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
Professor Richard Walter, UCLA Screenwriting Faculty Chairman.
An invaluable new resource--a treasure chest of useful information--not only for new writers but also for seasoned veterans.
Script Magazine.
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.
Victoria Wisdom, Literary Agent at Becsey, Wisdom & Kalajian
If you have the gift, this book will show you how to use it.
Hollywood Scriptwriter
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."
Melissa Jones, Hollywood Story Analyst
The formatter alone is worth the price ofthe book.
Dov S-S Simens, Founder, Hollywood Film Institute
The best screenwriting book available, and the book to buy if you're buying just one.
Candace Monteiro, Monteiro Rose Agency
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.
New York Screenwriter
For the writer searching for the one book that has it all, The Screenwriter's Bible is an essential reference.
William Kelley, Academy Award-winning writer, Witness
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."
Book Description
The Screenwriter's Bible is six books in one. Book 1 -- A screenwriting primer that provides a concise presentation of screenwriting basics. Book 2 -- A workbook that walks the writer through the writing process, from nascent ideas through revisions. Book 3 -- A formatting guide that presents correct formats for both screenplays and TV scripts. Book 4 -- A spec writing guide that demonstrates today's spec style through sample scenes and analysis. Book 5 -- A sales and marketing guide that presents proven strategies to help you create a laser-sharp marketing plan. Book 6 -- A resource guide that provides addresses and contacts for industry organizations, schools, publications, support groups, services, contests, etc. Among its wealth of practical information are sample query letters, useful worksheets and checklists, hundreds of examples, sample scenes, and straightforward explanations of screenwriting fundamentals. The "Bible" was a featured selection of The Writer's Digest Book Club.
About the Author
David Trottier is a script consultant, screenwriter, producer, and screenwriting teacher. The Screenwriter's Bible was developed over the nine years that he has been helping screenwriters achieve their goals.
The Screenwriter's Bible: A Complete Guide to Writing, Formatting, and Selling Your Script FROM THE PUBLISHER
The Screenwriter's Bible is six books in one.
Book 1 -- A screenwriting primer that provides a concise presentation of screenwriting basics.
Book 2 -- A workbook that walks the writer through the writing process, from nascent ideas through revisions.
Book 3 -- A formatting guide that presents correct formats for both screenplays and TV scripts.
Book 4 -- A spec writing guide that demonstrates today's spec style through sample scenes and analysis.
Book 5 -- A sales and marketing guide that presents proven strategies to help you create a laser-sharp marketing plan.
Book 6 -- A resource guide that provides addresses and contacts for industry organizations, schools, publications, support groups, services, contests, etc.
Among its wealth of practical information are sample query letters, useful worksheets and checklists, hundreds of examples, sample scenes, and straightforward explanations of screenwriting fundamentals. The "Bible" was a featured selection of The Writer's Digest Book Club.
FROM THE CRITICS
Melissa Jones
The formatter alone is worth the price of the book. [Melissa Jones, Hollywood Story Analyst]
William Kelley
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]
New York Screenwriter
For the writer searching for the one book that has it all, The Screenwriter's Bible is an essential reference. [New York Screenwriter]
Candace Monteiro
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]
Booknews
Presents the fundamentals of screenwriting, an overview of the entire writing process, script formatting, speculative writing style, sales and marketing strategies, and a resource guide of addresses and contacts. The new edition is expanded by nearly 120 pages. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.
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