#75 in Arts & photography books
Reddit mentions of The Screenwriter's Bible, 6th Edition: A Complete Guide to Writing, Formatting, and Selling Your Script (Expanded & Updated)
Sentiment score: 17
Reddit mentions: 24
We found 24 Reddit mentions of The Screenwriter's Bible, 6th Edition: A Complete Guide to Writing, Formatting, and Selling Your Script (Expanded & Updated). Here are the top ones.
or
- Silman-James Press
Features:
Specs:
| Height | 10.75 inches |
| Length | 8.5 inches |
| Number of items | 1 |
| Weight | 2.46476808916 Pounds |
| Width | 1 inches |
> I don't want to make money off of [short films]
Well, great news! You're very unlikely to make any money off any given short film. However, it can be a great calling card for something else (features, ads, music videos).
It's a lot faster to see the rewards than a feature (which is a long hard slog to be honest). And shorts are a great introduction to the medium without being overwhelming (and weighed down by structural considerations).
> I'm immensely interested in shorts. What I lack is a story. I mean, I've no idea how to structure a short. I'm assuming it's the same as the feature one? The three act structure?
I advise to watch as many shorts as you can (you are spoiled for choice on Vimeo, YouTube and/or Short of the Week). Make a note of which ones you love and why.
Personally, I like shorts that have a 'sting in the tail,' some sort of revelation at the end that alter your perception of the rest of the story. However, a short can be a slice-of-life or a character study or
just plain experiment.
The structure of a short can be fairly fluid and still enjoyable and consumable. You don't have the time to establish a lot beyond one or two characters or an intricate plot (at least, without being confusing).
Very often, great shorts are two acts. A set-up and a pay-off. Or three acts, but the third act can be extremely short.
> An idea which has a beginning, a mid point, and an ending. How do I get an idea for a short?
So the great thing about a short is that it is often an exploration of one or two key themes or ideas. It can be based around a single joke ("The Furry Chequebook").
You really can just think of "what if... " and explore just that idea, without having to worry about fleshed-out characters or a B-story etc. What if a guy had control of a small Black Hole?
What if Cape Town was riddled with monsters?
Regarding getting ideas. Observe things around you. Write down thoughts that occur to you. Things that are important to you and you think worthy of exploration.
> My last question is, please suggest me a good book on formatting?
The usual reference for this is the latest edition of David Trottier's The Screenwriter's Bible. This is a great resource for beginners
as well as a reference if you've forgotten a good way to format some element.
Welcome to the community! Happy to see a new face join in; I'm a little new to reddit myself, but, I've got a few places and lessons that have helped me develop my craft in a major way.
Welcome to the craft. If you want some coverage on your draft, I'd love to give feedback once you're ready. Cheers!
Really, studios don't have hired crews anymore, so unless you want a desk job, working for Warner Bros. isn't really going to happen. Writers definitely don't work for the studios anymore. Screenwriters are more or less "freelance:" they write scripts, then sell them to whoever wants to make them. Once directors and producers are hired for the project, they more or less pick their own crews for the shooting and post-production processes.
My advice would be to decide what you want to do and learn everything you possibly can about that craft. Each person on a film set has a specific set of responsibilities and must be able to do them well.
If you want to be a writer, you have to know script theory and format like the back of your hand. /r/screenwriting can be a decent resource, but take any advice you get there with a grain of salt. Many of the writers there are bitter and simply throw out rules and limitations that they read in the same books you can rent from the library or buy at Half Price Books for $5. $5 advice doesn't really help anybody in the long run.
If you feel like you have a great story to tell, then don't let anybody tell you how to tell it. That's the great thing about being the writer: You can tell your story however you want. If it's garbage, that's okay. At least it was a learning experience, and you get better with every new thing that you write. Don't be afraid to write bad material. It happens to all of us, especially when you're learning.
If you do decide to study screenwriting, David Trottier's The Screenwriting Bible is a great resource. I would also recommend picking up some sort of style guide. This is the one that I use, and it's great. It's set up like a glossary, so that if I forget how to format a certain scenario, I can just flip right to it.
Apart from that, just watch as many movies as you can and analyse them to the best of your abilities. There really is no better teacher than the work that came before.
Good luck and have fun!
I wouldn't, because it's the most expensive of the various options. If you're a beginner, you may not even know yet whether you can finish a screenplay, so why spend that kind of money?
