Save the Cat by Blake Snyder

This is perhaps the most widely recognized screenwriting book of them all. Blake Snyder’s Save the Cat is a brilliant look at the industry with a bias towards what type of material sells. Here is an excerpt from a review.

The premise of Blake Snyder’s Save the Cat screenwriting book is to provide the reader with a basic understanding of what kinds of scripts sell and more importantly, what sells in Hollywood. As the tag line of the book suggests, all you need to do is save the cat and everyone is happy in the end. Yes, Hollywood loves happy endings because they feel it is necessary to send people home after a movie feeling good.
This book’s relevance, by today’s standards, has faded somewhat over the last few years as we have seen a rise in successful movies that have no happy ending. That said, the largest mainstream audience is still the G-rated crowd and they love their happy endings.
As far as being a book that can teach you how to write a good screenplay, it is not. I originally read this book three times because I kept feeling like I had missed something. Every time I sat down to attack one of my scripts and apply some Blake Snyder to it, I realized I couldn’t; it is too light on screenwriting specifics.

Save the Cat — So what is it good for?
This title should be called “The Last Book on Screenwriting you should read”. It won’t help with the actual writing but every screenwriter should have this book floating around in his or her consciousness when working on a script. If you are interested in playing the game (writing for success instead of artistic fulfillment), know the rules.
It is a great read that every screenwriting junkie should flip through. I really did laugh my pants off.

Here you can find the full review for Save the Cat eBook

Screen Play Software Tips for Final Draft

Screen Play Software – Final Draft Tips
By Gregory Adams

Screen play software for professional screenwriting that is endorsed by some of Hollywood’s biggest writers like Oliver Stone and Syd Field is Final Draft. This screenwriting software is the market leader and most widely used script formatting program in the world. It is also the most preferred program for script submissions amongst production companies. Final Draft has a host of intuitive features that enable a writer to focus on the story while freeing them from all the technical hassles and redundancy of properly formatting a screenplay.

There are shortcuts and time savers inherent in this program and many of them take experience to implement; here are some screen play software tips for Final Draft.

1. The default font is a custom 12 point courier designed specifically to provide a thicker, better, and properly spaced font. Do not change this because Courier is the industry standard font and is a per-requisite of script submissions.
2. Learn to work with the SmartType feature that keeps a database of scene headings, extensions, character names, locations, transitions and times. Enter just the first few letters and the software will type in the rest instantly; this is how you avoid typing reoccurring places and names and save yourself a whole lot of time.
3. Use the bookmark function that marks any spot in your script so you can jump to it with just a click of the mouse. Do this by selecting Document>Insert Bookmark and add a custom name in the Bookmark name field at the top of the dialog box and click OK to apply changes to the script. To jump to a Bookmark, choose Edit>Goto. Select the Bookmark you want from the list (Windows) or the pop-up menu (Mac OS).

Professional screen play software is a must when submitting scripts to production companies for approval because it is what they use for writing and editing screenplays. Final Draft is the preferred program, but Movie Magic Screenwriter is an acceptable alternative. Also, consider digging into some good books on the art of writing a screenplay; titles like Screenwriting Goldmine by Philip Gladwin and The Screenwriters Bible by David Trottier to name a few.

Final Draft is considered the best screenwriting program for two main reasons; it is the only scriptwriting software with direct access for registering your work with the WGAW online registry service and it provides proper format templates for all mediums including graphic novels, musicals, sit-coms, and many more. It is the industry standard program. Here is a more comprehensive review of Final Draft screen play software with ordering information and other resources including some valuable tips for script submissions.

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Making a Good Script Great by Linda Seger

A Screenwriting Book Review For “Making a Good Script Great”
By Gregory Adams

Linda Seger’s screenwriting book “Making a Good Script Great” has developed a bit of a cult-like following over the past years. It is a very good book for scriptwriting that provides a lot of real world examples to accentuate her points; this I believe is the primary reason for its success. She just plain has a good way of illustrating what she talks about through popular reference. It does not offer the same easy to follow specifics of a title like Screenwriting Goldmine by Philip Gladwin, but it is definitely in the category of must read literature.

Other Relevant Titles by Linda Seger

Some other books of note (worth reading) by this author are Advanced Screenwriting, Making a Good Writer Great, Creating Unforgettable Characters and The Art of Adaptation.

Making a Good Script Great

This one covers all the screenwriting book essentials like subplots, motivation, turning points, beats, back story, and themes; all described in easy to understand language and referenced with a variety of movies for relevant emphasis.

The book follows the typical screenwriting curriculum by being organized into four different sections on story structure, idea development, character development, and a case study for punctuation. What makes this book successful is Seger’s ability to use popular movies as a reference for defining each element of structure she introduces; this makes all her points relevant and illustrates the professional success of those that have implemented similar techniques.

Making a Good Script Great by Linda Seger is one of the better books on the art of screenwriting and should be on every writers bookshelf. Although Linda herself has not written many successful screenplays her book is highly regarded and has helped many writers to improve their work.

More Good Reads:
Another screenwriting book to read would be ScreenwritingGoldmine by Philip Gladwin or Trottier’s book The Screenwriters Bible (which is a gem for helping you actually sell your script; it comes with contact and query forms and a marketing action plan). You will want this one at some point too.

You can grab these and other important books on the art and craft of screenwriting at: http://www.squidoo.com/screenwriting-book.

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Final Draft 8 Review

Buy Final Draft – The Industry Standard Screenwriting Software
By Gregory Adams

Buy Final Draft if you are looking for software to make your screenwriting work easier. There are some other big names on the block, like Movie Magic Screenwriter and Sophocles to name a few (These are both fine screenwriting programs). However, Final Draft is the market leader and industry standard for many reasons.

