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Screen Adaptation, Second Edition: A Scriptwriting Handbook
 
 

Screen Adaptation, Second Edition: A Scriptwriting Handbook [Paperback]

Kenneth Portnoy (Author)
5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)

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Book Description

September 22, 1998
Screen Adaptation : A Scriptwriting Handbook, 2nd ed. examines the challenge screenwriters face when adapting novels, plays, and short stories for the screen. Thoroughly updated to include new exercises and example from current films, this book provides practical, usable information on how to find the best plot line for a script, choose key characters, and understand the goals and formats of different genres.



Topics include:
determining which characters and events are most valuable on developing the main story;
expanding short novellas and condensing long novels;
using dialog to advance the story and reveal character;
comparing the formats of plays, short stories, and novels to those of screenplays
approaching the marketplace

In this book, both beginning writers and professionals will find the tools necessary to evaluate a prospective source and create a successful screenplay


-updated to include new exercises and new examples from recent films

Frequently Bought Together

Screen Adaptation, Second Edition: A Scriptwriting Handbook + The Art of Adaptation: Turning Fact And Fiction Into Film (Owl Books) + Adaptations: From Short Story to Big Screen: 35 Great Stories That Have Inspired Great Films
Price For All Three: $74.16

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Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

Screen Adaptation : A Scriptwriting Handbook, 2nd ed. examines the challenge screenwritiers face when adapting novels, plays, and short stories for the screen. Thoroughly updated to include new exercises and example from current films, this book provides practical, usable information on how to find the best plot line for a script, choose key characters, and understand the goals and formats of different genres. Topics include; .determining which characters and events are most valuable on developing the main story
.expanding short novellas and condensing long novels
.using dialog to advance the story and reveal character
.comparing the formats of plays, short stories, and novels vs. those of screenplays
.approaching the marketplace

In this book both beginning writers and professionals will find the tools necessary to evaluate a prospective source and create a successful screenplay

About the Author

Professor of Screenwriting at California State University - Northridge, has taught screenwriting for more than ten years. He has written numerous plays and scripts, including two teleplays for the television series, ""Quincy."

Product Details

  • Paperback: 172 pages
  • Publisher: Focal Press; 2 edition (September 22, 1998)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0240803493
  • ISBN-13: 978-0240803494
  • Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6 x 0.6 inches
  • Shipping Weight: 11.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
  • Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
  • Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,543,428 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Life line to save time, December 9, 2003
By A Customer
This review is from: Screen Adaptation, Second Edition: A Scriptwriting Handbook (Paperback)
As a professional screenwriter paid to adapt two novels in the past year, I would have saved copious hours if only I'd first read this book. I give it my highest recommendation wishing someone had alerted me ealier to its resourcefullness and wise insight.
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Inside This Book (learn more)
First Sentence:
Many interesting films have been developed from short stories, novels, and plays. Read the first page
Key Phrases - Statistically Improbable Phrases (SIPs): (learn more)
second act break, successful dramatization, successful screenplay, adapting process, character growth, main plot line, writer changes, additional conflict
Key Phrases - Capitalized Phrases (CAPs): (learn more)
Jurassic Park, New York, The Bridges of Madison County, Act Two, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Neil Simon, Ordinary People, Biloxi Blues, Joe Buck, Holiday Song, The Graduate, Fire Island, Midnight Cowboy, Costa Rica, The Sentinel, Robert Kincaid, Streetcar Named Desire, The Altar of the Dead
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