When I was starting out, I wrote my first screenplay in longhand in spiral notebooks. I told myself that if I finished a first draft I'd buy Final Draft to do the second draft... and I did. Now I'm used to FD, so I stick with it.
Some of the most popular screenwriting format programs include:
More options are discussed here, and you can find about 40 screenwriting programs at The Writer’s Store.
Most programs have free trials, so you can see which one you like best before you commit.
Having screenwriting software is necessary (IMHO) but not sufficient to write a properly formatted screenplay. The software will let you designate dialogue as V.O. (voice over) or O.S. (off-screen), but it won’t explain when you use which. For that, and for many other things, you need to read something that gets into the details of formatting, like The Screenwriter’s Bible.
Many format programs have lots of bells and whistles including:
More resources on my blog: https://lauridonahue.com/screenwriting-tools-and-communities-stps-7/
I think this is another one of those "actor-audience" versus "actor-writer" things. The powers might appear random to the characters, and if you're in actor-audience mode, that means you feel like it should be random to the players as well. But that's not how Fate works; you have to take a step back from being purely a participant and assume some aspects of the creator's mantle in order to get the most out of the game, and I think a lot of people trip over that, since it's exactly the opposite of what most RPGs encourage you do to.
...which I suppose is all a long-winded way of saying that the best Fate resource books I own are this and this.
Well, the biggest issue -- the first thing that jumps out at me -- is that you're not writing in standard screenplay format.
​
Read up on how to format a screenplay. How to write scenes. How to write dialogue. Sluglines. Action. Transitions.
​
Read: The Screenwriter's Bible
Visit: screenwriting.io for basic Q&A
Watch:
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
If you want some specific criticism:
​
Good luck!
haha it's fine. If you're willing and able to invest a little bit of cash, I do recommend getting the Screenwriter's Bible. It helped me a bunch with all of the basics, and even now I still refer to it from time to time.
Pro-tip: When you post a short for feedback, put that it's a short in the thread title. You'll get more looks.
---
It's a first draft, so I'll try to control the painful twitching I'm getting looking at the grammar & sentence structure here. twitch -- Whoops.
First, let me suggest... buy a copy of David Trottier's Screenwriter's Bible. It's the most efficient $20 you'll spend. This book is oft-overlooked for other SW books, but it is my favourite to learn the fundamentals (and a lot of in-depth things).
Moving on... beyond the nuts & bolts of your poor grammar & lack of screenwriting structure (twitch -- damn it!), you still have many issues here. The action is very clunky and offers very little to the visualization of your scenes.
For example:
> A car pulls up outside and the horn Honks two or three times.
Your dialogue is very "Kevin Smith wannabe" which is fine. He's a great idol to have when it comes to this kind of dialogue. However, it doesn't work that well. My tip to you: read it out loud. Every time you get that little tingle of embarrassment (even if you're reading alone to yourself), that means your dialogue is jacked up.
These are vital elements to the script. I know first drafts are first drafts, but you need to at least put some effort into the basics before you can get a serious opinion.
Good luck.
Cheers,
-A.
If you've had success as a writer, I'd skip the how-tos and get something like The Screenwriter's Bible or Elements of Style for Screenwriters to have something for reference with formatting and such. I'd also check out John August's website (a writer who has worked on written most of Tim Burton's recent stuff).
I'd recommend reading any script with Billy Wilder's name on it. As far as getting those scripts, google the name of the script with "script" and ".pdf" Example:
Sunset Blvd script .pdf
That'll usually do the trick. There are a bunch of websites with scripts, but I have found that more often than not you'll find the script in .pdf form elsewhere. Scridx is pretty cool, though. If you have trouble, make a post on /r/screenwriting. One of us may have it.
I'd also try and get your hands on some scripts from Blacklist. Can't find the .zip file anymore of all the scripts, but they're floating around. The reason I'd recommend them is that they're what's being talked about, and so would give you some idea to what current writers are putting out there. Being on the list doesn't mean they're good, just liked. So keep that in mind. A script that ended up on there I gave a pass to when I first got it.
I'm too busy to read the entire script, but after about 4 pages in let me give my two cents:
First the critique. I believe you should invest in buying a screenwriting book that helps you with formatting. Here is the one I have on [amazon] (https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/1935247107/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1482011419&sr=8-1&pi=SY200_QL40&keywords=screenwriters+bible)
Beyond that, with the descriptions, there are too many lines and makes it hard to read. Try to combine them. That's my biggest critique.
