Screenwriting - Top Recommendations
Recently I have taken polls through screenwriting friends and websites. I have compiled a list of book/blog/vlog recommendations from fellow screenwriters.
Everyone learns differently, so be sure to check out reviews of these books to understand the writers approach. Some will work for you, others won't, but hopefully there's at least one that speaks to you.
The order will end up being a little bit random, but the first five came recommended the most.
1.Your Screenplay Sucks: 100 Ways to Make It Great by Willam M Akers (4.5 stars on Amazon) Akers offers beginning writers the tools they need to get their screenplay noticed.
2.Inside Story by Dara Marks (5 stars on Amazon) "Marks doesn't spend most of her time rehashing and embellishing Syd Field's Screenplay, instead she turns her attention to some of the stickiest problems writers face -character growth, character flaws and thematic resonance."
3. Story: Style, Structure, Substance, and the Principles of Screenwriting by Robert McKee (4.5 stars on Amazon) McKee provides readers with the most comprehensive, integrated explanation of the craft of writing for the screen. No one better understands how all the elements of a screenplay fit together, and no one is better qualified to explain the "magic" of story construction and the relationship between structure and character than Robert McKee.
4.Save the Cat by Blake Snyder (4.5 stars on Amazon) This one has gotten a lot of attention (bad and good) for awhile now. For the beginner screenwriter, I found it helpful. Here's the description. This ultimate insider's guide reveals the secrets that none dare admit, told by a show biz veteran who's proven that you can sell your script if you can save the cat!
5. Books by Syd Field There's quite a few. I'll let you search online.
Here's the rest of the list. I would love to hear any additions you have or comments on the ones listed. I can keep updating this list!
21st Century Screenplay by Linda Aronson
Filmcourage (YouTube Channel)
Hitchcock/Truffaut by Francois Truffaut
How to Manage your Agent by Chad Gervich (Business side of things)
How to Write for Animation by Jeffrey Scott
How to Write Science Fiction and Fantasy by Orson Scott Card
Making Movies by Sidney Lumet
Screenwriting Blogs ListScreenwriter's Bible by David Trottier
Screenwriting for Hollywood by Michael Hague (Audiobook)
Teach Youself Screenwriting by Ray Frensham
Writing For Emotional Impact by Karl Iglesias
Source: filmyoda.com
Updated: 19-09-2014