Television and Screen Writing, Fourth Edition: From Concept to Contract [Paperback]

Richard A Blum (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 10, 2001 | ISBN-10: 0240803973 | ISBN-13: 978-0240803975 | Edition: 4

Now in its fourth edition, Television and Screen Writing: From Concept to Contract is a classic resource for students and professionals in screenwriting and television writing. This book will teach you how to become a creative and marketable writer in every professional arena - including major studios, production companies, networks, cable and pay TV, animation, and interactive programs. Specific techniques and script samples for writing high-quality and producible "spec" scripts for theatrical motion pictures, the sitcom series, one-hour dramatic series, longform television, soaps, talk show, variety, animation, interactive and new media are provided. Television and Screen Writing: From Concept to Contract, Fourth Edition also offers a fully detailed examination of the current marketplace, and distinct strategies for marketing your scripts, from registering and copyrighting the script to signing with an agent.



This new edition has been expanded to include the most up-to-date creative and professional script samples, marketing resources, and practical information possible. The companion website (www.focalpress.com/companions) offers a wide range of contacts and resources for you to explore, and Internet links to professional resources. There is also an Annotated and Selected Bibliography for your reference

Covers all aspects of scriptwriting, from visuilization to marketing
New information on competitions, festivals, and workshops
Now includes internet sources for screenwriters

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Very thoughtful and user-friendly; a wonderful conprehensive text." - Nevada McPhearson, Nunez Community College

"There was so much information packed on each page I thought I was going to have to highlight the entire book!" - David Wesner, Austin Peay State University

From the Publisher

Television and Screenwriting reveals how to write successful scripts for television and motion pictures, and how to effectively market them. To be successful, screenwriters must learn techniques to guide them from the germination of an idea to the revision of the final draft. Episodic television, long-form television, and motion pictures all share certain needs; the development of producible stories, appealing and castable characters, credible dialogue, expert structure, and skillful visualization.

This Book Was Selected By:

· Writers Guild of America Website for "Tools of the Trade" as a recommended reading.

· The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences' Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting as a recommended reading resource for every writer and student of writing in the country and abroad interested in the five $25,000 fellowships. It was added to the "Bibliography of Books on Screenwriting &Other Resource Information" and is on the Nicholl Screenwriting Fellowships Website as a recommended reading.

· Scriptwriting Links Website and Playwriting Website as a recommended reading.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Focal Press; 4 edition (January 10, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0240803973
• ISBN-13: 978-0240803975
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #791,638 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Classic Revised, April 11, 2001

By 

Michael Halperin (Los Angeles, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Television and Screen Writing, Fourth Edition: From Concept to Contract (Paperback)

Richard Blum's Television and Screen Writing (4th Edition) is a welcome revision of one of the classic books for writers by a professional from within the industry who also happens to be a topnotch screenwriting teacher. It provides a wealth of information that all aspiring TV and screenwriters need. Dr. Blum leads you through the writing process with numerous examples. However, Dr. Blum goes much deeper by discussing character, dialogue, and how to create stories with scenes that work for the story and not against it. The Fourth Edition also has insights into animation and new media, daytime serials and talk shows, and, most important of all, how to market what you write. Read it thoroughly and then go back and read it again. This book is an invaluable resource.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars If you can learn to write from a book, this is the book., April 23, 2002

By 

Scott S Grizzard (Tampa, FL USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Television and Screen Writing, Fourth Edition: From Concept to Contract (Paperback)

If it is possible to learn how to write a screenplay from a book, this is that book. Not only is it a good guide to teach writing, but it is also an essential reference. I have it on the lower shelf next to my computer so I can reach it at a moments notice. I am constantly looking things up in it, from formatting to contract minimums to Internet addresses.
The book is well organized, well indexed, and easy to read. Even if you know how to write, this book is essential as a ready reference on almost any topic.
From start to finish, Blum guides you through the process of writing Movie and TV scripts. A++

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Door Opener for the TV Market, August 19, 2009

By 

Russell Mawson - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Television and Screen Writing, Fourth Edition: From Concept to Contract (Paperback)

This book starts at the beginning and points out the path from the beginning thought concept of a TV Show to the end product. It guides you past the pitfalls of the unique style of writing for Television.

A hand holding guide to overcome the maze and pitfalls of required formats and style that is required to submit a professional work that will help your get reviewed.

Well thought out and a good read.