This new edition has been completely updated and revised along with the addition of several new chapters. Currently, this title remains the best selling university text book on writing short film screenplays.
Writing Short Films: Structure and Content for Screenwriters
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
16 of 18 people found the following review helpful
By Wordsmith
Format:Paperback
I have used Linda Cowgill's book, Writing Short Films, for a three-hundred level course, which I have taught at the University of Arizona, for over four years. It continues to be an excellent basic text for my students even though I have read many of the other books on the market. Linda defines all the important tools of a writer and their uses within the craft. She uses many short films in the book to exemplify her points directly and easily. The short films are excellent references and are accessible for showing--which is a perfect visual teaching tool. Even though the title is for short scriptwriting, she talks about full length films in comparison and, of course, all of these elements and tools are equally important for the full length form. It remains my favorite reference book for my own writing of screenplays and recommend it as the best of the screenwriting books on the market.
18 of 21 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
While the subtitle of this book is accurate ("structure and content for screenwriters"), the main title is incredibly misleading. While many short films are used as examples, I can sum up what the book says about writing the short screenplay with: They must be focused, because they are short.
The information in the book about writing a story for film is informative and worthwhile, and could be applied to any form of storytelling. But, as I was looking for specific information about working in a short screenplay format, I found that this book has very little to offer on the subject.
4 stars as a book on story structure
0 stars as a book about writing short films
The information in the book about writing a story for film is informative and worthwhile, and could be applied to any form of storytelling. But, as I was looking for specific information about working in a short screenplay format, I found that this book has very little to offer on the subject.
4 stars as a book on story structure
0 stars as a book about writing short films
15 of 18 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
As Head of Film and Media Production at a British college I had been on the look-out for a long time for a book that would really excite aspiring screenwriters - and now I've found it. Anyone hoping to make their breakthrough short film should read this book cover to cover and see how successful filmmaking is dependent on strong scriptwriting. Linda Cowgill has a tremendous ability to illustrate the need for both structure and originality when writing for what is, in truth, a very difficult format to get right.
The book covers the entire writers journey from 'starting out' to producing a lean, focused, innovative screenplay. Through observing the impact it has had on new writers I would say that this book is in a league of its own.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Incredible Concepts
I read through this book and highlighted the concepts I felt were important. Afterwords, I went back over the highlighted material and wrote a short film simultaneously. Read more
Published 2 months ago by Greyson Welch
5.0 out of 5 stars
good
This helped quite a bit and I still go back to it whenever I need to write another short film
Published 2 months ago by Alison
4.0 out of 5 stars
Great Book
Useful for anyone taking TV or film classes that might have writing involved in the course. Highly recommend for anyone trying to get started in TV or film writing.
Published 4 months ago by Jason Greenwald
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Best
This under-appreciated book is far and away the best book on screenwriting I've ever come across, and I've read them all. Read more
Published 5 months ago by Farscape1477
3.0 out of 5 stars
Good, could be better
Good information, bad editing. Simple misses in the editing of this work rob some of its credibility. Otherwise, good stuff.
Published on November 19, 2010 by Duncan James
1.0 out of 5 stars
there are better books about writing short films out there......
If you purchase this book don't expect to find great inspiration for writing your next short film. Yeah, there's a wealth of information about progression in story telling and the... Read more
Published on August 31, 2008 by Hit it Lily
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent resource
Excellent resource for teaching high school video production. Some very helpful easy to follow directions.
Published on July 6, 2008 by video teacher
3.0 out of 5 stars
Expect the expected
I bought this book thinking it would really get me motivated to write more scripts or give me some knowledge that I could really use. Read more
Published on March 27, 2007 by Kenneth Hess
5.0 out of 5 stars
COULDN'T BE MORE PLEASED
Arrived quickly and in great shape. What more can one ask???
Published on July 9, 2006 by Careful Consumer
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Book!
As a new and aspiring screenwriter, I have purchased many books on screenwriting. Next to "The Screenwriter's Bible," this is by far the best book I have read on... Read more
Published on May 26, 2004
Citations (learn more)
3
books
cite this book:
- Crafting Short Screenplays That Connect by Claudia Hunter Johnson in Back Matter
- Crafting Short Screenplays That Connect by Claudia Hunter Johnson in Back Matter
- The Independent Film and Videomaker's Guide, Second Edition (Michael Wiese Productions) by Michael Wiese in Back Matter
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