(Quick Guide). The Quick Guide to Screenwriting is the ultimate
reference manual to the art, craft, and business of writing for the
movies. In a series of brief but comprehensive segments, the book covers
the entire process of creating a film script, from conceiving the
initial idea, to developing the story, to producing a polished and
professional final draft. Covered topics include the history of
screenwriting; commercial vs. "personal" writing; the three basic types
of screenplays; how to brainstorm ideas; developing and structuring a
story; the techniques of cinematic storytelling; screenplay style and
formatting; essential tools of the screenwriting trade; the seven basic
steps to writing a screenplay; important screenwriting dos and don'ts;
how to get quality feedback and then use it to improve your work; and
the business of screenwriting, including copyright and registration of
finished material, the function of agents and managers, the Writers
Guild, contracts, the development process, and how to bring your work to
the attention of the industry. Written in smart, reader-friendly prose,
the book is chock-full of the vital information, helpful tips, and keen
advice that will help you make your script the best it can be.
