Customer Reviews

Screenwriter's Bible 5th edition

5 star:		(33)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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.

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.

Good information for commercial films only and on proper formatting; where to send your script and how to prepare yourself for pitching your script.

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....

If I could give this book six stars, I would. In the various sections, Trottier covers the process of writing and selling screenplays. However, the best part of this book is the first section, which breaks down the essential elements you need for great storytelling. I don't care if you're writing short stories, novels, stage plays or screenplays, this first section will either enlighten you or it will serve as a much-needed refresher course. The story is the most important part of any work of fiction and this book lays out the elements better than anything else I've ever read.

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. It's perfect--just what I was looking for. In addition to the formatting information, it also offers a very solid foundation in screenwriting form and structure as well. There are great details on the differences between a spec script and a production script. I haven't come across a question yet that cannot be answered by this book. Highly recommended.

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 Screenwriter's Bible.

As the author of "Screen & Stage Marketing Secrets" I highly recommend screenwriters to read "The Screenwriter's Bible." This book solves many of the problems of properly formatting screenplays. The book solidly sets up the structure of the story you are writing in the proper script format -- precisely what agents and production companies need to submit a script to higher levels of management for a green light. If you follow the advice given in this book, you will have a screenplay with the major critical elements installed. This will satisfy story analysts. You'll be satisfied with the results, too! This book is of high value to the screenwriter, as a properly formatted script will be recognized as a professional submission in Hollywood. Professional submissions are a prime critical element that gets script's sold!

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 question that you might have. With an index in the back and samples of scripts with the proper formatting done for you, you really couldn't ask for anything more.

This is definitely the only book you will need on formatting. Combine this with the Final Draft software and you have everything you need to write a professional-looking screenplay.

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 unrealistic: all he offers is a toolbox that can help you answer most (if not all_ the formatting and presentation questions so that you can focus on the creative aspect. He offers you a lot of tricks and advice on how to further develop your own characters and stories, however, he does not write the stories for you, and that is why I think this book is an excellent 'toolbox' book. e also discusses marketing strategies on how to sell your script once it's finished. I strongly recommend this book to anyone who has little to no scriptwriting experience. This book gives you a good grasp of the fundamentals - and makes an excellent ressource/reference book on your shelf.