20 Best Books About Screenwriting (2023 Update)

For the first time in book form, robert mckee's story reveals the award-winning methods of the man universally regarded as the world's premier screenwriting teacher. for more than 17 years, robert mckee's students have been taking hollywood's top honors. his story structure seminar is the ultimate class for screenwriters and filmmakers, playing to packed auditoriums across the world and boasting more than 35,000 graduates. with hollywood currently paying record sums for great stories — and audiences clamoring for originality — this book is the weapon you need to win the war on clichés and to get your story from page to screen. unlike other popular approaches to screenwriting, story is about form, not formula. employing examples from more than 100 films, mckee imparts a philosophy that reaches beyond rigid rules to identify the more elusive components that distinguish quality stories from the rest of the pack. beginning with basic definitions (what is a beat? a scene? a scene sequence? an act climax? a film climax?), mckee not only brilliantly unravels the mysteries of standard three-act dramatic structures but also demystifies atypical structures such as two-act, seven-act, and even eight-act films, exposing the limitations of each genre; spotlighting the importance of theme, setting, and atmosphere; and highlighting the importance of character versus characterization. but this book goes well beyond the essential mechanics of screenwriting. from concept through final manuscript, story elevates writing from an intellectual exercise to an emotional one, transforming the craft of screenwriting into an art form by carefully exploring the subtler considerations at work in film, such as the nature of irony and the symbolic power of image systems. packed with examples from such film classics as casablanca and chinatown, mckee expertly dissects classic scenes, guiding us step-by-step as only he can to reveal not only how a scene works but why it works, getting beyond the fundamentals of composition to the enduring values and conflicts that separate the classics from the clichés. this insightful, practical book has become the gospel for screenwriters everywhere. hollywood studios don't buy great ideas — they buy great stories that can capture an audience's imagination. and no one has helped more writers turn great ideas into great stories into great screenplays than robert mckee. – jacket flap.

Hollywood's premier teacher of screenwriting shares the secrets of writing and selling successful screenplays in this perfect gift for aspiring screenwriters. anyone fortunate enough to win a seat in professor richard walter's legendary class at ucla film school can be confident their career has just taken a quantum leap forward. his students have written more than ten projects for steven spielberg alone, plus hundreds of other hollywood blockbusters and prestigious indie productions, including two oscar winners for best original screenplay—milk (2008) and sideways (2006). in this updated edition, walter integrates his highly coveted lessons and principles from screenwriting with material from his companion text, the whole picture, and includes new advice on how to turn a raw idea into a great movie or tv script-and sell it. there is never a shortage of aspiring screenwriters, and this book is their bible.

Screenwriting made simple. the guide for every screenwriter is one of the most efficient instruction manuals on the craft. this book cuts past the verbose exposition, and gets straight to work, delivering sample-driven outlines and templates that anyone can follow. it is quick to use and apply to your work as a side-by-side checklist for the writing process. this is the book for anyone looking to write a screenplay and for any professional needing a refresher.

Writing for the screen is quirky business. a writer must labor meticulously over his or her prose, yet very little of that prose is ever heard by filmgoers. the few words that do reach the audience, in the form of the characters' dialogue, are, according to robert mckee, best left to last in the writing process. in this book, mckee puts into book form what he has been teaching screenwriters for years in his seminar on story structure, which is considered by many to be a prerequisite to the film biz. legions of writers flock to hollywood in search of easy money, calculating the best way to get rich quick. this book is not for them. mckee is passionate about the art of screenwriting. no one needs yet another recipe book on how to reheat hollywood leftovers, he writes. story is a true path to just such a rediscovery. in it, mckee offers so much sound advice, drawing from sources as wide ranging as aristotle and casablanca, stanislavski and chinatown, that it is impossible not to come away feeling immeasurably better equipped to write a screenplay and infinitely more inspired to write a brilliant one.

Master the craft of screenwriting–12 steps to bring your creative vision to the screen it can be difficult to find a modern resource that teaches you the nuts and bolts of screenwriting while also allowing you the freedom to creatively thrive. this guide distills the craft of screenwriting into 12 key elements, from developing your story to revising and rewriting, plus plenty of inspiration to create your own screenplay with confidence. discover what to expect within the film industry and how it has evolved. look behind the scenes at iconic films using a classic structure of screenwriting, along with experimental films from innovative writers that have transcended the rules and paved their own way to the silver screen. then, get to the exciting part–writing–using a dozen tried-and-true rules of the trade. this screenwriting guide includes: filmmaker's dozen–from loglines to creating a compelling character to root for, you'll find 12 fundamental but flexible steps to help you craft a powerful, creative screenplay. topline terminology–navigate the film biz like a pro with need-to-know hollywood jargon, plus troubleshooting tips for any screenwriting hiccups along the way. film archive–from william goldman's the princess bride to taika waititi's jojo rabbit, discover emerging and timeless screenwriting techniques used in hollywood blockbusters, micro-budget films, and more. take your story from creative conception to complete script with this modern, 12-step approach to screenwriting.

