How to Write: A Screenplay

by Mark Evan Schwartz

There are hundreds of books on the market, all trying to teach you how to write a screenplay. Several of them are excellent and useful books. But never – until now – has there been a screenwriting manual written in the form of a screenplay. Our hero, the aspiring screenwriter Danny, is hopelessly in love with a hot young starlet. But Bebe won’t sleep with Danny until he proves that he can write a brilliant screenplay for her. Helped along the way by a mysterious guide (Virgil) with seemingly magical powers, Danny travels to Screenwriting Hell to see what happens to writers who never make the grade. Virgil teaches him the tricks of the trade, the fundamental techniques that all screenwriters have to master, no matter how great their ideas. But there’s something a little strange about Virgil, and Danny is never sure whether to trust him or not…As well as the screenplay itself, the book includes a foreword explaining how to get the most out of the screenplay; the log line; the synopsis; character bios, and the treatment.

176 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2005

Reviews

[Lee Riggs · Rating 3 out of 5]

Clever how-to manual in actual form of screenplay. Goes through all the points of plot, character, setting, dialogue, etc. as you follow the story in a script. Helps to emphasize format, business side of show business, and need for revision and hard work. No one ever just sits down and slaps out a movie script, lots of effort (solo and group) goes into it.

[Avi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun and informative. Worth a read for people interested in such things.

[Serena · Rating 2 out of 5]

Good for reference.