If you intend to get serious about screenwriting then grab a copy. If, on the other hand, you are unsure about how serious you are and you want to just get your feet wet first then perhaps you should hold off on the impulse to buy Final Draft and explore some less expensive or free screenwriting software first (discussed further down).

Why Buy Final Draft?
1. Industry standard: the most used screenwriting software period.
2. Cross platform support: swap scripts between Mac and PC and between different file formats.
3. Ease of use: there is tons of support everywhere for learning this software due to its popularity.
4. Direct access for registering your work: It is the only screenwriting software with an authorized agreement with the WGAW online registry service.
5. Simple editing: a host of features allow for drag and drop editing as you look at your script from the top down on a virtual editing table. The Scene Navigator, Scene Properties Inspector, Scene View, and Index Card features are what make script editing and formatting a breeze.
6. Download script templates for almost any format of script: registered users get access to their database for templates. Graphic novels, musicals, sitcoms and many more styles are available. Whatever you want to write, you can find a template for it.

Can’t Buy Final Draft?
If the price is outside your means, fear not, because there are some legitimate strong alternatives that cost substantially less or are free. Some of these are marginal, and a few are contenders, but most importantly, they won’t force you to live on pasta for the next 3 months due to a blown budget. Consider, however, that most major production houses only accept scripts that are properly formatted with professional software because that is what they use; Final Draft and Movie Magic Screenwriter are two of the most common.

To all-aspiring screenwriters I say welcome to the industry, because given the sad state of television and cinema, we so need you sooner rather than later. Screenwriting is a craft that requires hard work, dedication, and perseverance in abundance. Screenwriting software is what should make your life much easier.

For a more comprehensive review of Final Draft8, screen shots, and links to free scriptwriting software visit Buy Final Draft: A Wise Purchase?. And get going because the Academy Awards await your arrival and I yearn for the day when I can stop flipping channels endlessly.

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Writing Drama; a Comprehensive Guide for Playwrights and Scriptwriters by: Yves Lavandier

Writing Drama by Yves Lavandier is a two-part study in creating a successful screenplay. He begins with the fundamental mechanics of writing good drama like obstacles, conflict and characterization and moves into an examination of plot points, structure, irony, comedy and many more essential elements.
He eventually gets down to the actual creation of a working script and includes short sections on adaptations, short films, documentaries, and writing for children.
Yves Lavandier is an extraordinarily intelligent man with a strong sense of story telling ethics and this book is often considered too complex and heavy for the American Marketplace. He is a true artist and this is reflected in the style of his book. Consider this one a must read.

More comments on this book may be found here.

You can order it Online from Best Screenwriting Books or look for it in a store near you.

The Screenwriter’s Bible: A Complete Guide to Writing, Formatting, and Selling Your Script

First off, I just don’t know where to begin with this one. It is a bible. It would take an entire book to properly review The Screenwriter’s Bible: A Complete Guide to Writing, Formatting, and Selling Your Script. Because it is more of a complete package than just a book, it is difficult to review. You know, but I will try.
David Trottier has given us a thick read with an army of support material and industry insight. It is a complete guide to writing, formatting and selling your script and is an absolute must have for any writer. This book and Screenwriting Goldmine are never far from my reach.

Stuff you get
1. He shows you proper screenplay format in a variety of forms.
2. You get 50+ pages of sample scenes and a complete analysis of each one.
3. A load of worksheets that have detailed instructions that guide you in creating a strong marketing plan.
4. Sample contact and query letters for pitching your script.
5. And a bunch of other stuff all geared towards writing and selling your script.

The Screenwriter’s Bible: A Complete Guide to Writing, Formatting, and Selling Your Script by David Trottier is a bible that every writer should possess. This book is what you will probably use to forge a career.

Screenwriting Goldmine by Philip Gladwin

This screenwriting ebook by Philip Gladwin may be the fastest route to a production worthy script available. It is a brutally short 65 pages of screenwriting gems, insight and technique. It is relatively simple and to the point. There are no wasted pages, it is all good stuff. He pretty much guides you from blank page to first draft, telling you what you should be thinking about and when you should be thinking it.

He is very big on planning your script and then just filling in the color. He has been (and still is) a working professional for 2 decades and knows how to craft a production worthy script. Look him up on the International Movie Database. Screenwriting Goldmine is probably the best start any aspiring screenwriter can get. Structure is so important and thats what he is about.

Here are some links if you want to grab a copy (either one works). His book was $130 in stores a few years ago, and I haven’t seen it in a book store since. I believe it is only available Online as an E-Book (how I got mine) and thankfully, because it’s an ebook it only costs $50-60. It is worth every penny.

Screenwriting Ebook

Screenwriting Book

Screenwriting Book Reviews

Ahh, The life of a Screenwriter…..fame, fortune, artistic freedom and fulfillment and yes, a lot of hard work.

For those aspiring to be a professional screenwriter, you will need a whole lot of guidance along the way. Screenwriting is a craft and should be learned. Screenwriting books are an inexpensive and rewarding place to start. Get your feet wet with some books, check out some local seminars, and maybe take some classes to see if you have it in you. I really hope you do, because given the state of television, we need you.

On this blog I will focus primarily on books and reviews for them. I have chosen books because I personally do not know any successful writers who have ever taken a screenwriting course or class. I have been in the industry for almost 20 years as an actor and while I have met writers with degrees, none have attended a course. I am sure they are out there, but anytime I ask for some writting advice, I am directed to a book. So books it is.