Screenwriting Tips, You Hack

Screenwriting Tips, You Hack

Author: Xander Bennett

Publisher: Taylor & Francis

Published: 2013-05-02

Total Pages: 224

ISBN-13: 1136038663

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Screenwriting Tip #99 Voice-over usually feels like scaffolding. You know-something you left in there when you were constructing the first draft, but really should have torn out after it served its purpose. Screenwriting Tip #120 Always remember that funny trumps everything. Your script could be written in crayon with your name spelled wrong on the cover, but if it's genuinely funny, none of that matters. Screenwriting Tip #156 The easiest way to write kick-ass protagonists is to make them incredibly good at what they do. Confused at the outline stage? Stuck in the swamp of Act Two? Don't know who your protagonist is or where she's going? You might feel like a hack. But don't worry-you're not alone. Even the most experienced writers feel like this at times. Sometimes we just need a few short pointers and reminders to set us on the path again. Xander Bennett worked as a script reader in the trenches of Hollywood, reading and covering hundreds of mediocre screenplays. After months of reading about heroic Sea World trainers, transgendered circus detectives and crime-fighting chupacabras, he couldn't take it any more. Xander started a blog called 'Screenwriting Tips, You Hack', a place designed to provide short, witty tips on screenwriting for amateur writers all the way up to journeymen scribes. This book is the evolution of that blog. Dozens of the best scripts (along with many brand-new ones) have been expanded into bite-sized chapters full of funny, insightful, highly usable advice. Let Xander's pain be your gain as you learn about the differences between film and television structure, how to force yourself to write when you really don't want to, and why you probably shouldn't base your first spec script around an alien invasion.


Book Synopsis Screenwriting Tips, You Hack by : Xander Bennett

Download or read book Screenwriting Tips, You Hack written by Xander Bennett and published by Taylor & Francis. This book was released on 2013-05-02 with total page 224 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Screenwriting Tip #99 Voice-over usually feels like scaffolding. You know-something you left in there when you were constructing the first draft, but really should have torn out after it served its purpose. Screenwriting Tip #120 Always remember that funny trumps everything. Your script could be written in crayon with your name spelled wrong on the cover, but if it's genuinely funny, none of that matters. Screenwriting Tip #156 The easiest way to write kick-ass protagonists is to make them incredibly good at what they do. Confused at the outline stage? Stuck in the swamp of Act Two? Don't know who your protagonist is or where she's going? You might feel like a hack. But don't worry-you're not alone. Even the most experienced writers feel like this at times. Sometimes we just need a few short pointers and reminders to set us on the path again. Xander Bennett worked as a script reader in the trenches of Hollywood, reading and covering hundreds of mediocre screenplays. After months of reading about heroic Sea World trainers, transgendered circus detectives and crime-fighting chupacabras, he couldn't take it any more. Xander started a blog called 'Screenwriting Tips, You Hack', a place designed to provide short, witty tips on screenwriting for amateur writers all the way up to journeymen scribes. This book is the evolution of that blog. Dozens of the best scripts (along with many brand-new ones) have been expanded into bite-sized chapters full of funny, insightful, highly usable advice. Let Xander's pain be your gain as you learn about the differences between film and television structure, how to force yourself to write when you really don't want to, and why you probably shouldn't base your first spec script around an alien invasion.


