Product Description

This is six books in one. Book 1 - A screenwriting primer that provides a concise presentation of screenwriting basics. Book 2 - A workbook that walks the writer through the writing process, from nascent ideas through revisions. Book 3 - A formatting guide that presents correct formats for both screenplays and TV scripts. Book 4 - A spec writing guide that demonstrates today's spec style through sample scenes and analysis. Book 5 - A sales and marketing guide that presents proven strategies to help you create a laser-sharp marketing plan. Book 6 - A resource guide that provides addresses and contacts for industry organisations, schools, publications, support groups, services, contests, etc. Among its wealth of practical information are sample query letters, useful worksheets and checklists, hundreds of examples, sample scenes, and straightforward explanations of screenwriting fundamentals.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #38155 in Books
• Published on: 2005-10-20
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 386 pages

Amazon.co.uk Review
How does a spec script differ from a shooting script? What kind of fasteners should one use to bind a script? How did the term MOS come to mean without sound? You'll find the answers to these pressing questions and much more in David Trottier's eminently usable Screenwriter's Bible. The avuncular Trottier--a writer-producer, script consultant, and seminar leader--has written a friendly guide through the Hollywood morass. He touts it as six books in one: it's "a screenwriting primer, a screenwriting workbook, a formatting guide, a spec writing guide, a sales and marketing guidexcfb [and] a resource guide." Much of Trottier's advice is common sense: "Don't write anything that cannot appear on the screen"; to keep casting options open, don't make your physical descriptions too specific; "don't say Ron Howard is looking at the project if he is not." But there are things to know about Hollywood that are, well, quirkier. Don't write the title of your script on the front cover or side binding; present action sequences using the "stacking action" style; in query letters and scripts alike, avoid "big blocks of black ink." Trottier's guidance--from character development and revision to queries and pitches--is invaluable. Getting in the door can seem impossible, but it's not, necessarily. "If you write a script that features a character who has a clear and specific goal," says Trottier, "where there is strong opposition to that goal leading to a crisis and an emotionally satisfying ending, your script will automatically find itself in the upper five percent."

(By the way, MOS is said to have "originated with German director Eric von Stroheim, who would tell his crew, 'Ve'll shoot dis mid out sound'"). --Jane Steinberg, Amazon.com

Customer Reviews

Basic, not always that helpful
This came highly recommended but to be honest there are many other screenwriting guides which are far, far superior to this one. It's very basic, more of a write-by-numbers guide than anything else. It may be a good place to start, but if you really want help then Robert McKee and Linda Seger are the people to check out.

Absolutely the best -- helps me immensely.
This is easily the best book on the market. Clear, concise, and accurate. As a working writer, I refer to it almost daily. It helps me focus and provides valuable information that has helped me further my career. This is particularly true for the marketing, formatting, and resources sections. I am absolutely amazed at how much usuable information is contained in this book. Kudos to the author! This is a must-have book for every writer.

The best book out there...and now I have an agent
I've read over 20 screenwriting books, and this one is clearly the best for at least two reasons: 1) It covers every possible topic including a selling plan (with worksheets), a list of writing contests, an explanation and examples of the new spec style (this really helped me), query and pitching examples--everything. 2). By applying the information, my script has come alive! What's more, I finally found an agent. You can't go wrong with this wonderful book.