We all have to start somewhere as screenwriters. Many of us usually start our journey by finding that magical book or guide that teaches us just about everything we need to know about screenwriting. We read these books to get insight into the craft. They usually offer guidance on how to create compelling and effective scripts. They teach us to understand Hollywood and industry standards.
"Some books end up exposing screenwriters to a wide array of writing styles and techniques, which can help them develop their own unique voice and approach to writing."
Below, I have compiled a must-have list of Screenwriting books that all screenwriters should attempt to purchase, read, study, and learn from. This list is not the BEST OF list. It is merely a list of books that I think will help any screenwriter trying to make it in Hollywood and in the industry.
by Syd Field.
This book is considered the first book to identify the three-act screenplay model. Syd outlines the paradigm to which he says most successful screenplays adhere. In his view, successful screenplays are made up of three distinct divisions. He calls these setup, confrontation, and resolution, and each of them appears in its own act within a screenplay. A classic in the screenwriting world, it covers the basics of structure, character development, and dialogue.
by Robert McKee.
This book expands on the concepts McKee teaches in his seminars (considered a must by industry insiders). It provides readers with the most comprehensive, integrated explanation of the craft of screenwriting. Clearly explains how all the elements of a screenplay fit together, and it explains the "magic" of story construction and the relationship between structure and character. It's a comprehensive guide to storytelling in all mediums and is a must-read for screenwriters looking to improve their understanding of story structure.
The book details a twelve-stage, myth-inspired method that has galvanized Hollywood’s treatment of cinematic storytelling. A format that once seldom deviated beyond a traditional three-act blueprint, Vogler’s comprehensive theory of story structure and character development has been met with universal acclaim and is detailed herein using examples from myths, fairy tales, and classic movies. This book has changed the face of screenwriting worldwide over the last 25 years and continues to do so today.
This book provides a concise course in screenwriting basics. It walks you through the complete writing process, from budding ideas through final revision. It thoroughly covers today's correct formats for screenplays and TV scripts and demonstrates today's spec style through sample scenes and analysis, with an emphasis on grabbing the reader's interest in the first ten pages. It's a very comprehensive guide covering everything from character development and dialogue to formatting and marketing your script.
by Blake Snyder
This book advises you on ironclad rules for making your ideas more marketable and your script more satisfying. It details the four elements of every winning logline, the seven immutable laws of screenplay physics, the 10 genres that every movie ever made can be categorized by ― and why they’re important to your script. It also emphasizes the reasons why your Hero must serve your Idea. It helps you Master the 15 Beats, creating the “Perfect Beast” by using The Board to map 40 scenes with conflict and emotional change, and how to get back on track with proven rules for script repair. This ultimate insider’s guide reveals the secrets that none dare admit, told to you by Blake Snyder. His practical guide to story structure and character development is a great resource for screenwriters looking to write commercial, audience-friendly scripts.
by Stephen King
This memoir is Immensely helpful and illuminating to any aspiring writer. Stephen King shares the experiences, habits, and convictions that have shaped him and his work. It covers everything from the writing process to the business of being a writer. It's not a book that shows or tells you how to write, he merely shares experiences he encountered growing up that shaped him into a legendary and prolific writer.
by Lajos Egri
This book is based on Egri's belief that all successful dramas are built on a foundation of truth. The key to dramas is to create fully realized, three-dimensional characters that are motivated by their own desires. and goals. It also outlines his "premise" theory. This book is a valuable resource for writers interested in learning the principles of dramatic writing for stage and screen.
by Laura Schellhardt
Teaches you to think like a screenwriter and to turn your story ideas into visually driven, relatable scripts that will get noticed. Study the elements of a story, like a plot structure (beginning, middle, and end) and characterization. Teaches ways to prevent writer’s block and to tackle other obstacles that stand in the way. It gives insider insight into finding an agent and meeting with studio execs, plus alternative markets for your finished work. This book is definitely a beginner's guide but also a great one at that.
by Syd Field
Chock full of easy-to-follow exercises and step-by-step instructions honed by Field in packed seminars across the globe, The Screenwriter's Workbook guides you through the common processes utilized by beginners and working professionals alike when crafting emotionally satisfying scripts for film, television, streaming... and beyond. It's a hands-on guide to screenwriting, with exercises and prompts to help screenwriters develop their skills and ideas.
by Skip Press
This book gives novice screenwriters a comprehensive and well-thought-out tour of the entertainment industry, then leads you through the process of picking a winning idea, structuring and writing a screenplay, and packaging the final script for sale.
FINAL NOTES:
This list is not concrete or the best of... It's simply some of MY favorite books that helped me out when I first started and I recommend Screenwriters of every level try and attain for their collection. I could probably tell you another hundred books that will undoubtedly make you a fantastic screenwriter. But for now, start with these.
Comments