A step-by-step guide from concept to finished script. here are easily understood guidelines to make film writing accessible to novices and to help practiced writers improve their scripts. syd field pinpoints the structural and stylistic elements essential to every good screenplay. he presents a step-by-step, comprehensive technique for writing the script that will succeed.

You want to be a screenwriter. you've read all the screenwriting books. but you're left wanting more. – here is a fresh book written by a screenwriter who has spent years in the trenches. – that's not the way it works is a no holds barred look at the craft and business of screenwriting, told in a "let's sit down and chat over a cup (or pot) of coffee" manner. – so grab a cup of coffee and start reading. – you'll get the inside scoop from a screenwriter who had more than a dozen proudced screenplays between movies and television.

In a world awash in screenwriting books, the science of screenwriting provides an alternative approach that will help the aspiring screenwriter navigate this mass of often contradictory advice: exploring the science behind storytelling strategies. paul gulino, author of the best-selling screenwriting: the sequence approach, and connie shears, a noted cognitive psychologist, build, chapter-by-chapter, an understanding of the human perceptual/cognitive processes, from the functions of our eyes and ears bringing real world information into our brains, to the intricate networks within our brains connecting our decisions and emotions. they draw on a variety of examples from film and television — the social network, silver linings playbook and breaking bad — to show how the human perceptual process is reflected in the storytelling strategies of these filmmakers. they conclude with a detailed analysis of one of the most successful and influential films of all time, star wars, to discover just how it had the effect that it had.

All writing is rewriting. but what do you change, and how do you change it? all screenplays have problems. they happened to die hard: with a vengeance and broken arrow-and didn't get fixed, leaving the films flawed. they nearly shelved platoon-until oliver stone rewrote the first ten pages and created a classic. they happen to every screenwriter. but good writers see their problems as a springboard to creativity. now bestselling author syd field, who works on over 1,000 screenplays a year, tells you step-by-step how to identify and fix common screenwriting problems, providing the professional secrets that make movies brilliant-secrets that can make your screenplay one headed for success…or even cannes. learn how to: – understand what makes great stories work – make your screenplay work in the first ten pages, using thelma & louise and dances with wolves as models – use a "dream assignment" to let your creative self break free overnight – make action build character, the way quentin tarantino does – recover when you hit the "wall"-and overcome writer's block forever

Are you finally committed to writing that novel or screenplay, but have no idea how to get started? or are you a published author, but know you need some plotting help to move your books and career up to that next level? you can write better books and scripts-by learning from the movies. screenwriting is based on a simple (and powerful) structure that you already know from watching so many movies and television shows in your lifetime. and it's a structure that your reader or audience unconsciously expects, and is crucial for you to deliver. in this textbook of the internationally acclaimed screenwriting tricks for authors workshop, award-winning author/screenwriter alexandra sokoloff will show you how to jump-start your plot and bring your characters and scenes vibrantly alive on the page by watching your favorite movies and learning from the storytelling tricks of great filmmakers: -the high concept premise -the three-act, eight-sequence structure -the storyboard grid -the index card method of plotting -the setpiece scene -techniques of film pacing and suspense, character arc and drive, visual storytelling, and building image systems. based on the internationally acclaimed screenwriting tricks for authors workshops and blog, this new print edition incorporates all the basic information from the first screenwriting tricks for authors workbook and doubles the material, including ten full story breakdowns. the textbook-quality edition is 8 x 10 inches and lies open flat for easy highlighting and note-taking. alex dissects the elements of story-telling with clarity, wit and wisdom. don't thank me-buy the damn book!" -mary kay andrews, new york times bestselling author of ladies' night and summer rental "i'd already written fifteen novels by the time i met alex and discovered her unique approach to structuring fiction. she changed my entire writing process for the better. i couldn't live without my three-act storyboard! alex is a gifted and generous teacher and author, and stealing hollywood is a must-have book for new and seasoned writers alike." -international bestselling author diane chamberlain "sokoloff's advice is spot-on, and her teaching style is direct and effective. a must-have book for authors and screenwriters." -ja konrath, bestselling author of a newbie's guide to publishing "whether you're an old pro or an apprehensive beginner, alex sokoloff offers a sensible nuts-and-bolts approach that puts you in control of your material." -margaret maron, edgar, agatha, anthony & macavity award-winning author of the deborah knott mysteries "sokoloff is a generous mentor with the gifted ability to address a storyteller's practical concerns while encouraging artistic integrity and every author's unique voice. only three of my half dozen novels have been written with her unwitting guidance, but i can guarantee that with this book at my fingertips, all my future work-and my reading audience-will benefit from her advice. recommended without reservation." -vicki pettersson, bestselling author of the sign of the zodiac series

