Customer Reviews

Screenplay Workbook: The Writing Before the Writing

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Robinson and Mungovan are very honest with the reader from the beginning of this book. The introduction clearly states "The Screenplay workbook" is not a how-to guide to screenwriting.

Let's all thank them for creating a book that addresses the rarely covered planning of your screenplay. Yes, other books cover plotting and conceptualization, but this workbook is specifically designed to get the writer familiar with their ideas before they attempt to write. The worksheets drive the writer into asking questions about their own project, opening ideas up to a more fleshed out planning process. They are correct in saying that a lot of writers don't plan, they just write (it has to be true... I've read too much crap, including my own, for this to be wrong). With this book, you do both: writing in the planning state, see your concepts hit the page without committing to page one of your screenplay.

Specifically, the worksheets hit vital elements that are often ignored until you are knee deep in writing without a paddle. For example, the character relationship worksheets are a great way to chart changes, twists and growth for your relationships, but also get you thinking about what the heck is going to happen during the second act.

Does it cover all the bases? I don't think so, some worksheets are more useful than others. But it's better than any other book out there (really, the only book out there) that gives a writer a solid start- by actually getting you to write. If you're looking for a something to illuminate the writing process, this isn't the book for you. If you are looking for a way to ramp up that screenplay that's been elusively running around in your head for a while, this workbook is a good way to nail it down so you can put some ideas on paper, and give you a head start on writing.

I just had to post my opinion because I recently bought this book after reading the majority of positive reviews. This book simply doesn't have enough to it. The information is very basic and can be found in any screenwriting book or on the internet (for free). The main problem is the amount of worksheets, 4 or 5 pages of the same worksheet. They ideas aren't terribly original and they could have just included one copy and offered it as reproducible then there would be room for a wider variety of material. As it is there are only 7 types of worksheet in this book. Save your money and just organize your information the way any of the many quality books suggest. There are very few ideas in this book and none of them are new.

I teach playwriting to high school students, and this book fits right in with my curriculum. The worksheets on plot and character really help kids focus on how to structure coherent plot lines and dynamic characters. Disscovering this resource has made my planning so much easier.

This book is a godsend. I was having troubles with putting it all together. The Screenplay Workbook by Mungovan and Robinson does not show you how to format the screenplay, there are tons of books out there that show you how to do that, what this book does, and probably does the best is, holds your hand developing your story, and making it "make sense". It's tough to put all it together, but this book amazingly cuts through all the excess and forces you to write a better story. The worksheets are great, the copy is fun and easy to read. I can see why schools are using this as a texbook. It really has everything you need to know! This is certainly a must have for any screenwriter.

Wow! This book rocks! Easy to use worksheets, some better than others, but all work towards the common goal of making your screenplay work well. More importantly it makes writing the screenplay fun. The Screenplay workbook by Robinson and Mungovan does not "show" you how to write a screenplay, it really sets the groundwork for a when you "do write" your screenplay. Truly a must have book for screenwriters. You get to know alot about your screenplay if you honestly fill out the worksheets. Go ahead a get this book, it's worth it!

I recently came across this book at the Chicago Barnes & Nobels store. I flipped through it and realized what a gem it was. This apparently is the only book out there (that I've seen) that shows and teaches prospective screenwriters the real success of a screenplay - all the basics before your start writing! The writing before the writing is aptly named, as so is the Screenplay Workbook. The worksheets are easy to figure out and give solid advice and information. Once all filled out, your basic story will be stronger. I liked the line in the book that said, "if you don't know your characters, then who will?" That's very true. I bought this book and advise all screenwriters to do the same. If will make your writing and screenplay development stronger.

Every time a screenwriter sits down to start a new screenplay, he has to grapple with the daunting question of, "Where do I start?"

The preparation time, "the writing before the writing," can be intimidating. Not only is writing a screenplay difficult, with its rigid format, page counts, visual writing style, and realistic dialogue; screenwriting demands preparation. Characters, layers upon layers of plot and subplot, and every emotional rise and fall the audience experiences are planned out in advance, like a blueprint. For years screenwriters have been creating this blueprint from scratch. But all that is about to change.

Tom Mungovan and Jeremy Robinson present an instructional manual combined with proprietary worksheets, charts and fill-in lists to give screenwriters better focus in approaching the task of writing a screenplay. The worksheets contained in this workbook will help the screenwriter with the creation of characters, plots and concepts, bringing it all together and giving screenwriters a better way to focus on the task of actually writing a screenplay. Instead of starting with a blank page, screenwriters can now start with a series of worksheets that ask all the right questions to get creative juices flowing. All of the organization is done. All of the right questions are asked. All of the important subjects are covered. The Screenplay Workbook brings together every element needed to not only start a screenplay, but, more importantly, to successfully finish one. Enough worksheets to write several screenplays.

It's about time someone decided to include the use of graphic organizers for a book about screenwriting. I find the plot and character building graphic organizers excellent. If you can add plausible and interesting information about the story and your characters, it is quite possible for the rest to snowball from there. Spatial learners find this a much easier way to get started. You're never to old to use this type of writing strategy. I'd love to see a another workbook with graphic organizers exploring different story elements.

As for the knock on Canada, save your criticism (and sarcasm) strictly for the book.

If your serious about the craft of screenwriting, you must pick up this book. It has a plethora of useful information on all sorts of screenwriting tasks. Basically, read some background info on screenwriting, fill out some worksheets and save as a useful tool for when you do write your screenplay. It's amazingly simple - and highly effective. It's my new favorite book!

All the worksheets in this book are great, but I have three favorites.

I found the plot structure worksheet extremely helpful because it includes all three acts, seven story elements (rising action, conflict, etc.) and a chart to show how plot points fit in with traditional story structure.

The character arc worksheet lets you work out the 12 steps in a character's story arc, including their physical and emotional changes. This also lets you see how the character's arc occurs within the three acts and in relation to plot points. Amazing!

I also found the scene worksheet helpful and "Jeremy's Inside Scoops" are funny and straightforward. All of the worksheets are great. I can't recomend this book enough. It's helped me immeasurably.