Trying to compile a list. Also, if you have time, one sentence as to why it's your favorite. Thanks!
Screenwriting : What's your favorite book/film/tv or vlog series on screenwriting? by Megen Musegades
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My favorite is the Save the Cat series by Blake Snyder. Although I don't agree with the "must happen on this exact page" I have learned a lot in the natural flow and structuring of screenplays. It presents it in a simple and easy to follow way. I also really like Robert McKee's Story. It is a little more "in depth" than Save the Cat but I can see how the principles all tie together and see what is beneath the surface.
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Dara Marks's Inside Story: The Power of the Transformational Arc. Best damned screenwriting book I've ever read, and I've read about 75% of them.
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Writing For Emotional Impact by Karl Iglesias. For me it brought a whole new element to what I was trying to achieve with writing.
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Teach Youself Screenwriting By Ray Frensham. Particularly the sections on structure.
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Hi! Filmcourage do a superb channel on YouTube with some top class content on screenwriting from Jack Truby amd other mega gurus.
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I refer to Screenwriters' Bible all the time, but I'm new... so, yeah.
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Nice choice, Cj! I've had the opportunity to speak with Karl on many screenwriting panels. He's a true gent.
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And to Megen's original question, if you have completed a first draft and are about to enter the rewriting stage, I highly recommend Your Screenplay Sucks.
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Totally agree! YSS is fabulous. Be prepared to be annoyed with how "psychic" this book is about details that need improvement in your script.
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I agree, Phillip. Doesn't matter how experienced you are or what you have accomplished, it's one of those books that helps you find all the loose screws.
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taps copy of YSS by my side Good book. There's a guy on Amazon Studios who's got a script on their development slate who swears by it.
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I love all these suggestions, thanks guys!! Looks like amazon will be getting more of my money for books.
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I'm with Chris; Inside Story by Dara Marks is great for sparking ideas about your characters. But it's important that screenwriters understand this is a BUSINESS first and writers need to understand how it works. I recommend: How yo Manage your Agent by Chad Gervich. it covers how the business is structured and where writers fit into it.
As a student of screenwriting, I've had the opportunity to see a lot of books on the craft. I can simplify by telling you this; Syd Field has an awesome collection of works, as does Blake Snyder. Look them up on Amazon, and give yourself some time to learn to do it correctly. Then you won't waste your time by simply dreaming, but by doing it right the first time. :)
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Syd field's, Story IMO, overcomplicates the craft.
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No doubt, The Screenwriter' Bible by Dave Trottier, an invaluable resource
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The first one I “Read” was “Screenwriting for Hollywood” by Michael Hague, it’s actually a book on tape recorded from one of his two day seminars distilled to 3 hours. It got me started and I still listen to it every few months just cause. I’ve read Syd Field and Michael Rogan’s “doesn’t suck” series which are a good quick no punches pulled series of books.
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How to write for animation, by Jeffrey Scott, just a very well written book by a thoughtful writer who speaks to you not at or down to you.
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I'm somewhat practical; Godfather as a reminder that every scene can be vitally important. Closer for witty dialog. The Station Agent for beauty of nonverbal expression. And many others.
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Of the gurus I like McKee the most ; no nonsense, straight to the point and can justify everything.
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Oh and one more, How to write science fiction and fantasy by Orson Scott Card. He explains things in a way anyone can understand, without ever coming across as a condescending jerk, its thoughtful, and makes many points.
Good choices, Alexander.
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Here's a list of best blogs: http://www.bachelorsdegree.org/2010/10/12/60-best-blogs-for-aspiring-scr...
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On The Page--Pilar Alessandra is the premiere script consultant. onthepage.tv
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Marvin Willson mistyped, "Story" is not Syd's, it's Robert Mckee's. And yes his book is very hard to read and does over complicate things. But as a student of Syd Field; I'v got to say he not only created the bridge for today's screenwriter, but is the best teacher out there.
Been watching word dancer clips and reading Laura aronsen (sp) screenwriting in the 21st century.