Books

A Short Guide to Writing about Film (Short Guides Series)

Average customer rating:

I've looked at clouds from both sides now
TWO THUMBS DOWN
fine, blessedly concise guide
Intelligence and accessibility
Could be better.

A Short Guide to Writing about Film (Short Guides Series)
Timothy Corrigan
Manufacturer: Longman
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

History & Criticism | Movies | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

Linguistics | Words & Language | Reference | Subjects | Books

General | Writing | Reference | Subjects | Books

Nonfiction | Writing | Reference | Subjects | Books

General | Reference | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Entertainment Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside Nonfiction Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside Reference Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Qualifying Textbooks - Spring 2007 | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

Understanding Movies
American Cinema/American Culture
Film Art: An Introduction
Anatomy of Film
Film Theory and Criticism: Introductory Readings

ASIN: 0321412281

Book Description

Doubling an introduction to film study and a practical writing guide, this brief text introduces students to film terms and the major film theories, enabling them to write more critically.

Examples from newer movies provide a fresh list of references for students introduced to film study and writing films. The author presents several approaches to film analysis and writing about film–auteurs, genres, ideology, kinds of formalism, and national cinemas, and introduces students to a range of film terms and film theories. Recent movies are used to fresh examples. Multiple approaches to writing about film as well as theories about film are given. Please enter here.

Customer Reviews:

I've looked at clouds from both sides now.......2003-08-08

One thing I can say is I enjoy a good film. O.K. if it moves I'll watch it. But until I read this book I really was just looking with out seeing.
It is nice to have this guide confirm what one knows as common sense. Probably because the guide is designed to take you from ground zero to a level of appreciation and allow you to convey your opinion intelligently.
If you have an earlier edition you will still get the essence of the book. Newer editions add different resources and research information.
Some of the highlights are:
* A shot-by shot analysis of a sequence from the film "Potemkin"
* Suggestions on using the Internet
* Sample student writing

Some contents:
Writing about the Movies
Preparing to Watch and Preparing to Write
Film Terms and Topics
Six Approaches to writing about Film
Style and Structure in Writing
Researching the Movies
Manuscript Form

This guide is an eye opener.

TWO THUMBS DOWN.......2001-01-28

I am currently a film major who is being forced to read this book. Let me say that so far I am only to chapter three and have suffered through every page of it. It is filled with basic, common sense, (i.e., the best way to write about film is to take notes during the screening. and if you can, it's good to see the movie more than once), which is explained in several pages. Give me a break. Not only does he present basic knowlnedge but he repeats himself in so many words. The truth is, the only way to successfully analize film is to develop an eye for symbolism. No book, I don't care who writes it, can teach you that. It is something that must be personally developed. Why someone would waste their time writing a book trying to teach people how to do that blows my mind. I give it one star, cause after all, everyone deserves a little comething for at least trying.

fine, blessedly concise guide.......2001-01-07

I'm writing to second mitry's opinion of the book and to add to mitry's comment about kenosha's complaint of textual errors. I have the second edition of the book, and Corrigan speaks of Captain Willard and refers to Marlowe as "the other Captain Willard" (p. 43). It's clear from the context that he is comparing the film character with Conrad's protagonist. I doubt Corrigan would have revised the 2nd edition text here to make an error in the 3rd edition. Don't get turned off by an erroneous review!

Intelligence and accessibility.......2000-08-02

This a marvelous book, packed with information and much more accessible than far more expensive books. It's the perfect companion for almost any film course since it not only introduces students to the language and methods of film analysis (including how to take notes) but does so while guiding students through the work of writing a good essay (with great suggestions for doing research). The writing is clear and accurate (with none of the errors referred to by the Kenosha reviewer). I recommend it without hesitation to all students of film.

Could be better........2000-07-28

This book fills a niche--a short and essential guide in a course in which the numbers of other texts simply don't leave room for one of the more comprehensive, ambitious introductory texts to film studies. But it's hard to justify a price above $10 for this slim volume. The text just isn't that informative or helpful. Moreover, the previous edition contained egregious errors--ranging from misspellings to identifying the protagonist of "Apocalypse Now" as Marlowe rather than Willard.

Writing Short Films: Structure and Content for Screenwriters

Average customer rating:

Expect the expected
COULDN'T BE MORE PLEASED
Great Book!
A How -To Book with Pizzazz
...like striking gold

Writing Short Films: Structure and Content for Screenwriters
Linda J Cowgill
Manufacturer: Lone Eagle
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Movies | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

Screenwriting | Movies | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

General | Gardening & Horticulture | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

General | Writing | Reference | Subjects | Books

General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Performing Arts | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Art Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside Entertainment Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside Home & Garden Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside Reference Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Similar Items:

Crafting Short Screenplays That Connect, Second Edition
Writing Short Scripts
Writing the Short Film, Third Edition
Making Short Films: The Complete Guide from Script to Screen
The Visual Story: Seeing the Structure of Film, TV and New Media

ASIN: 1580650635

Book Description

This new edition has been completely updated and revised along with the addition of several new chapters. Currently, this title remains the best selling university text book on writing short film screenplays.

Customer Reviews:

Expect the expected.......2007-03-28

I bought this book thinking it would really get me motivated to write more scripts or give me some knowledge that I could really use. Much to my disappointment--neither was true.
I give this book 3 stars because it does contain some valuable info on scriptwriting if you don't know how to format a script. Pick it up for a few bucks at a used book store for reference.

COULDN'T BE MORE PLEASED.......2006-07-09

Arrived quickly and in great shape. What more can one ask???