The good part is I am intrigued by your story concept. Right off the bat, it reminds me of "In Time" where there is some kind of time aging thing, but instead of time being currency, it sounded like you purchased more life. That concept is gold, stick with it.
I think you just need to practice formatting. Use [celtx] (https://www.celtx.com/index.html) which has a free version with a great system for organizing screenplays.
Tl;dr Great idea; work on structure.
Write a spec script and maybe get an agent. Spec script writing is a very specific art form, so study up.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/1935247107/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1466966617&sr=8-1&pi=SY200_QL40&keywords=script+writing&dpPl=1&dpID=51akHbdO5aL&ref=plSrch
I got more out of The Story Solution than both of those put together.
I'll also save wrytagain the hassle and add The Screenwriter's Bible.
I really think the best practical material on narrative was written for screenplays. There are many great books, such as The Screenwriters Bible, Story and The Foundations of Screenwriting. Just be careful not to become too indoctrinated: rules are good, but if you worry too much about them you might forget to write a story that is actually good.
Below is a link to a good book. It won't teach you how to be a storyteller, but it will teach you how to format a script. For grammar, purchase The Elements of Style. For screenwriting software, purchase FinalDraft. Yes FinalDraft is expensive (you may have to save up) but it will make your writing journey a lot easier than it probably is now. Best of luck.
​
https://www.amazon.com/Screenwriters-Bible-6th-Complete-Formatting/dp/1935247107
You could start here: The Screenwriter's Bible
For you, I suggest making some plot outlines so that your story has a certain cohesiveness to it that many daydreams lack. A good method was explained by u/AloneWeTravel in another post: https://www.reddit.com/r/writing/comments/4vbnhe/how_should_i_outline_a_first_draft/d5x3n0p. Then, write the thing.
For your friend, I suggest that she figure out stories that work for some paint-by-numbers plots to get the juices flowing again. For example, try to write a story that follows the Hero's Journey formula, or the Magnificent Seven formula (The Screenwriter's Bible), or the Five Act structure. Conversely, she could follow the process that I use as laid out on my reddit blog: Story Inspiration -> Fleshing Out Ideas -> Turning Outlines into Stories. Try new things! If they work, then use them. If they don't, then try something else.
Happy writing!
I often see questions like “How do I become a screenwriter?” or "How can I write a screenplay?"
So here’s an answer you can read in five minutes or less.
Read at least two screenwriting “how-to” books
For example, you could try:
I think it’s a good idea to read more than one book because you don’t want to get the idea that there’s only one right way to write a screenplay. Different authors have different approaches that you may find more or less useful.
TAKE NOTES ON WHAT YOU LEARN.
Read at least five professional scripts
You can often find them by googling the name of the movie along with “PDF.”
You can also try Simply Scripts and The Internet Movie Script Database (IMSDb).
Your reading list should include scripts for movies that have been made in the past five years, so you can see what styles are current.
TAKE NOTES ON WHAT YOU LEARN.
One thing you should notice is that professional scripts have certain things in common. For example, they almost all have sluglines that look something like this:
EXT. RAIN FOREST – DAY
Some writers put sluglines in bold (which is a current fashion), and some don’t.
You should also notice that other things are different. For example, some writers use CAPS for objects and sounds a lot more than other writers do. Some writers write long, detailed descriptions of locations; others don’t.
One reason for this exercise is to get a sense of what a professional script looks like – what’s “standard,” and what’s more a matter of individual taste/style.
Another reason to read a lot of scripts (especially award-winning ones) is to get a feel for what “good” looks like.
Think about how these pro scripts follow (or not) the “rules” in the books you’ve read.
Follow along in the script as you’re watching the movie
Notice how words on a page translate into sights and sounds on the screen.
Notice how much detail is written out by the screenwriter, and how much is left to others (like the costume designer, set designer, or fight choreographer).
Come up with a screenplay idea/story
A good source for help with developing commercial story ideas is Selling Your Story in 60 Seconds.
Or read this blog: https://lauridonahue.com/fantastic-ideas-and-where-to-find-them-stps-5/
It can be helpful to put your idea into logline form. One basic model for loglines is:
>[Type of person or group] must [do or overcome something] in order to [achieve some goal].
You can also add details about where and when the story takes place, if relevant.
For example:
>A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away, a restless farm-boy must rescue a princess and learn to use his supernatural powers in order to defeat an evil empire.
Create a beat-sheet
A beat-sheet is a short (1-2 page) outline of what happens in your script.
For example, you can use the famous/infamous Blake Snyder “Save the Cat” Beat Sheet.
