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How to Write: A Screenplay, 2nd Edition
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 Bebe, a hot young starlet. But Bebe won't go out 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 an introduction explaining how to get the most out of the screenplay, the log line, the synopsis, character bios, the treatment, and "The Pitch" - a short scene that shows the author pitching his screenplay to a big-shot producer.
Our hero, the aspiring screenwriter Danny, is hopelessly in love with Bebe, a hot young starlet. But Bebe won't go out 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 an introduction explaining how to get the most out of the screenplay, the log line, the synopsis, character bios, the treatment, and "The Pitch" - a short scene that shows the author pitching his screenplay to a big-shot producer.
- GenresFilm
160 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2007
3 people are currently reading
42 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
March 18, 2023
This is a great, informational book for anyone wanting to dabble in screenwriting. The book presents the elements of screenwriting in the form of an actual screenplay, demonstrating the very elements and techniques it discusses. Great for anyone just getting into screenwriting, or experienced screenwriters wanting to polish up their craft.
February 11, 2020
Ingenious
April 19, 2025
did help me get a good grasp on the basics of screenplay, its also very didact, but i do believe there's other books that do that in a more effective manner, but i really fw this one.
September 18, 2012
very helpful
August 15, 2013
What I like about this book is it is simple and easy to understand.Anyone who is just starting out writing a screenplay,who is an absolute beginner,I would reccommend this book first
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews