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Aspiring screenwriters don't need another book on how to write a screenplay, says Karl Iglesias. What they need is a book on how to be a screenwriter. Voilà: The 101 Habits of Highly Successful Screenwriters, featuring interviews with 14 screenwriters, arranged by subject. The result reads like a panel discussion, touching on such subjects as collaboration, schmoozing, discipline, Hollywood, and story pitching. The dream of winning a Hollywood jackpot has lured everyone and his gardener into the screenwriting game. Still, despite the unencouraging odds, "all you need to do is write a good script," says Scott Rosenberg (Beautiful Girls). Some of the book's best advice concerns one of the screenwriter's most formidable hurdles: getting a screenplay read. Submit it to film festivals and screenwriting competitions, or follow Tom Schulman's (Dead Poet's Society) advice and hire an entertainment attorney. After all, "most of them know a lot of agents." --Jane Steinberg
Customer Reviews:
A Must Read.......2007-05-14
This is a must read for anyone who aspires to be a screen writer. Any wannabe writer has their own personal favorite blogs, a blog that helps inspire, motivate and teach them. This book is almost a best of those blogs from successful writers whose movies they have written have actually BEEN PRODUCED.
The one main theme of this book is just write and write and write because you love writing and not because you want the Hollywood celebrity lifestyle. Great writing will open a lot of doors for one and most importantly, keep that door open.
In my opinion, I like to study and and read how successful writers from all genres got their first break, their work ethic and how most importantly they work through writer's block and rejection. Again, Karl Iglesias' book does that successfully.
The truth you need to hear before pursuing your dreams.......2006-04-10
I was lucky enough to meet Mr. Iglesias at the Screenwriting Expo. He knows his craft, he loves the business. And he's brutally honest in conveying the realistic odds of breaking into Hollywood. While no one ever says it's easy, he can tell you just how hard. This book is a must read for any aspiring screenwriter. Interviewing some of the greatest screenwriters, they all are forthcoming in telling their own tales of struggle, achievement, success, and most of them, frustration.
This book may be geared toward all screenwriters, however it succeeds in leaps and bounds, by telling the realistic truth any up-and-coming screenwriter needs to hear. Too often people are putting together a script hoping to win the lotttery, sell it for mid-six figures, and not taking the time to understand that the money should never be the motivating factor of writing any script. And if that's your only motivation, you'll never succeed in making your dream come true. This book reminds those of us that do it for a different reason, what that reason is. It's the love of writing. Anything else, any other reason, is simply a waste of time and energy.
Mr. Iglesias lays it out in plain view, through interview after interview, just how much of an uphill battle it is get someone to simply give your script a look, and even then, chances of your selling it are slim. Nicholas Kazan once spoke at a seminar. He told them to go turn in their registration forms and go home. He then told them that if any of them seriously entertained that advice, they would never make it. It's all about challenge and it's all about sacrifice. This book will help you realize how important both of those things are.
Yes, I am tired of reading old reviews on Screenwriting Books too........2006-03-06
I always find it frustrating when I go to Amazon and look at the reviews that are posted and find that they are at least 2 to 3 years old. So I decided to at least make a more up-to-date review.
First and foremost, this book is NOT a `How to Write a great Script' book. This book is about screenwriters and their knowledgeable insight on the practice we all know as Screenwriting. These established screenwriters ( Akiva Goldman: A Beautiful Mind, A Time to Kill, and the up coming The Da Vinci Code Steven E. de Souza: Die Hard, 48 Hours.) reference their past experience on what works, what does not work, and what habits you need to establish to have a successful career in the shark infested waters of Hollywood. Not sure how many hours you need to write day in day out? Thinking that you are the only one with a spouse and kids, fearing that you will not have enough time to write? Arrived at Hollywood lost with no plan of action on how to get your script read? Worried that you born yesterday and began sending inquiry letters to agents and producers? Fear of rejection (it is inevitable) from everyone? All these topics are discussed and more in this book.
This book is required reading for all serious screenwriters. I also suggest Breakfast with sharks by Michael Lent, The Art of Dramatic writing by Lajos Egri, Story by Robert Mckee, Making a good script Great by Linda Seger, and The Writer Got Screwed by Brooke A. Wharton.
A Must Have For Aspriring Screenwriters.......2005-11-28
This is one of thost books that you absolutely must read if you are an aspiring screenwriter. It's a goldmine of quality information to help you go from being a decent or lousy writer to a great one. Fourteen of Hollywood's most successful screenwriters share their secrets and tips to writing and selling your scripts to Hollywood. It's like getting private lessons from the pro's. Don't pass this book up, it will make a big difference in your writing career.