The books you’ve read may have other models for this.
Some people don’t like outlining. They just like to jump right into the story and start writing. How you work is up to you. But you may find that having an outline will let you know if you’ve got enough story (or too much), keep you on track, and save you from wasting time.
Write a treatment or a scriptment
A treatment or scriptment is a longer kind of outline.
Again, you may prefer just to dive in. It’s up to you.
Try to write a screenplay
It’s a good idea to get script formatting software, like Celtx or Highland or Final Draft. If you try to write a script in Word or another standard word processing program, you may drive yourself nuts dealing with format issues, and the end result may not look professional.
Or, just can write your first draft in a notebook, and do your second draft using formatting software. (I decided I wasn’t going to spend money on Final Draft until I proved to myself I could finish a first draft by hand.)
If you finish, congratulations. You’re now a screenwriter. Most wannabes never make it to that point.
However, your script probably isn’t very good. Most first scripts are awful.
What if you want to be a GOOD screenwriter?
Then you’ve got a lot more work ahead of you.
Put the script aside
Don’t work on it for at least a week. You want to be able to see it with fresh eyes.
Don’t show it to anyone yet, however much you want people to tell you how awesome it is.
This would be a good time to start working on your next script.
Rewrite
Look back at your notes from the screenwriting books and scripts you read. Think about what makes a script good.
Compare your script to the professional scripts, in terms of format, structure, dialogue, pacing, description, action, etc.
Re-read the chapters on revisions in the books you read.
Read a book like Making a Good Script Great and apply what it suggests.
Rewrite again and again and again until your script is as good as you think you can make it.
Get feedback
Do NOT get feedback on your first draft. Get feedback on your BEST draft.
So where do you get feedback?
Whatever you do, don’t be a douche about the feedback you get. Accept it with THANKS and graciously, even if you think the reader is an idiot for failing to recognize your genius.
And before you ask anyone for free feedback, read this – and don’t be that guy.
Rewrite again and again and again
Again, in between rewrites and while you’re waiting for feedback, put your script aside and work on more scripts.
You could experiment with different formats (feature, TV, short, webisode, etc.), genres, and styles. Discover where your strengths and interests lie.
Get more feedback; revise; repeat
Repeat as needed until people who know what they’re talking about (not your buddies, not your mom) say it’s good, and/or you start placing in contests like the Nicholl and Austin and/or getting 8s and up on The Black List.
Keep in mind that it may take years, and many drafts of many scripts, before you get to this point… if you ever do. (Most people don’t.)
If you do make it that far – congratulations again! You’re now a pretty good screenwriter.
(If you like this, please subscribe to my blog: https://lauridonahue.com/how-to-become-a-screenwriter-in-five-minutes-or-less-stps-4/)
Edit: this isn't mine it's Seshat_the_Scribe but it should help
Anytime. I'd be more than happy to read through your script and send you notes via message, if you'd like. If you want to pick up a good book for formatting, check out the Screenwriter's Bible. https://www.amazon.com/Screenwriters-Bible-6th-Complete-Formatting/dp/1935247107Dave Trottier knows his stuff.
My favorite screenwriting book is The Screenwriter's Bible by David Trottier. It's clear. Concise. A ton of examples.
Into the Woods by John Yorke is my favorite book on structure.
Check out The Screenwriter's Bible by David Trottier. It will explain story structure and then step you through the process of creating characters and plotting out your story.
On a lark, I decided to start a screenplay last summer. I completed the steps in this book and, three months later, I had a first draft of an action movie screenplay. Since it was a first draft, I just hand wrote everything. It doesn't follow the form of a proper screenplay, but Trottier doesn't seem to care if the rough draft is in the right format because the chapter on formatting your screenplay comes after he tells you to write the first draft.
It was fun. Highly recommend it.
The Screenwriter's Bible
Writing Movies: The Practical Guide to Creating Stellar Screenplays
Naked Playwriting: The Art, the Craft, and the Life Laid Bare
And browse Simply Scripts.
I was self taught til I wasn’t. Just takes practice and time and I’m still learning even now. If you’re really wanting to dive deep into screenwriting, a great book to start with is The Screenwriter’s Bible. I reference it a lot when I’m trying to write because it’s got everything from the creative to the technical side covered.
Trust me. The first dozen or more scripts I wrote were so bad I’ve blocked them from my memory altogether haha.
Formatting. You're talking about formatting. not structure. For anything other than a shooting script, use Spec script formatting.