The Screenwriter's Bible, 6th Edition: A Complete Guide To Writing, Formatting, And Selling Your Script (Expanded & Updated) Download Free (EPUB, PDF)
The 20th anniversary edition of one of the most popular, authoritative, and useful books on screenwriting. A standard by which other screenwriting books are measured, it has sold over 200,000 copies in its twenty-year life. Always up-to-date and reliable, it contains everything that both the budding and working screenwriter need under one cover five books in one!A Screenwriting Primer that provides a concise course in screenwriting basics;A Screenwriting Workbook that walks you through the complete writing process, from nascent ideas through final revisions;A Formatting Guide that thoroughly covers today s correct formats for screenplays and TV scripts;A Spec Writing Guide that demonstrates today s spec style through sample scenes and analysis, with an emphasis on grabbing the reader s interest in the first ten pages;A Sales and Marketing Guide that presents proven strategies to help you create a laser-sharp marketing plan.Among this book s wealth of practical information are sample query letters, useful worksheets and checklists, hundreds of examples, sample scenes, and straightforward explanations of screenwriting fundamentals. The sixth edition is chock-full of new examples, the latest practices, and new material on non-traditional screenplay outlets.
Paperback: 430 pages
Publisher: Silman-James Press; 6 edition (February 25, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1935247107
ISBN-13: 978-1935247104
Product Dimensions: 1 x 8.5 x 10.8 inches
Shipping Weight: 2.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (156 customer reviews)
Best Sellers Rank: #7,443 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #5 in Books > Textbooks > Humanities > Performing Arts > Film & Television #5 in Books > Humor & Entertainment > Movies > Video > Reference #5 in Books > Humor & Entertainment > Movies > Reference
This is the third edition of this book that I've purchased since I first became interested in screenwriting. The instructional portion continues to impress me and it has been updated to reflect new "rules" since the last edition. The book is actually divided into five books - how to write a screenplay, a workbook of 7 steps to a stunning script, proper formatting technique, writing & revising, and a marketing plan for selling your script. I recommend this book for all levels of writers, particularly beginners. It's an easy, enjoyable read. The large print is easy on the eyes. This is a very inexpensive book in light of all the information contained in it. If I could give it more than five stars, I would.
I have two past editions of this book and will purchase this one via Kindle. If you ask someone who writes screenplays what is a good book on the subject you will get different answers, but generally 5 seven titles are staples. I think most would agree this is the best book on structure and since 90% of screenplays are not even read because of structure you have to know it. Screenwriting software helps a great deal, but you still have to know it. Besides good screenwriting software isnât cheap. Every topic in this book is useful. Other screenwriting books you purchase will go on the self, but this one will stay on your desk. Now write, the world is waiting for your story:)
Step by step this book takes you through the process of screenwriting, with emphasis on all of the scary bits - writing dialog, setting a scene, and character development. It is clear and it is concise, but it is not boring...the writing is engaging and light, making screenwriting seem within reach, even for a beginner.
I've used Trottier's "Bible" since starting out as an aspiring screenwriter in Illinois over ten years ago when the cover was blue - I haven't the slightest clue what edition that was but it was my first - and of all the books I've read to hone my craft the "Bible" has consistently been a must have merely as a reference if nothing else. Having lived and worked as a writer professionally for over half a decade now and living in Los Angeles over a decade I could tell you without a doubt a single book isn't going to turn anyone into a writer overnight. I happen to fall in the Hemingway camp believing writer's are born not made, however with screenwriting it would have to be the one medium of writing with "rules" and the bible explains the rules but doesn't preach them like your typical McKee or Cyd Fields Book - not that I'm knocking either one of the two gentlemen in fact I will always be grateful to Cyd Fields paradigm system (may he rest in peace). Anyway back on point, Trottier's "Bible" is great for all levels and talents from novice to Michael Mann (not saying he himself endorses this book in anyway, I'm simply referencing him as the top tier of writing talents however if he has the bible I wouldn't be surprised) because if nothing else this book contains everything us pro's have forgotten about screenwriting as the saying goes.Personally for me I use the Bible simply as a reference for those tricky, not every day tools such as "Inserts" etc. Not only does the bible help provide a more simple way to put idea to page but it shows the industry standard not one person's trick. Not having read the bible cover to cover in over a decade I can't speak to his journey in teaching the fundamentals of structure and plot but from what I recall from earlier editions he references films most everyone has seen to show examples. This newest edition references newer movies which I'd actually consider the one fault of the book as in my personal and humble opinion I don't feel the future screenwriters of the world should be taking notes from the trash on the silver screen today but rather we should preserve and reference the classics from the 40's-90's when film-making was still about telling great stories and not just selling popcorn and putting butts in seats. You can't write in 3D after all.All in all Trottier puts together a good product here which is cut up into separate books to cover everything from fundamentals to selling your final product. However from professional experience it's important to keep in mind screenwriting isn't a get rich quick scheme. You're not going to read this book, send out a query letter, and be rich and famous the following day, It takes elbow grease. Rewrites. Patience. Rejection. Rejection. And More Rejection... and a lot of luck. All and all this is a fine reference book which a writer can hold onto throughout his entire career and realistically use here and there but it's not the only book out there on screenwriting and I don't suggest sticking only to this one. Feed yourself with as much you can and hone your craft by writing every day and if you ever get stuck or don't quite know how to efficiently and best show your audience what's in your head flip through this "bible" and I'm sure you'll find something. Good luck.
We've used this as or go-to formatting guide in school for half a decade, and this updated version includes indispensable additions. Most notably, the 'Formatting' section contains updates for multi-cam sitcom writing, updates for tv writing in general, including multiple timelines, rapidly changing points of view, and short montages. The last version was our bible, but this new version has replaced it. In my opinion, this is the most helpful and complete formatting guide in print. Essential for any person writing for feature or television.
I received the 5th Edition as a gift and knew nothing about screen writing when I received it. I now own the 6th Edition. The book is written in user friendly manner. I feel that the books contains a wealth of knowledge on a subject that I knew nothing about.The book is sectioned off with specific topics but I just started on page one and read cover to cover. Love this book.When I start something new I always seek the most knowledgeable source/best in the industry....and after much research this is the best. Would recommend this book to others.
Two important main areas for writers at all levels, story and character fundamentals and, most importantly, formatting rules - how your sript must look on the page. Good and proper formatting makes for an easier and faster read. There's a third section on selling one's script but the first two are really offer the backbone of screenplay writing. Other advice is thrown in here and there too. An invaluable tool in any writers bookshelf.
I am so freaking happy I bought this book! I have so many books at home on this subject, but this actually has a plan inside it on writing the screenplay, which is unlike the many other books that I have on this same subject. I also bought Dr Format, by Dave Trottier, which I think is going to be great as well. Seriously, this book is everything I had wanted my other books to be. I don't think anyone would regret buying this book.
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