Screenwriting : Screen Writing Help Books? by Nicola Cullen

saves the cat.

For what it's worth, here's my Library List (but each to their own - there are lots of valid opinions out there). I have got something useful from all of these books but the first three added a 'different' slant to my learning curve: * On Film-Making - Alexander Mackendrick. * Reading Screenplays - Lucy Scher. * How Not to Write a Screenplay - Denny Martin Flinn. * Save The Cat - Blake Snyder. * Making a Good Script Great - Lynda Seger. * Writing Screenplays that Sell- Michael Hague. * Creative Screenwriting - Tony Bicat & Tony Macnabb. * The Creative Screenwriter - Dr Craig Batty. * On Writing - Stephen King. * Story - Robert McKee. * The Anatomy of Story - John Truby. * The Screenwriters Workbook - Syd Field. * Selling a Screenplay - Syd Field. Alexander Mackendrick's book was particularly inspirational for me as it encompasses a lot of very good insight into screenwriting as a part of the bigger picture (excuse the pun) of film-making. Currently looking forward to reading the upcoming book I have ordered from the same series as Lucy Scher's (Creative Essentials-Kamera Books) titles 'Screenplays: How to Write & Sell Them' by Dr Craig Batty. However, there are also many great blogs/websites out there that are useful to screenwriters and all give sound advice that you should read lots and lots of screenplays (good and bad) to get a feel for what works and what doesn't and an idea of style/format etc. (lots of them available online from the likes of http://www.imsdb.com/ or http://www.simplyscripts.com/ or http://www.script-o-rama.com/snazzy/dircut.html You might find this of interest: http://www.jamesmoran.blogspot.co.uk/2011/11/free-writing-seminar-blog-p... ...this entry in particular: http://jamesmoran.blogspot.co.uk/2010/11/summary-of-every-screenwriting-... Finally, check out http://www.quora.com/ - especially the screenwriting/screenwriter/storytelling/movies boards (although be aware that this is a great source of interesting information on any subject you can think of, which will give you far too much opportunity to procrastinate !). Anyway, sit down and write something - get your characters talking and developing YOUR story, hone your skills and teach yourself. It's great feeling when you get to type 'Fade Out'. Hope that gives you food for thought, be interesting to see what others add to the discussion. Best of luck with your writing.

Thanks a lot for taking the time to post guys! Really appreciate the suggestions! I've seen a couple of blogs about screen writing, but thanks again for the list! I'll check out all of the websites and what not! Thankyou! :D

I read scripts. First and foremost - Every Day. Pick a genre you like and read how the experts put the words on the page. Beyond that, I tend to get a lot out of filmmaking books in general. It shows everything that goes into the process, knowing that has helped me to cut out unnecessary scenes. Off the top of my head a couple, here's I liked: How I Made a Hundred Movies in Hollywood and Never Lost a Dime - Roger Corman Great info on cutting the fat, improving pacing. Writing Movies for Profit - Robert Garant & Thomas Lennon A lot of information about navigating the studio system... and LA writers bars... and spending the money you'll make. Fun read. Rebel Without a Crew - Robert Rodriguez A complete diary of his first feature film, from lab rat to Sundance. Anything by Blake Snyder (Save the Cat Series) I think most people follow his theory on story beats - if they don't, they know what they are, to know how and why they're breaking them. Master Shots Volume 1 & 2 - Christopher Kenworthy A look at how they're gonna film what you write. Secrets of Action Screenwriting - William C. Martell Does what it says. Visual Directing Shot by Shot - Stephen Katz Another look at how your words are interpreted on screen. Screenwriting 434 - Lew Hunter Actual UCLA Prof written textbook Your Screenplay Sucks - William Akers Good for its revision checklist

I read scripts. First and foremost - Every Day. Pick a genre you like and read how the experts put the words on the page. Beyond that, I tend to get a lot out of filmmaking books in general. It shows everything that goes into the process, knowing that has helped me to cut out unnecessary scenes. Off the top of my head a couple, here's I liked: How I Made a Hundred Movies in Hollywood and Never Lost a Dime - Roger Corman Great info on cutting the fat, improving pacing. Writing Movies for Profit - Robert Garant & Thomas Lennon A lot of information about navigating the studio system... and LA writers bars... and spending the money you'll make. Fun read. Rebel Without a Crew - Robert Rodriguez A complete diary of his first feature film, from lab rat to Sundance. Anything by Blake Snyder (Save the Cat Series) I think most people follow his theory on story beats - if they don't, they know what they are, to know how and why they're breaking them. Master Shots Volume 1 & 2 - Christopher Kenworthy A look at how they're gonna film what you write. Secrets of Action Screenwriting - William C. Martell Does what it says. Visual Directing Shot by Shot - Stephen Katz Another look at how your words are interpreted on screen. Screenwriting 434 - Lew Hunter Actual UCLA Prof written textbook Your Screenplay Sucks - William Akers Good for its revision checklist