of sex and violence, ignorance of the Hollywood vocabulary, ignorance of screenplay structure and failure to rewrite until it is acceptable.With these ten topics or building blocks in mind the author, as he states, "endeavours to furnish the reader with a blueprint in order to build a cinematic world." In other words, if you are going to write a screenplay, here are the materials needed in order that it will be read and accepted and eventually may perhaps thrill us all.The topics are divided into five distinct sections: the evolution of storytelling, what to write, how to write the screenplay, post-script possibilities and it's all in the details.Each chapter is preceded with a short outline indicating exactly what the author intends to convey to the reader. This is followed by the actual explanation of each of the concepts and ending with a resumé the author calls "the least you need to know."For example, if you refer to the history of screenwriting section we are presented with a brief synopsis of what the Greeks, Romans, Christians and Italians contributed and why it is very important to understand their contributions. We are then presented with a more in depth study of these contributions and finally what we should try to remember when we are using the information in our screenwriting.To liven up the information and as an added feature there are sidebars sprinkled throughout each chapter giving us various tips and interesting Hollywood tidbits. For example," Chekhov believed that if you had a gun hanging over a fireplace, the gun should be used during the play. If it is not used, don't write it in. Such attention to detail g

THAT'S THE TICKET

I highly recommend this well-organised book to anyone who wants to learn the rudiments of screenwriting and beyond. I had several ideas for possible screenplays and didn't know where to get started. My daughter is working in the movies, but she was and is busy working on major Hollywood films. She had formal college education on filmmaking. I talked to her several times while reading the book. Every time she gave me advice, it would mirror something I had already read or subsequently read in the book. I am in the process of writing three screenplays following the advice from this book. I also refer to it often, as it is filled with links to other sources of valuable information. As a bonus, when you buy one of Skip Press' books, he sends a regular newsletter filled with interesting and useful information.

INSIGHTFUL & WITTY - THE PERFECT BOOK FOR A STARTER

Beginning screenwriters... this is a must!A wonderful piece of information at your fingertips. Skip provides the most important details needed to start, sell or just simply write a script for fun.The book contains side-notes from Skip himself, providing helpful information on what to do and not to do in Hollywood.If you're a novice or an expert, The Complete Idiots Guide to Screenwriting should sit in your office.

A superb book for the aspiring screenwriter!

"The Complete Idiot's Guide to Screenwriting" is a phenomenal overview of the increasingly popular field of screenwriting, and it is written with care, compassion, and expertise by Skip Press. Like his earlier book, "Writer's Guide to Hollywood Producers, Directors and Screenwriting Agents," this volume is chock-full of helpful advice, thoughtful analysis, and best of all, LOTS of website resources that would take hours to find on your own. Like the very best books, it will inspire you, as it has me, and I know that the screenplay I'm writing now will be better as a result of my having read this book.If your budget is limited, buy this book, along with Robert McKee's "Story" and Christopher Vogler's "The Writer's Journey." You'll be well-equipped to begin your own journey with these fine volumes.Five stars!