The "Screenwriter's Bible" is one of the most popular, authoritative, and useful books on screenwriting. A standard by which other screenwriting books are measured, it has sold 150,000 copies in its ten-year life. Always up-to-date and reliable, it contains everything that both the budding and working screenwriter need under one cover -- six books in one! Features: How to Write a Screenplay -- a concise course on screenwriting basics; Correct Format for Screenplays and Teleplays -- a style guide to the latest in industry-accepted formats; Steps to a Stunning Script -- a step-by-step guide to the screenwriting process from nascent idea through revisions; Writing Your Breakthrough Spec Script -- the keys to a marketable script; How to Sell Your Script -- marketing and sales strategies and information about today's marketplaces; Resources -- lists of industry contacts and useful screenwriting tools and services. This new edition offers expanded coverage of dialogue writing and character development, the latest in proper screenplay format, a new section on jumpstarting your career, new advice on creating and delivering pitches, more new successful writing tips and pointers, new and revised writing exercises, updated film examples, and an expanded index.
The Screenwriter's Bible
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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 guide, [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 --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.
Review
An invaluable new resource--a treasure chest of useful information--not only for new writers but also for seasoned veterans. -- Professor Richard Walter, UCLA Screenwriting Faculty Chairman.
Contains chapter and verse on all aspects of screenwriting, and addresses every key and fundamental principle from how far to indent dialogue to how to speak to the agent's assistant. -- Script Magazine.
For the writer searching for the one book that has it all, The Screenwriter's Bible is an essential reference. -- New York Screenwriter
Good common sense. Sets up practical guidelines without encroaching on the writer's creativity. Easy to follow--feels like a workbook that will be used and not just read. -- Candace Monteiro, Monteiro Rose Agency
If you have the gift, this book will show you how to use it. -- Victoria Wisdom, Literary Agent at Becsey, Wisdom & Kalajian
Offers all the essential information in one neat, script-sized volume.... New screenwriters will find it invaluable; experienced screenwriters will find it an excellent addition to their reference shelf." -- Hollywood Scriptwriter
The best screenwriting book available, and the book to buy if you're buying just one. -- Dov S-S Simens, Founder, Hollywood Film Institute
The formatter alone is worth the price ofthe book. -- Melissa Jones, Hollywood Story Analyst
Whether you are a rank beginner who needs instruction, or an old pro who needs reminding, you could not do better than David Trottier's book. A brilliant effort by a first-class, dedicated teacher." -- William Kelley, Academy Award-winning writer, Witness --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.
Contains chapter and verse on all aspects of screenwriting, and addresses every key and fundamental principle from how far to indent dialogue to how to speak to the agent's assistant. -- Script Magazine.
For the writer searching for the one book that has it all, The Screenwriter's Bible is an essential reference. -- New York Screenwriter
Good common sense. Sets up practical guidelines without encroaching on the writer's creativity. Easy to follow--feels like a workbook that will be used and not just read. -- Candace Monteiro, Monteiro Rose Agency
If you have the gift, this book will show you how to use it. -- Victoria Wisdom, Literary Agent at Becsey, Wisdom & Kalajian
Offers all the essential information in one neat, script-sized volume.... New screenwriters will find it invaluable; experienced screenwriters will find it an excellent addition to their reference shelf." -- Hollywood Scriptwriter
The best screenwriting book available, and the book to buy if you're buying just one. -- Dov S-S Simens, Founder, Hollywood Film Institute
The formatter alone is worth the price ofthe book. -- Melissa Jones, Hollywood Story Analyst
Whether you are a rank beginner who needs instruction, or an old pro who needs reminding, you could not do better than David Trottier's book. A brilliant effort by a first-class, dedicated teacher." -- William Kelley, Academy Award-winning writer, Witness --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.
