Writing Great Screenplays F/FI (Writing Great Screenplays for Film and TV) (Paperback)

by Arco (Author) "You sit down..." (more)
Key Phrases: dramatic equation, story roller coaster, educated gut, Lost Soul, Jurassic Park, Level of Normal Abilities (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
The American Film Institutes bestselling sreenwriting guide is now updated!Only the American Film Institute -- the countrys most prestigious film organization -- could offer this level of screenwriting expertise! Specially created by a top television programming executive and former instructor at the AFI film school, this bestselling screenwriting guide is now revised and updated to cover the latest techniques for crafting first-rate screenplays for film and TV. Professional, practical and totally authoritative, this outstanding reference is a favorite of aspiring screenwriters and their teachers. Contents include:- Innovative ideas for structuring the plot, developing characters, and building momentum- Professional guidance on marketing a screenplay- Concise encyclopedia of screenwriting techniquesDona Cooper, a senior television programming executive, has taught screenwriting at the AFI Center for Advanced Film and Television Studies in Los Angeles.

Product Details

• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: Arco; 2 Sub edition (August 22, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0028615557
• ISBN-13: 978-0028615554
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #221,938 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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  #32 in	Books > Entertainment > Television > Screenwriting
  #50 in	Books > Arts & Photography > Performing Arts > Theater > Playwriting
  #61 in	Books > Reference > Writing > Play & Scriptwriting

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent take on writing good stories, September 18, 1998

By	DAMwriter "David Moore" (Chicago, IL USA) - See all my reviews

Before I begin my praise for this book, let me make one note: despite the back cover and the PR, it does not give any guidance on script marketing. It is, however, true to the title - it is a solid primer on how to write great stories for the big and small screens.

Rather than present a cookie-cutter or one-size-fits-all approach to script development, Ms. Cooper offer solid theory and evidence regarding the elements of a good story, the active role of the audience, determining screenplay goals, etc. She presents a useful roller-coaster model of the story and a system of instruction, examples, and self-Q/A to help the reader/screenwriter approach his material on the macro- and micro-levels. Her ultimate aim is to match the speed, tempo and size of the roller-coaster to the desired story effect. This approach provides great flexibility and can accommodate most genres and personal styles.

This is a good read and a valuable reference tool for any screenwriter's personal library. I will refer to it over and over again, especially during the re-write process (when inspiration is always needed!).

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must read for anyone remotely interested in screenwriting, January 20, 2000

By	Joe Cheng (Canada) - See all my reviews

If only every book was as well written as this one.... This book is one of the best books on screenwriting I've ever read for one simple reason: Clarity. The material in this book is presented in a wonderful "reader friendly" streamlined structure. Full of useful information yet straight and to the point. A great read for the beginning screenwriter.

10 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great tool for writing and perfecting scripts!, August 24, 1999

By	Marisa D'Vari, author of "Script Magic&q... (USA) - See all my reviews

Dona Cooper takes a fresh and innoative approach to the screenwriting craft and presents material not found in other how-to books, such as the chapter that deals with structure. I recommend it to my screenwriting students! Marisa D'Vari, author, Script Magic.