A good "dip-in" book for the isolated writer.......2004-12-20
Think of this book this way: it's you having a cup of tea with a bunch of good and not-so-good (but working) screenplay writers. This is not a formula for greatness, but rather a list of suggestions and experiences that you can greatly benefit from if you are so inclined.
Don't be put off by the cover. This is a good book. The best thing about it is it creates a sense of community and exchange of knowledge in what is essentially an isolated (and some might argue isolating) occupation.
This is a "dip-in" book which I find useful and refer to often.
Average customer rating:
- Great read
- If you are planning on ever working in television, read this book.
- More involved than you realize
- Want to write for television? Buy this!
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Successful Television Writing
Lee Goldberg , and
William Rabkin
Manufacturer: Wiley
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ASIN: 0471431680 |
Book Description
The industry speaks out about SUCCESSFUL TELEVISION WRITING
"Where was this book when I was starting out? A fantastic, fun, informative guide to breaking into-and more importantly, staying in-the TV writing game from the guys who taught me how to play it."
âTerence Winter, Coexecutive Producer, The Sopranos
"Goldberg and Rabkin write not only with clarity and wit but also with the authority gleaned from their years of slogging through Hollywoods trenches. Here is a must-read for new writers and established practitioners whose imagination could use a booster shot."
âProfessor Richard Walter, Screenwriting Chairman, UCLA Department of Film and TV
"Not since William Goldmans Adventures in the Screen Trade has there been a book this revealing, funny, and informative about The Industry. Reading this book is like having a good, long lunch with your two best friends in the TV business."
âJanet Evanovich
"With sharp wit and painful honesty, Goldberg and Rabkin offer the truest account yet of working in the TV business. Accept no substitutes!"
âJeffrey B. Hodes and Nastaran Dibai, Coexecutive Producers, Third Rock from the Sun
"Should be required reading for all aspiring television writers."
âHoward Gordon, Executive Producer, 24 and The X-Files
Customer Reviews:
Great read.......2007-05-07
I've read many a television writing book, and this is one of the best of them. Very interesting and educational. I definitely learned a lot! Highly Recommended!
If you are planning on ever working in television, read this book........2006-01-29
I read this book to help prepare me for what I would never know going into a writers room , or pitching to the showrunners. This helped me get to that point and to know how and what to expect when I get there, which I believe is soon. Thanks Lee.
More involved than you realize.......2003-08-03
This book on writing for television is simply a must read if you plan on breaking into the business. But even if you never plan to write a single script, it's simply a very interesting and insightful glimpse into the world of television. The authors convey useful information with wit and style. Writing for TV isn't as simple as you might think. I was surprised and intrigued by all the intricacies of the industry.
Want to write for television? Buy this!.......2003-07-28
I love this book. I got it on a Saturday afternoon and read it within twenty-four hours. (And that includes all the time I spent reading and rereading parts of it, to my family and friends). It has officially joined Martell's "The Secrets of Action Screenwriting" and Trottier's "The Screenwriter's Bible" as one of my three "go-to" reference books. This one will get worn out.
And I don't even watch TV, anymore.
It's only 135 pages. (Well, 209 pages when you count the extra 74 pages of beat sheets, writer's outlines and treatments of TV programs, which were bought and in most cases produced Real examples). It's concise, but packed with useful information.
This isn't a basic "how-to" book. It assumes you're already a writer (and that you know the correct structure for television). It's daunting, what you'll be up against, (and the authors don't sugarcoat it), but if you want to write for television--study this book, apply the lessons it teaches, and it will give you a huge head start.
Within twenty pages, I had a better understanding of how a television series works then I would have ever figured out on my own. If you haven't heard or don't understand the term *franchise* as it applies to TV, you'd better buy this book, if you really want to write for television. It seems obvious to me, now, but that's only because the authors made it obvious.
And most of the lessons apply to all screenwriting, or writing in general, or just doing business. It's like I was a given a cheat-sheet by reading this book and, I guess, that's exactly what it is. These guys don't only say it--they've lived it. From both sides. Writing and pitching--and taking pitches and hiring writers. They back it all up with real-life examples and anecdotes. Even if you aren't a writer, this book is fun to read.
I really enjoyed the examples of how to and how *not* to pitch in this book. The authors gave me a whole new attitude and more confidence. (At least in theory--I'd probably still go into brain-lock ... when it came right down to the pitch. Or worse yet--become a Mr. Blabbermouth). But at least I have a firmer grasp of what I need to do and how I should present myself and my writing, when (or if) I pitch.
This one is well worth it.