Screenwriting Tips, You Hack

Screenwriting Tips, You Hack

Author: Xander Bennett

Publisher: Taylor & Francis

Published: 2013-05-02

Total Pages: 225

ISBN-13: 1136038655

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Screenwriting Tip #99 Voice-over usually feels like scaffolding. You know-something you left in there when you were constructing the first draft, but really should have torn out after it served its purpose. Screenwriting Tip #120 Always remember that funny trumps everything. Your script could be written in crayon with your name spelled wrong on the cover, but if it's genuinely funny, none of that matters. Screenwriting Tip #156 The easiest way to write kick-ass protagonists is to make them incredibly good at what they do. Confused at the outline stage? Stuck in the swamp of Act Two? Don't know who your protagonist is or where she's going? You might feel like a hack. But don't worry-you're not alone. Even the most experienced writers feel like this at times. Sometimes we just need a few short pointers and reminders to set us on the path again. Xander Bennett worked as a script reader in the trenches of Hollywood, reading and covering hundreds of mediocre screenplays. After months of reading about heroic Sea World trainers, transgendered circus detectives and crime-fighting chupacabras, he couldn't take it any more. Xander started a blog called 'Screenwriting Tips, You Hack', a place designed to provide short, witty tips on screenwriting for amateur writers all the way up to journeymen scribes. This book is the evolution of that blog. Dozens of the best scripts (along with many brand-new ones) have been expanded into bite-sized chapters full of funny, insightful, highly usable advice. Let Xander's pain be your gain as you learn about the differences between film and television structure, how to force yourself to write when you really don't want to, and why you probably shouldn't base your first spec script around an alien invasion.


Book Synopsis Screenwriting Tips, You Hack by : Xander Bennett

Download or read book Screenwriting Tips, You Hack written by Xander Bennett and published by Taylor & Francis. This book was released on 2013-05-02 with total page 225 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Screenwriting Tip #99 Voice-over usually feels like scaffolding. You know-something you left in there when you were constructing the first draft, but really should have torn out after it served its purpose. Screenwriting Tip #120 Always remember that funny trumps everything. Your script could be written in crayon with your name spelled wrong on the cover, but if it's genuinely funny, none of that matters. Screenwriting Tip #156 The easiest way to write kick-ass protagonists is to make them incredibly good at what they do. Confused at the outline stage? Stuck in the swamp of Act Two? Don't know who your protagonist is or where she's going? You might feel like a hack. But don't worry-you're not alone. Even the most experienced writers feel like this at times. Sometimes we just need a few short pointers and reminders to set us on the path again. Xander Bennett worked as a script reader in the trenches of Hollywood, reading and covering hundreds of mediocre screenplays. After months of reading about heroic Sea World trainers, transgendered circus detectives and crime-fighting chupacabras, he couldn't take it any more. Xander started a blog called 'Screenwriting Tips, You Hack', a place designed to provide short, witty tips on screenwriting for amateur writers all the way up to journeymen scribes. This book is the evolution of that blog. Dozens of the best scripts (along with many brand-new ones) have been expanded into bite-sized chapters full of funny, insightful, highly usable advice. Let Xander's pain be your gain as you learn about the differences between film and television structure, how to force yourself to write when you really don't want to, and why you probably shouldn't base your first spec script around an alien invasion.


The Secrets of Story

The Secrets of Story

Author: Matt Bird

Publisher: Penguin

Published: 2016-11-01

Total Pages: 369

ISBN-13: 1440348235

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You've just boarded a plane. You've loaded your phone with your favorite podcasts, but before you can pop in your earbuds, disaster strikes: The guy in the next seat starts telling you all about something crazy that happened to him--in great detail. This is the unwelcome storyteller, trying to convince a reluctant audience to care about his story. We all hate that guy, right? But when you tell a story (any kind of story: a novel, a memoir, a screenplay, a stage play, a comic, or even a cover letter), you become the unwelcome storyteller. So how can you write a story that audiences will embrace? The answer is simple: Remember what it feels like to be that jaded audience. Tell the story that would win you over, even if you didn't want to hear it. The Secrets of Story provides comprehensive, audience-focused strategies for becoming a master storyteller. Armed with the Ultimate Story Checklist, you can improve every aspect of your fiction writing with incisive questions like these: • Concept: Is the one-sentence description of your story uniquely appealing? • Character: Can your audience identify with your hero? • Structure and Plot: Is your story ruled by human nature? • Scene Work: Does each scene advance the plot and reveal character through emotional reactions? • Dialogue: Is your characters' dialogue infused with distinct personality traits and speech patterns based on their lives and backgrounds? • Tone: Are you subtly setting, resetting, and upsetting expectations? • Theme: Are you using multiple ironies throughout the story to create meaning? To succeed in the world of fiction and film, you have to work on every aspect of your craft and satisfy your audience. Do both--and so much more--with The Secrets of Story.