Well-written, comprehensive and filled with both innovative and tried-and-true writing techniques, illustrative screenplay examples and sage advice from veteran writers, screenplay will help novices as well as working screenwriters improve and sell their scripts. the second edition of this popular manual is completely revised, reflecting current film industry practices, and includes new chapters on such subjects as webisodes and video games, as well as updates to its many examples. book jacket.

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!

Designed to take you from the moment you first put your pen to paper to pitching and selling your completed screenplay, this is one of the most inspiring books on screenwriting you'll ever read.practical exercises will teach you the craft of writing for film and television, both mainstream and independent, the art of building your own plots, characters, dialogue and scenes. it gives you the skills you need to succeed and helps you critique your own work, meaning that at every step of the writing process you'll be producing the best scripts you can.this book is filled with essential writing tools, including techniques for overcoming writer's block and how to find your unique voice. you will learn how to pitch and get your work optioned, how to work as part of a team and how to make the best use of social media – in all a comprehensive companion that you will keep coming back to as your career develops.about the seriesthe teach yourself creative writing series helps aspiring authors tell their stories. covering a range of genres from science fiction and romantic novels to illustrated children's books and comedy, this series is packed with advice, exercises, and tips for unlocking creativity and improving your writing.

The bare bones book of screenwriting is one of the most authoritative, popular and useful books on screenwriting, written by a usc cinema-television alumni with several sold, optioned, produced and award winning screenplays. using a 'let's-get-down-to-brass-tacks' approach it focuses on the essentials of screenwriting: creative, technical and business principles. for teens, college students and beginners of all ages, this easy to understand filmmaking resource provides screenplay tools to help with feature film writing, short screenplays and tv scripts: script formatting, screenplay outlines, contest and competitions, writing the synopsis, treatments, story development, the hero's journey, three act structure, book adaptations, character, dialogue, structure, plot, mechanics, comedy writing, selling a screenplay, screenwriting agents and managers, working with producers, directors and more. referred to in the industry as "the bootcamp for screenwriters" this is one tool any aspiring screenwriter needs in their toolbelt. an "all in one" guide to writing screenplays that sell for beginners and intermediate writers. film school is expensive, and won't give you real world experience. the lessons will teach you the correct format and storytelling rules, tricks and mistakes to avoid when writing your screenplay. any film or tv writer can benefit as it walks the reader through creating a professional industry standard hollywood screenplay to attract agents and filmmakers. students, non wga and wga members use this for help during outlining and writing screenplays. film school or college can only teach an aspiring film writer so much. this screenwriter's "bible" offers trade secrets and education only found by working as a professional screenwriter. "the perfect guide for new writers. sharp prose and practical advice in simple english with all the nuts, bolts, and screws you'll need." – ravi m. (academy award winning producer, west bank story).

The bare bones book of screenwriting is one of the most authoritative, popular and useful books on screenwriting, written by a usc cinema-television alumni with several sold, optioned, produced and award winning screenplays. using a 'let's-get-down-to-brass-tacks' approach it focuses on the essentials of screenwriting: creative, technical and business principles. for teens, college students and beginners of all ages, this easy to understand filmmaking resource provides screenplay tools to help with feature film writing, short screenplays and tv scripts: script formatting, screenplay outlines, contest and competitions, writing the synopsis, treatments, story development, the hero's journey, three act structure, book adaptations, character, dialogue, structure, plot, mechanics, comedy writing, selling a screenplay, screenwriting agents and managers, working with producers, directors and more. referred to in the industry as "the bootcamp for screenwriters" this is one tool any aspiring screenwriter needs in their toolbelt. an "all in one" guide to writing screenplays that sell for beginners and intermediate writers. film school is expensive, and won't give you real world experience. the lessons will teach you the correct format and storytelling rules, tricks and mistakes to avoid when writing your screenplay. any film or tv writer can benefit as it walks the reader through creating a professional industry standard hollywood screenplay to attract agents and filmmakers. students, non wga and wga members use this for help during outlining and writing screenplays. film school or college can only teach an aspiring film writer so much. this screenwriter's "bible" offers trade secrets and education only found by working as a professional screenwriter. "the perfect guide for new writers. sharp prose and practical advice in simple english with all the nuts, bolts, and screws you'll need." – ravi m. (academy award winning producer, west bank story).