Book Description
•State of the art screenwriting theory and technique from a master
•Author named one of today's top screenwriting teachers in Creative Screenwriting magazine
Lets cut to the chase. Writing a Great Movie is a practical nuts-and-bolts manual to dramatic writing for film.This hands-on course in screenwriting shows how to create, develop, and construct an original screenplay from scratch using seven essential tools for the screenwriter—(1) Dilemma, Crisis, Decision and Action, and Resolution; (2) Theme; (3) the 36 Dramatic Situations; (4) the Enneagram; (5) Research and Brainstorming; (6) the Central Proposition; and (7) Sequence, Proposition, and Plot—which break the writing process down into approachable steps and produce great results. Jeff Kitchen shares the insider secrets he has developed over years of writing and teaching. Writing a Great Movieis the complete guide to creating compelling screenplays that will sell.
Customer Reviews:
Tools for Mastering of the Craft.......2007-09-25
Screenwriters who buy and read Jeff's book will, I suspect, find themselves returning more and more frequently as they master their craft and create great movies. It certainly has been happening to me. "Writing a Great Movie:..." forces you to ask the right questions. Is there any other way to come up with the right answers?
Not for the faint of heart. You will get grease on your pride and bruises on your ego using these tools, but the outcome is pages, scenes, sequences, acts and stories that work. I can't imagine trying to tell a story without referring to Joseph Campbell (and Chris Vogler) and I can't imagine trying to craft a screenplay without referring to Jeff Kitchen.
Theory blends with applied instruction.......2007-05-12
Theory blends with applied instruction in WRITING A GREAT MOVIE, which offers a manual of tools for aspiring screenwriters. From learning how to set theme and understanding basic dramatic situations to working up demo plots and understanding when to stop, WRITING A GREAT MOVIE moves from basics to advanced techniques and will find a home on the shelf of any serious 'how to' library.
Highly Recommended!!!!!.......2007-03-14
I bought this book after watching Kitchen's Sequence, Proposition, Plot on dvd.
This is one of the most useful screenwriting books I have read yet. I am the type of writer that likes to plan everything out before I start scripting, and that is the basic approach of this book.
However, even if you have already finished your script or like to begin by just diving into the writing this book is still extremely useful for later development and rewrites.
Kitchen's techniques of Dilema, Crisis, Decision & Action and Sequence, Propostion, Plot are designed to help you create a most dramatically tight and seamlessly plotted screenplay.
Kitchen's unique approach to the 36 Dramatic Situations is alone worth the price of the book.
Valuable tools for your writing toolbox!
The definitive book on screenwriting!.......2007-03-08
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! Jeff Kitchen's book is the one book that anyone who's serious about screenwritng must have. He cvers in detail rarely dealt with yet very necessary aspects of and methods for writing films that are either totally ignored and skimmed over by other screenwriting books. It's an indispenable tool for serious screenwriters who are looking to improve the quality of their work and raise it to a higher level
The Holy Grail Of Screenwriting Advice.......2007-03-05
Look no further, Jeff Kitchen's book is the gold standard for building a a screenplay. I've read dozens of books on the craft, and this is the only one that leads you through the dirty work of building your story piece by piece.
Jeff's tools help you transform your tale into a compelling drama.
As a reader, you will feel like you're looking over Jeff's shoulder as he lays the bricks of a pyramid from the ground up.
I've been applying the tools to a script I previously completed. The DILEMMA tool really helped me get a handle on some weak spots regarding my main character. And the Sequence, Proposition, Plot tool blew me out of the water.
I also plan to use "Writing a Great Movie" to build other story ideas I've been working on. Jeff offers all the ingredients needed to cook up an original and memorable story.
But you still have to add the spices, brew the potion to just the right temperature and serve it to an audience hungry for a film that will "rock their world."
Jeff's book will help you do that. Too bad I could only give it five stars. It deserves at least ten.
Book Description
Sitcoms have never been hotter in Hollywood, and the demand for writers has never been greater.With fees starting at $16,000 for a half-hour script, sitcoms can be a lucrative option for freelancers. The hundreds of shows produced every year, each of which needs a team of writers, provide a tremendous opportunity to break into the industry.But successful sitcom writing begins long before Act I, Scene I. Hollywood insider Jurgen Wolff will start you off right. He'll show you why some ideas are promising and some should be rejected immediately, even when they're funny. You'll learn how to analyze and develop characters. And you'll find out how the pros punch up their work with subplots, physical comedy, and timing.The technical ins and outs of the sitcom format are also explained, including act structure, subplots, sets, entrances, and exits. You'll learn the manuscript formats the networks use, so your work will look as professional as it reads. And you'll get solid advice on how to find an agent, take a pitch meeting, and land your script on a producer's desk-- even if you don't live in Los Angeles.Novice and veteran sitcom writers alike keep Jurgen Wolff's book handy. Read it, and you'll see why.