Book Synopsis The Secrets of Story by : Matt Bird

Download or read book The Secrets of Story written by Matt Bird and published by Penguin. This book was released on 2016-11-01 with total page 369 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: You've just boarded a plane. You've loaded your phone with your favorite podcasts, but before you can pop in your earbuds, disaster strikes: The guy in the next seat starts telling you all about something crazy that happened to him--in great detail. This is the unwelcome storyteller, trying to convince a reluctant audience to care about his story. We all hate that guy, right? But when you tell a story (any kind of story: a novel, a memoir, a screenplay, a stage play, a comic, or even a cover letter), you become the unwelcome storyteller. So how can you write a story that audiences will embrace? The answer is simple: Remember what it feels like to be that jaded audience. Tell the story that would win you over, even if you didn't want to hear it. The Secrets of Story provides comprehensive, audience-focused strategies for becoming a master storyteller. Armed with the Ultimate Story Checklist, you can improve every aspect of your fiction writing with incisive questions like these: • Concept: Is the one-sentence description of your story uniquely appealing? • Character: Can your audience identify with your hero? • Structure and Plot: Is your story ruled by human nature? • Scene Work: Does each scene advance the plot and reveal character through emotional reactions? • Dialogue: Is your characters' dialogue infused with distinct personality traits and speech patterns based on their lives and backgrounds? • Tone: Are you subtly setting, resetting, and upsetting expectations? • Theme: Are you using multiple ironies throughout the story to create meaning? To succeed in the world of fiction and film, you have to work on every aspect of your craft and satisfy your audience. Do both--and so much more--with The Secrets of Story.


Save the Cat!

Save the Cat!

Author: Blake Snyder

Publisher:

Published: 2005

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13: 9781615931712

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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!


Book Synopsis Save the Cat! by : Blake Snyder

Download or read book Save the Cat! written by Blake Snyder and published by . This book was released on 2005 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: 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!


LifeTips 101 Screenwriting Tips

LifeTips 101 Screenwriting Tips

Author: Alexis Niki

Publisher:

Published: 2007-03-01

Total Pages: 180

ISBN-13: 9781602750159

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The merit of my book comes from the very fact that I'm a relative beginner in the business. I'm the rookie whose struggles are still fresh in her mind and whose enthusiasm remains undimmed. These pages don't contain a complete philosophy or method, but practical tips that you can consume. If you're a beginner, this book provides encouragement, motivation, and a wealth of information. If you're more advanced, you'll discover some new angles amongst the usual advice. This book is the result of the risks I've taken in my journey to become a screenwriter. May it help you learn and prosper as you blaze your own path.


Book Synopsis LifeTips 101 Screenwriting Tips by : Alexis Niki

Download or read book LifeTips 101 Screenwriting Tips written by Alexis Niki and published by . This book was released on 2007-03-01 with total page 180 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The merit of my book comes from the very fact that I'm a relative beginner in the business. I'm the rookie whose struggles are still fresh in her mind and whose enthusiasm remains undimmed. These pages don't contain a complete philosophy or method, but practical tips that you can consume. If you're a beginner, this book provides encouragement, motivation, and a wealth of information. If you're more advanced, you'll discover some new angles amongst the usual advice. This book is the result of the risks I've taken in my journey to become a screenwriter. May it help you learn and prosper as you blaze your own path.


The 101 Habits of Highly Successful Screenwriters

The 101 Habits of Highly Successful Screenwriters

Author: Karl Iglesias

Publisher: Simon and Schuster

Published: 2011-10-15

Total Pages: 272

ISBN-13: 144052789X

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Takes a look into the lives and workspaces of screenwriters, who share their best practices in their own writing careers.