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8 of 8 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Want to know the difference between "O.S." (off-screen) and "V.O." (voiceover), and when to use each? How about that between "Intercut" and "Match Cut?" Then you want to buy "The Screenwriters Bible," script consultant David Trottier's encyclopedic reference on creating memorable characters, on storytelling, and especially on formatting. I am an optioned writer, who has written several scripts (and TV sitcoms), yet I find Trottier's work an invaluable reference.
"The Screenwriter's Bible" is also useful as a marketing tool, especially his sample project plan and action plan, which all writers will find useful as a template. Remember, your great spec script is a business proposal as much as anything else, for a project which will run well into 8 figures, in most cases. Approach it with the same care and attention to detail that you would if you were trying to sell your garage software development firm to Microsoft.
Unlike many "How-to" screenwriting books, Trottier's sample query letters are actually quite entertaining. If I were a Hollywood suit, I'd bite at the sample "Wizard of Oz" example.
This book won't tell you how to write a great story (that's something that really can't be taught), but it will help you get the mechanics of the trade down. There are many terrible scripts which have been made into movies, but virtually all of them (even those starring Pauly Shore) get the details correct.
In summation, if I had to pick just one screenwriting book, this would be my first choice.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
By Gsauve
Format:Paperback
I've read many books on screenwriting and the Screenwriter's Bible is the best one out there. It takes you through the entire journey of creating a script. From the second you get the idea to the formidable moment you put the finishing touches on the screenplay. There are plenty or up to date movie references and examples as well as a complete guide on how to sell the screenplay once it's complete. It's DEFINITELY worth the investment. If you buy only one screenwriting book, but THIS ONE!
Enjoy your experience becoming a screenwriter.
Enjoy your experience becoming a screenwriter.
By L.G.L.
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
Good information for commercial films only and on proper formatting; where to send your script and how to prepare yourself for pitching your script.
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4.7 out of 5 stars
Most recent customer reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Screenwriter's Bible: 4th Edition
As the title suggests, this is a must-have for any aspiring screenwriter. It lays out the correct formatting for every type of scene, transition, slug-line or any other formatting... Read more
Published on Mar 13 2010 by Andrew J. S. Board
5.0 out of 5 stars
Very good 'bible'.
As a beginner to scriptwriting, I think this book really is a very good place to start. Trottier is very clear and candid in his writing, he doesn't promise you anything fancy or... Read more
Published on Feb 24 2010 by Mperor
5.0 out of 5 stars
Just what I was looking for
I have purchased a number of screenplay writing books in the past, none of which seemed to answer all my burning formatting questions. This one does, in great detail. Read more
Published on July 22 2009 by Diane Castle
3.0 out of 5 stars
It helps
This book contains alot, but you have to read it carefully. I bought it after my first screenplay was written with some knowledge missing. Read more
Published on Jun 22 2009 by Mansky
3.0 out of 5 stars
Good, but a little too flip and high-handed
Along with his meat and potatoes, author gives an ambsolutely horrible "example" of a script. Read more
Published on Jun 24 2003 by Tam Mossman
4.0 out of 5 stars
Probably the best for a rookie....
Keeping in mind that there is no formula for writing, only common frameworks derived from earlier pieces, this book provides vital information for the beginning writer in putting... Read more
Published on Mar 14 2002 by Daniel Hamvas
4.0 out of 5 stars
Great place to start
I was already a writer before tackling screenplays, so I was not looking to this book for advice on how to write. Read more
Published on Feb 7 2002 by Michael Hardy
5.0 out of 5 stars
David Trottier's "The Screenwriter's Bible"
David Trottier's "The Screenwriter's Bible" is absolutely the best book I've ever read on this subject. He inspires you to write and tells you exactly how to do it. Read more
Published on Nov 18 2001
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Must Have
If you can appreciate a doctor's need for Gray's Anatomy or a writer's need for the Elements of Style, then as a beginning screenwriter, you should consider reading the... Read more
Published on Oct 29 2001 by Sai Li
4.0 out of 5 stars
A great buy
This is an excellent book. Especially for beginners.
Published on Sep 2 2001
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