Customer Reviews

How to Write: A Screenplay

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

"How to Write: A Screenplay" is a dynamo, converting the generally tiresome discussions about screenwriting
into a concise demonstration manual.

The first part of the book sets forth useful creative development tools, such as the Log Line, the Synopsis, Character Profiles, etc. Quickly, author informs the new writer of the work required to build an infrastructure for a cinematic story. No formulas, no magic tricks. The foundation work simply must be done. A range example and advice supports the writer in his/her fledgling efforts.

The larger, second half of the book is devoted to a "demo" screenplay, as it were, called "Screenwriting for the Hell of It," which demonstrates many of the current tools, principles, and devices of good screenwriting. Writing technologies are conveyed by lively character dialog, exposition, and story momentum (like a script should have).

The script's story, based liberally and comically on Dante's "Inferno," concocts a modern "Virgil" who befriends and mentors a frustrated, helpless writer "Danny," the protagonist. As his guide, Virgil takes him through the different levels of screenwriting hell, explaining the writing faults that condemned the victims. When they first arrive, "thousands of people" scream on a "Nether Beach" and hop around on toe-scorching sand. Danny asks, "Sinners?" No, Virgil's acid reply, "Bad screenwriters." So with great fun, the author charms new writers into internalizing the notions of good screenplay writing.

No small feat! As an UCLA Extension Instructor, I am excited and relieved to have the resource of such an incisive teaching aide for my film & TV courses.

Elaine Chekich

Mark Evan Schwartz has delivered a powerful and effectively entertaining way to present the proper steps involved in completing a properly formatted screenplay. First the talented author briefly provides the reader with enough information on preparing to write the screenplay.

Before delving into actually writing the screenplay Schwartz guides you by the hand and eases you into writing a logline, synopsis, and character descriptions. He may use different terms then you or I use, but after following his instructions and viewing the examples, you will have the necessary information to charge ahead and write your screenplay.

The brilliance of "How To Write A Screenplay" lies in the fact that the examples that the author provides are used to support the book itself; which is indeed a screenplay.

You actually learn to write a screenplay by reading one that is about a character who needs to write a great screenplay to save his relationship. Throughout his journey, he is given examples of how to write better dialogue, create strong characters, build effective conflict, and all the while you learn also with the added advantage of the information being provided in screenplay format.

"How To Write A Screeplay" is a quick read. Shouldn't take you more then 2-3 hours tops. That time is well spent.

My only warning is not a flaw in the book, it is simply a fact that the author eludes to also. Some parts of the sample screenplay show you how "NOT" to do certain things. Schwartz even explains in the dialogue that this screenplay could never be made into a movie. That shows the true talent that this witty author posseses. You learn by good example and bad.

One would be well advised to read this excellent book a couple of times and then read screenplays of movies that you have seen. You'll get the format down in no time.

The addition of a section on "pitching" in Mr. Schwartz' Second Edition is the icing on the cake of his excellent guide to screenwriting. Having worked inside the studio system for several decades as a story analyst, development executive, and producer, I've seen many cases where a screenwriter had a good story and/or script but failed to sell it because he/she blew the "pitch." As he did with screenwriting in the First Edition, Mr. Schwartz provides the keys to successful "pitching" in his user-friendly format: keep it simple, clear and entertaining. I will continue to recommend Mr. Schwartz' book to writers, producers and development execs as a very useful tool in developing, and NOW in selling screenplays.

It's not often that you read a book on a plane, finish it, and believe it's a great value. I really, really enjoyed it, and here's why. It offers concrete, in-the-moment information and feedback. All too often a screenwriting book, written in the narrative form, will talk about theme, mission, objective, dialogue, character arc, misdirect, subplots, etc., but they do so by citing examples of movies, or showing a page of the script from some movie. That's dry, and in truth, it's not a 'story' but a lesson. This is a story about lessons told as a story. The lessons arc throughout the story, to the point where it all makes wonderful sense.

Another thing in the book that is very valuable, and that's the short, almost brusque narrative that needs to be written. It's a struggle as to how to tell the story using just a minimal amount of words. This book does that wonderfully.

Yes, there are a number of important screenwriting books out there and this is one that any screenwriter -- novice or advanced -- would do well to have.

In summary, like a good movie, this is highly entertaining and educational!
There, now that that is out of the way, let me say I was initially skeptical about this book and its overwhelmingly good reviews. The reason is a character flaw (I think): I don't trust positivity.

However, it wasn't too expensive and Amazon would ship it to me in record time so I thought, what the heck and ordered it. It's a small book, and I was expecting it to be. After all, it's in the format of a screenplay and those shouldn't be more than 120 pages or so, right?

On starting to read, straightaway, I was hooked. The story used is a bit corny, but--I couldn't believe it!--I wanted to know more: what did Virgil want? Who was the stranger in Bebe's apartment? Does Danny finish the screenplay? And right along with all that, I was actually learning about structure, character, theme, dialog and exposition; all in a way I never would have thought possible.

And at a speed I never thought possible either! I was learning how to write a screenplay and how to make it interesting and watchable, without the impediment of translating jargon and quasi-indecipherable jibber jabber. I blew through it in less than two hours and I thoroughly enjoyed every minute. One of my highest recommendations and kudos to the author for finding a pleasant, funny, and incredibly insightful way of transferring knowledge.

The genius of this book is that it combines the two most important facets of screenwriting basics - easy to understand instructions and an example script to reference - in one fantastic primer. Far and away the best screenwriting book I've encountered, it's thourough, witty, and easy reading.

"How to Write a Screenplay" is a superb guide to the craft of cinematic storytelling and the process of rendering that story into the standard screenplay format. The book also includes detailed guidance on the pitch and development stages of the screenwriting process. Schwartz effectively delivers his lessons because "How to Write a Screenplay" seamlessly marries form and function. The book itself is in the form of a screenplay, and therefore serves as an ongoing example of the points it presents. This is an extremely effective pedagogical approach because the reader's attention is not divided between separate narrative text and examples, but fully engaged at any moment in an interesting story that illustrates its points in concrete terms.

In the introduction to his book, Schwartz states he has seen the quality of his screenwriting students' work dramatically improve after utilizing this approach; I have no doubt that this has been true for him, and will also apply to those who read his excellent book.

This is by far and away the best book I've read on screenwriting. It's really insightful, informative, and entertaining. I found myself laughing while learning! As others have noted, this clever little gem is a fast and fun read, a how-to book that is actually written in the form of a character and story-driven screenplay. Like a good movie, I kept turning the pages, wanting to "see" what would happen next. Before you get to the feature length screenplay (titled Screenwriting for the Hell of It!),it has a funny short script about pitching, and takes you by example through the steps of development. I can see why a great director like Wes Craven recommends it. Very cool!

Where was this book when I started writing screenplays 15 years ago?!?!? Had I known then what this book imparts, it wouldn't have taken me so long to have my first sale to Warner Bros. Now, even after several spec script sales, I find Mr. Schwartz's book offers up techniques and hints that are extraordinarily helpful. Add the fact that it's fun to read... Highly recommended for aspiring writers and even cynical vets like me!

The latest edition of HOW TO WRITE: A SCREENPLAY appears in its revised, expanded edition to add a chapter on 'The Pitch' and features a screenplay-like format which sets it apart from others on the market. Danny, the hero in this story, is hopelessly in love with a star who won't date him until he proves he can write an outstanding screenplay for her. Learn the basics of writing and marketing a screenplay through a format that lends to lively insights: perfect for any public library or school collection catering to aspiring screenwriters.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch