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Ask the Pros: Screenwriting : 101 Questions Answered by Industry Professionals

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ASK THE PROS: SCREENWRITING is a book presented by the people behind the Final Draft screenwriting software. I saw an advertisement for the book in some promotional materials that came with my copy of Final Draft and since I liked the software so much I figured ASK THE PROS: SCREENWRITING would be better than some of the screenwriting books I have read. I was sorely disappointed.

Through the course of the book 101 questions that beginning or struggling screenwriters have asked are answered by a "panel" of professionals. The "panel" consists of screenwriters, tv writers, producers, development and studio execs, readers, story editors, agents, managers, attorneys, and mentors. The book is divided in chapters according to the type of professionals answering the question, for instance legal questions are answered by attorneys, development questions are asked and answered in the section with producers and development and studio execs, etc.

Though there are some specific questions, most of the 101 questions are general: How do I get an agent?; How do you come up with ideas?; What makes a screenplay great?; etc. I've read much of the same type of material in other books and there isn't anything new here. Not only that, but just about every question asked has two opposing answers given. Writing is a process and there is no one way to write. All good writers know that, but apparently the editors weren't marketing this book towards good writers. If you finish the entire thing (as I did--once I start a book I have to read it through) the only non-conflicting advice you will receive is that if you want to write you should try to write a little everyday, screenwriters should read a lot, most scripts are rejected because of bad writing, producers and studio execs will listen to pitches by new talent, you need to get an agent, and winning a screenwriting contest doesn't mean you have a script that is worthy of being made into a movie.

I love Final Draft, but if you want to read this book, I'd check it out from the library and spend your money on watching another movie or buying an actual screenplay.

One of the best books I've read on the subject of screenwriting. Not a "how to" on the technical aspects of the craft (although there is a wonderful section on this included at the end for the novice), the interviews illustrate the battle that all writers face: a blank page. Written with humor and honesty from some of the best in the business, this book is highly recommended for anyone who truly loves to write.

The book contains lots of different opinions on the business, which is why I think it is so useful. Since there's
no one way to break into the movie business, this book is invaluable. You've never seen a book with so many pros offering their thoughts on the subject of writing and selling to Hollywood. A must-have book for any writer interested in breaking into the movies.

If you're a screenwriter and have ever thought, "what were they thinking?" this book is for you. "Ask the Pros: Screenwriting" is a total insider's POV of Hollywood. Written in an informative Q&A style, chapters include answers by film and TV writers; producers, development and studio execs; readers/story editors; agents and managers and even attorneys. Also there's a mentors section. If you can handle "the truth about Hollywood," this is a must-read.

Enhanced with an accompanying install demo disc, Final Draft Presents Ask The Pros: Screenwriting: 101 Questions Answered By Industry Professionals is the collaborative compilation of joint-editors Howard Meibach and Paul Duran. covers everything from formatting to deal making. Applicable to screenwriting for film and television productions alike, professionals from ICM, UTA, Writers & Artists Group International, DreamWorks, MGM, Paramount, and other production companies were tapped to explain every aspect of developing a screenplay, including what to do with what's gone wrong. If you aspire to write a screenplay worthy of production, then give a close and careful reading to Final Draft Presents Ask The Pros: Screenwriting.

Here's another screenwriting book that by the time you finish reading it, you still have questions that need answered. I thought it would give a better "insider's view" than other interview type screenwriting books, but I was disappointed. You read one person's opinion who says to do it one way and just below it, you read a totally opposite opinion to do it another way. So, you're back at square one. There's better books out there.

This answered at least 25 questions that have been bugging me. I liked it a lot.