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Screenwriter's Bible 5th edition
 
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Screenwriter's Bible 5th edition [Paperback]

David Trottier
4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (44 customer reviews)
List Price: CDN$ 23.95
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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.

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Customer Reviews

44 Reviews
5 star:
 (33)
4 star:
 (7)
3 star:
 (3)
2 star:    (0)
1 star:
 (1)
 
 
 
 
 
Average Customer Review
4.6 out of 5 stars (44 customer reviews)
 
 
 
 
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Most helpful customer reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars BY FAR THE BEST SCREENWRITING BOOK EVER!, Jan 20 2012
This review is from: Screenwriter's Bible 5th edition (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.
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7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars An Invaluable Reference Tool for Screenwriters, Nov 6 2001
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.

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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars Probably the best for a rookie...., Mar 14 2002
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 him on the right track to find those truths and general unwritten rules.

At the same time it also provides handy formatting information in an organized, understandable and useful manner. It's an excellent book for first-timers. If you are looking for advanced stuff though, this is not for you. I made good use of it, but now it's time to move on.

Nothing reflects the content better hence, than the title itself. It's a Bible. You can turn to the Bible for basic advice and support. But when you grow up, you will have to find your own answers. And fact is, that time has past over the Bible too -- there have been many better books written on the same topic...

A must for beginners though, I'd say....

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