"nobody knows anything" and "structure is everything." in two pithy statements, screenwriting legend william goldman (butch cassidy and the sundance kid; misery; the princess bride; marathon man), brilliantly encapsulates the essence of the film industry. with screenwriting unchained, emmanuel oberg navigates a perilous journey between these two islands of truth. his refreshingly new approach to story structure leads to a powerful yet flexible way to handle the script development process: the story-type method. crucially, he also looks at hybrids and exceptions, those unique gems that don't fit any of the story-types but still work beautifully because they follow the same principles, just in a less classical way. this truly innovative book is aimed at screenwriters of all levels of experience as well as anyone involved creatively in the film and tv development process: directors, producers, development executives, showrunners, story editors and more generally, storytellers keen to reach a wide audience at home and abroad without compromising their creative integrity. if you've ever questioned why screenplays should be structured in three acts, eight sequences, fifteen beats or twenty-two steps then this book was written for you. and if you never have, well… no time like the present! using many case studies including films as diverse as gravity, silver linings playbook, crash, billy elliot, the intouchables, birdman, alien, groundhog day, misery, edge of tomorrow, the secret in their eyes, cloud atlas, l.a. confidential and the lives of others, screenwriting unchained will transform the way you write, read, pitch, design, assess and develop screenplays. guaranteed! about emmanuel oberg emmanuel is a screenwriter, author and script consultant with over two decades of experience in the film and tv industry. after selling a first project to warner bros as a co-writer, he went on to be commissioned by studiocanal and gold circle before writing solo for working title / universal and film4. he has also designed an internationally acclaimed 3-day advanced development workshop – based on the story-type method – which he delivers with passion to filmmakers all over the world. emmanuel lives in the u.k. with his wife and his two daughters. his film agent is rachel holroyd at casarotto in london.

Screen storytelling is an essentially collaborative process. writers need feedback but too often the notes they receive stall them and even demoralize them. this book unpacks the whys and what-fors of all the most commonly given notes on scripts, stories, and writers themselves. coming from the perspective of experienced hollywood professionals, notes to screenwriters offers insightful and concise guidance on the entire storytelling process, as well as what comes before it in the life of the writer, and after it in the marketing of the screenplay. it is a unique blend of classical storytelling principles combined with practical knowledge of the contemporary marketplace. this book is destined to be a resource for every writer who gets past the initial stage of writing a first draft and needs sage counsel for what to do next.

For decades, lew hunter's screenwriting 434 class at ucla has been the premier screenwriting course, launching a generation of the industry's most frequently produced writers. here, he shares the secrets of his course on the screenwriting process by actually writing an original script, step by step, that appears in the book.

Includes all the essentials for writing a screenplay, from crafting dialogue to marketing a script packed with easy-to-understand guidelines and writing projects, screenwriting for dummies makes film writing accessible to novices and helps more experienced writers improve their scripts. this engaging guide walks readers through the essential elements of every good screenplay, from character development, to creating a story, to writing compelling dialogue, to adopting a screenplay from a different source. it also includes all the specific formatting details that go into writing a visual screenplay from scripting character introductions, to writing the camera into the script, to creating a cinematic collage. in addition, screenwriting for dummies covers the important task of selling a screenplay, including tips for getting a spec script into the proper marketing format, protecting intellectual property rights, and securing an agent.

Screenwriting into film is a dynamic new book that gives the reader five necessary steps to follow in preparing to write a screenplay that can increase their chances of success. this is a book of ideas that uses many classic, controversial and contemporary films to illustrate those ideas to the reader. in screenwriting into film you will find illuminating insight on: how to build a character, how to establish solid motives for villainous or heroic characters, how to build conflict, how to find and demonstrate theme(s)and most importantly how to arrive at a great ending. a rewarding discussion of all of the elements that are indispensable in developing a good story and writing a great screenplay are within the pages of this book. there ́s even a chapter on book adaptations that specifically tackles the three important aspects every screenwriter/filmmaker must know to prepare a successful adaptation of a novel or short story. anyone who wants to find his or her own personal voice in the cinema should read this book; it was intentionally created for those who want to write and direct their own films, but it also has a general relevance for all film lovers and writers seeking deeper insight about the structure and meaning of this art. informative, passionate and intelligent, screenwriting into film was written by multiple award winning independent digital filmmaker, andre seewood.