Book Synopsis The 101 Habits of Highly Successful Screenwriters by : Karl Iglesias

Download or read book The 101 Habits of Highly Successful Screenwriters written by Karl Iglesias and published by Simon and Schuster. This book was released on 2011-10-15 with total page 272 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Takes a look into the lives and workspaces of screenwriters, who share their best practices in their own writing careers.


Writing Movies for Fun and Profit

Writing Movies for Fun and Profit

Author: Thomas Lennon

Publisher: Simon and Schuster

Published: 2012-07-03

Total Pages: 328

ISBN-13: 1439186766

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"A hilarious and helpful insider's guide to launching a successful writing career in Hollywood. . . . The only compass readers will ever need to navigate the treacherous waters of filmmaking"--("Kirkus Reviews," starred review).


Book Synopsis Writing Movies for Fun and Profit by : Thomas Lennon

Download or read book Writing Movies for Fun and Profit written by Thomas Lennon and published by Simon and Schuster. This book was released on 2012-07-03 with total page 328 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "A hilarious and helpful insider's guide to launching a successful writing career in Hollywood. . . . The only compass readers will ever need to navigate the treacherous waters of filmmaking"--("Kirkus Reviews," starred review).


Screenwriting For Dummies

Screenwriting For Dummies

Author: Laura Schellhardt

Publisher: John Wiley & Sons

Published: 2011-02-02

Total Pages: 368

ISBN-13: 1118052625

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Write a great script and get it into the hands of the Hollywood players! So you want to be a screenwriter? Whether you want to write a feature film or a TV script or adapt your favorite book, this friendly guide gives you expert advice in everything from creating your story and developing memorable characters to formatting your script and selling it to the studios. You get savvy industry tips and strategies for getting your screenplay noticed! The screenwriting process from A to Z -- from developing a concept and thinking visually to plotline, conflicts, pacing, and the conclusion Craft living, breathing characters -- from creating the backstory to letting your characters speak to balancing dialogue with action Turn your story into a script -- from developing an outline and getting over writer's block to formatting your screenplay and handling rewrites Prepare for Hollywood -- from understanding the players and setting your expectations to polishing your copy and protecting your work Sell your script to the industry -- from preparing your pitch and finding an agent to meeting with executives and making a deal Open the book and find: The latest on the biz, from entertainment blogs to top agents to box office jargon New story examples from recently released films Tips on character development, a story's time clock, dramatic structure, and dialogue New details on developing the nontraditional screenplay -- from musicals to animation to high dramatic style Expanded information on adaptation and collaboration, with examples from successful screenwriting duos


Book Synopsis Screenwriting For Dummies by : Laura Schellhardt

Download or read book Screenwriting For Dummies written by Laura Schellhardt and published by John Wiley & Sons. This book was released on 2011-02-02 with total page 368 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Write a great script and get it into the hands of the Hollywood players! So you want to be a screenwriter? Whether you want to write a feature film or a TV script or adapt your favorite book, this friendly guide gives you expert advice in everything from creating your story and developing memorable characters to formatting your script and selling it to the studios. You get savvy industry tips and strategies for getting your screenplay noticed! The screenwriting process from A to Z -- from developing a concept and thinking visually to plotline, conflicts, pacing, and the conclusion Craft living, breathing characters -- from creating the backstory to letting your characters speak to balancing dialogue with action Turn your story into a script -- from developing an outline and getting over writer's block to formatting your screenplay and handling rewrites Prepare for Hollywood -- from understanding the players and setting your expectations to polishing your copy and protecting your work Sell your script to the industry -- from preparing your pitch and finding an agent to meeting with executives and making a deal Open the book and find: The latest on the biz, from entertainment blogs to top agents to box office jargon New story examples from recently released films Tips on character development, a story's time clock, dramatic structure, and dialogue New details on developing the nontraditional screenplay -- from musicals to animation to high dramatic style Expanded information on adaptation and collaboration, with examples from successful screenwriting duos


