Books on writing scripts?

[RodyPolis]

Hey guys,

So after 2 failed attempts at writing a script, I realize that it's not my strongest talent. I always have cool ideas (at least I think so) but I can never develop and finish them. I just can't seem to get the details down; I'm always thinking of the big picture.

I feel that what I need is a guideline to guide me through the process. Anyone know any good books, or any other resources, that could help me at least finish a first draft? I'm sure if I can finish the first draft, the rest should be easy, but getting a first draft done is just so damn hard!!!

I need help! Thanks.

[Almohada]

Screenplay by Syd Field


Write, write and write. Did I mention WRITE?

[drapeama]

Hey Rody, I'm in the same boat as you! So far, the best one I've read is this one:
41FTTC5yfAL._SS500_.jpg

I'm not much of a reader, but it's very interesting and well packed. It's the only one that I've read more than 15-20 pages!

[RodyPolis]

Hey thanks guys. Drapeama, would that book be good for someone who doesn't have a screenplay yet? The titles makes it sound like a book you'd use to revise your screenplay, not create it from scratch.

[drapeama]

No! In fact they guide you "step-by-step" with examples:

Page 19, #2: Your idea isn't original enough?
Go to cinema [..] When 2001 was released, it was completely fresh. It's still!

Page 29, #7: You chose the wrong main character!
How to recognize if you have the right main character?
1) Your hero must do something.
2) Your hero must have a specific problem
3) The hero's problem must be interesting to the public.
4) Your hero must solve the problem alone.

These are just examples, but when I read them, I took notes and I can tell it really helps. When you write after that, you remember these little tricks and you can correct what's wrong directly when writing!
Hope it'll help you Rody!

[Krane]

Screenplay by Syd Field

Write, write and write. Did I mention WRITE?

This ^^

I only started writing a year ago but can attest that this would be the de facto standard for beginning screenwriting. It is well written and uses easy understand terms and a pleasure to read. Got my copy which I refer to often. No matter where you go with screenwriting, Syd Field's book is the best place to start.

[Almohada]

This ^^

I only started writing a year ago but can attest that this would be the de facto standard for beginning screenwriting. It is well written and uses easy understand terms and a pleasure to read. Got my copy which I refer to often. No matter where you go with screenwriting, Syd Field's book is the best place to start.

It definitely is the standard!

[RodyPolis]

Thanks for all the suggestions, I will look at them. Bought the kindle version of "Your screenplay sucks" yesterday and started reading it. Pretty good info so far.

[drapeama]

Bought the kindle version of "Your screenplay sucks" yesterday and started reading it. Pretty good info so far.

I told you!
I'm in the same situation as you! So far, I've found more interesting infos on how to "properly" write one than the others I've loan at the library. Pretty nice book. Helped me for my script, which I haven't worked on since a while (time/work/familly restrictions).

[Krane]

It definitely is the standard!

And very reasonably priced I might add:

http://www.amazon.com/Screenplay-Fou...eld+screenplay

[Fade to inferno]

I also really like the screenwriters BIBLE

http://www.amazon.com/The-Screenwrit...iter%27s+bible