Story Sense: A Screenwriter's Guide for Film and Television (Paperback)

by Paul Lucey (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
This is the first true textbook for a course in screenwriting. Story Sense provides specific strategies for writing story, character, and script. A wealth of techniques are suggested so that screenwriters can select those that work best for them. The book has been conceived as a working manual for screenwriters and offers hands-on advice for solving the many problems that crop up as the work progresses. In addition, the book includes examples of script format, a glossary of film terms, the Writer's Guild's compensation terms, and such insider examples as a sample studio script evaluation form, a sample script analysis, a sample studio reader's questionnaire, and a sample re-write.

Product Details

• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: McGraw-Hill Humanities/Social Sciences/Languages; 1 edition (January 1, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0070389969
• ISBN-13: 978-0070389960
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.3 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #165,199 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The only one you need., June 29, 2000

By	Steven Reynolds (Sydney, Australia) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

Quite simply, this is the best practical guide to screenwriting I have ever read. Not only does Lucey have the right ideas, his skill and experience as a teacher shine through in everything from the structure of his chapters to the dozens of useful exercises. The sections on story ideas and story structure are incredibly good, helping you to choose, hone and develop usable story concepts and forcing you to ditch those that aren't. Lucey backs up his lessons with plenty of practical examples, a great glossary and an excellent bibliography - and unlike many screenwriting texts, this one is well-referenced and researched. If you're serious about screenwriting, buy this book.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful book!, November 2, 1999

By A Customer

I don't think you can find a more practical guide. It helped me think through a lot of issues.

Especially helpful after you've been through McKee, Seger, Field, Cowgill, and all the other standards.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The best screenwriting I've seen!, May 7, 2003

By	A. Olds "reader" - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I have read many screenwriting books and this is the most complete. It takes you by the hand through each step of the process. I would recommend it to anyone interested in screenwriting. The book even states that if you follow the steps in the 12 chapters it should take you 120 hours and would be equivelent to a college course. No need for any other training. This book is it!