Customer Reviews:
Not a bad book, but . . ........2000-02-18
if you are serious about learning how to write sitcoms, the Evan Smith book "Writing Television Sitcoms" is much better. Smith's book gives better more detailed advice, plus it is more current.
If you're ready to write, this book will help you focus.......1999-11-11
Boy, did I love this book... Mr. Wolff engagingly shares his experience as a veteran of the sit-com world with his audience of hopefuls, and makes it not only understandable but enjoyable. I was especially motivated by his step-by-step exercises designed to free the muse. And even though he was very direct about the chances of an unknown actually selling a show, he made me feel I can -- and will-- succeed. If he's this good on paper, I can only imagine how inspiring he would be in a classroom!
Recommended. A focused and concise book on sitcom writing........1998-09-26
This book gathers the basic information on sitcom writing an a refreshingly straightforward manner. Because of the focus on successful network shows, the examples are necessarily lame. This book focuses on the structural requirements of teleplays as well as applicable business constraints.
This will not teach one how to be funny. No book can. But, as the book states: jokes are easy. Story is hard. This book will help you craft a better sitcom story in a professional manner.
TAKE MY WIFE, PLEASE.......1998-09-04
If you think that is funny.....then you'll love this book.
This tired and insipid book........................................1998-07-24
This book is sorporific. It's humour-free and is as dessicated as the gobi dessert. Wolff and Ferrante are to comedy writing what Ronald Reagan is to rememberance. This tired and insipid book is the broker of an unalloyed satanism. It purports to transform sketchy scrips into something monolithically funny. But their techniques are utterly without value and character. My mother, bless her, has more depth and writing ability than these two charlatans, and she has never picked up a pen or read a book.
Customer Reviews:
Informative.......2003-12-30
This how-to book will not make you into a screen writer, but it will help you understand how to get there. The authors cover basic writing topics such as plot structuring and characterization, and then move onto more advanced topics such as treatments, pitching, and the legal/business issues screen writers face. You'll find a chapters on specific cinematic genres - feature films, animation, daytime serials, made-for-TV movies, sit-coms, and hour-long television shows. The authors also include informative interviews with professionals about their craft. What you won't find is mechanical advice - how to format a script and the devices, such as the capitalization of character names, specific to screen writing. You'll need to study professional scripts and other books on screen writing to get those details.
Like most how-to books on writing, this volume makes the path to becoming a professional seem much easier than it is. Still, it is a good book for the aspiring screen writer.
I am already writing.......2002-04-17
I originally purchased Syd Field's book years ago and found that book boring and unhelpful. I am a begining script writer and I went to college for finance not writing so I wanted something that would help to get me going. I don't know if I would recommend this book for begining writers because it seems to treat the reader as if they already know something. But this book did have some good ideas that I incorporated.
Bottom line is it wouldn't hurt to have this in your collection, if you can only get one book on script writing, I would compare this book with Keane's book at your local bookstore, that one seemed to get a lot of positive reviews. I haven't read it, but the reviews are prompting me to buy that to supplement my education.
On a final note, I purchased Movie Magic 2000 software and that was a big help on formating.
The perfect guide for creative scriptwriting!.......2000-11-12
"Successful Scriptwriting" is an excellent source of information and practical help for beginners as well as experienced scriptwriters, and it is also entertaining and well-organized. Mr. Wolff and Mr. Cox have been there, and they kindly give us the benefit of thier experience. This book is a must-have for aspiring scriptwriters!
Successful Script Writing.......1999-12-07
This is one of the absolute worst books on screenwriting I have ever read. It is obvious the authors just wanted to cash in on the ever increasing craze of wanna-be screenwriters. There are other much better books on screenwriting out there. This book spends a lot of time talking about finding ideas for films: If you don't have a story, why bother trying to write something?
Average customer rating:
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Writing for Television: How to Write and Sell Successful TV Scripts (How to)
William Smethurst
Manufacturer: How to Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
General
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Screenwriting
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ASIN: 1857036662 |
Average customer rating:
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Writing for Television: How to Creat and Sell Successful TV Scripts (How to Books (Midpoint))
William Smethurst
Manufacturer: How to Books Ltd
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
General
| Television
| Entertainment
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Screenwriting
| Television
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ASIN: 185703273X |
Customer Reviews:
For British TV Writers.......2007-08-31
Not a bad book; seems well organized, but be aware: this is strictly oriented to British, not American TV.
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