50 Screenwriting Tips for $5

50 Screenwriting Tips for $5

Author: D. B. Gilles

Publisher:

Published: 2017-06-16

Total Pages: 100

ISBN-13: 9781548049287

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50 Screenwriting Tips For $5 is a like a cool screenwriting class to go. In less than 100 fast-paced pages, Script Consultant, Writing Coach and New York University Film School Professor D.B. Gilles offers up his take on writing a screenplay with 50 easy-to-read screenwriting tips. They will help beginning screenwriters complete their scripts and get them closer to the goal line. Most are short and to the point, a few others are a bit longer. 50 Screenwriting Tips For $5 condenses what Robert Mckee takes a long weekend to convey. And 50 Screenwriting Tips is only $5. D.B. Gilles has consulted with over two thousand new and experienced screenwriters of all ages--from around the world--on how to write and complete a script or improve their already finished screenplays. He will introduce you to The Punctuation Theory of Screenwriting, how every new screenplay you start is like a new relationship, why having too many characters in your script could be a problem, when you and your script are having irreconcilable difference, the importance of having a good title, and many other tips and suggestions that will make your script better.


Book Synopsis 50 Screenwriting Tips for $5 by : D. B. Gilles

Download or read book 50 Screenwriting Tips for $5 written by D. B. Gilles and published by . This book was released on 2017-06-16 with total page 100 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: 50 Screenwriting Tips For $5 is a like a cool screenwriting class to go. In less than 100 fast-paced pages, Script Consultant, Writing Coach and New York University Film School Professor D.B. Gilles offers up his take on writing a screenplay with 50 easy-to-read screenwriting tips. They will help beginning screenwriters complete their scripts and get them closer to the goal line. Most are short and to the point, a few others are a bit longer. 50 Screenwriting Tips For $5 condenses what Robert Mckee takes a long weekend to convey. And 50 Screenwriting Tips is only $5. D.B. Gilles has consulted with over two thousand new and experienced screenwriters of all ages--from around the world--on how to write and complete a script or improve their already finished screenplays. He will introduce you to The Punctuation Theory of Screenwriting, how every new screenplay you start is like a new relationship, why having too many characters in your script could be a problem, when you and your script are having irreconcilable difference, the importance of having a good title, and many other tips and suggestions that will make your script better.


Screenwriters and Screenwriting

Screenwriters and Screenwriting

Author: C. Batty

Publisher: Springer

Published: 2014-07-29

Total Pages: 439

ISBN-13: 1137338938

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Screenwriters and Screenwriting is an innovative, fresh and lively book that is useful for both screenwriting practice and academic study. It is international in scope, with case studies and analyses from the US, the UK, Australia, Japan, Ireland and Denmark. The book presents a distinctive collection of chapters from creative academics and critical practitioners that serve one purpose: to put aspects of screenwriting practice into their relevant contexts. Focusing on how screenplays are written, developed and received, the contributors challenge assumptions of what 'screenwriting studies' might be, and celebrates the role of the screenwriter in the creation of a screenplay. It is intended to be thought provoking and stimulating, with the ultimate aim of inspiring current and future screenwriting practitioners and scholars.


Book Synopsis Screenwriters and Screenwriting by : C. Batty

Download or read book Screenwriters and Screenwriting written by C. Batty and published by Springer. This book was released on 2014-07-29 with total page 439 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Screenwriters and Screenwriting is an innovative, fresh and lively book that is useful for both screenwriting practice and academic study. It is international in scope, with case studies and analyses from the US, the UK, Australia, Japan, Ireland and Denmark. The book presents a distinctive collection of chapters from creative academics and critical practitioners that serve one purpose: to put aspects of screenwriting practice into their relevant contexts. Focusing on how screenplays are written, developed and received, the contributors challenge assumptions of what 'screenwriting studies' might be, and celebrates the role of the screenwriter in the creation of a screenplay. It is intended to be thought provoking and stimulating, with the ultimate aim of inspiring current and future screenwriting practitioners and scholars.