Great Book!.......2004-05-26

As a new and aspiring screenwriter, I have purchased many books on screenwriting. Next to "The Screenwriter's Bible," this is by far the best book I have read on screenwriting. The title of this book is misleading...this book isn't just about writing short films, this book encompasses feature films too.

It's an easy read. You won't be bombarded with complicated, super intellectualized talk or spending waaayyyy too much time giving props to the elders. I mean, I like Aristotle like the next guy, but come on, cut to the chase. She really does that in this book. (Admittedly she does do a little Aristotle but it's tolerable and presented in context).

So, for a good solid foundation, I definitely recommend this book.

Good luck.

A How -To Book with Pizzazz.......2003-08-19

A short film runs less than 45 minutes. Short films may be transformed into Hollywood success. This book tells how to have a completed script to initiate the venture into short film. The reader is given an idea of the labor involved to produce this art form. The book uses "Life Lessons" written by Richard Price and directed by Martin Scorsese, part of THE NEW YORK TRILOGY, to illustrate points she wants to make about writing a script. She also makes reference to other short films readily available to a reader.

The steps involved are that a hero, with desires, acts, encounters conflicts, and moves to the climax and resolution in the course of the film. Film is visual. Film has fluidity of movement. Show don't tell is a maxim of film-making. Significant films have universality. Most short films are character pieces. The audience must willingly suspend disbelief. It may be necessary to do research.

Basically there are five types of genre, comedy, farce, drama, tragedy, and melodrama. In the best films plot is character. A character biography is a description. This includes physical appearance, sociology, and psychology. The backstory is not the same thing. A story tells a sequential action. Plot emphasizes causal relationships. Story and plot usually comprise part of a total narrative. Drama is structured action. A good plot evolves naturally. The writer should not be afraid to change the plan as he moves ahead with the project. It is useful to think of the film's story in broad blocks.

The opening should be visual, convey important information, and be interesting. Voice over narration is more common in short film than in features. It is a means of exposition. Other means are dialogue and written presentation through signs or cards. The main expostion has a direct relationship to the climax and an indirect relationship to the theme. Screen stories open near a point of decision or crisis. Many films introduce the protagonist immediately.

The problem with the middle is to keep the story alive. The worst enemy of suspense is predictability. One of the strongest surprises occurring in film is the reversal. Reversals work best when there is a connection to emotion. In film, fiction, and theater story revelation is most often character revelation. The point of greatest intensity is called the climax.

Writing a scene is the fun part of screen writing. Writing a great scene takes a lot of practice. Scenes have to perform functions of advancing the flow of events, advancing the audience's understanding of the main characters, and providing expository information of the overall story. Film characters move through space and time. Every good scene has one main point. Where a scene takes place affects the mood. Before writing clarify who, where, what characters want, need, and what are their attitudes in the scenes.

What characters need is relevant to the subtext. Physical action is considered the best revelation of character in film, but sometimes only dialogue can expose real motivation. Effective dialogue has simplicity and economy. Dialogue too clear and direct may ring false. Always read dialogue aloud. The screenwriter walks a fine line between telling too much and telling too little.

...like striking gold.......2003-07-04

As Head of Film and Media Production at a British college I had been on the look-out for a long time for a book that would really excite aspiring screenwriters - and now I've found it. Anyone hoping to make their breakthrough short film should read this book cover to cover and see how successful filmmaking is dependent on strong scriptwriting. Linda Cowgill has a tremendous ability to illustrate the need for both structure and originality when writing for what is, in truth, a very difficult format to get right.

The book covers the entire writers journey from 'starting out' to producing a lean, focused, innovative screenplay. Through observing the impact it has had on new writers I would say that this book is in a league of its own.

Average customer rating:

Phillips de-mystifies creative writing
Insightful Book About Short Film Scripts

Writing Short Scripts
William H. Phillips
Manufacturer: Syracuse University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Movies | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

Screenwriting | Movies | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

Rhetoric | Words & Language | Reference | Subjects | Books

General | Performing Arts | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Art Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside Entertainment Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside Fiction Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside Nonfiction Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside Reference Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Similar Items:

Writing Short Films: Structure and Content for Screenwriters
Writing the Short Film, Third Edition
Crafting Short Screenplays That Connect, Second Edition
The Visual Story: Seeing the Structure of Film, TV and New Media
In the Blink of an Eye Revised 2nd Edition

ASIN: 0815628021

Customer Reviews:

Phillips de-mystifies creative writing.......2003-04-04

As a former creative writing student of Dr. Phillips, I can attest that this book is the next best thing to having the man on retainer. Each step of the creative writing process, from brainstorming to final draft and submissions, is de-mystified and broken down into a series of manageable activities. The most important thing he taught me is that writing, like most things worth doing, is simply a matter of frequent practice. Do the work and the muse will come to you! Very highly recommended.

Insightful Book About Short Film Scripts.......2001-02-21

WRITING SHORT SCRIPTS by William H. Phillips

WRITING SHORT SCRIPTS is a very insightful book about writing short scripts.

The Author has included his perceptive comments about the structure of short film scripts, and has thankfully included the texts of the short film scripts that he writes about.

THE RESURRECTION OF BRONCHO BILLY (1970) is one of the short films included in the book. A number of photos from the film are included as well. "BRONCHO BILLY" is the classic Academy Award Winning live action short film starring JOHNNY CRAWFORD and KRISTIN NELSON. JOHN CARPENTER created the Original Music and was the film editor. NICK CASTLE was the Cinematographer. It is shot like a classic western, but the setting is the big city in present time. The hero dreams of being a cowboy, and actually rides off into the sunset with the girl. It is a movie, with some cinematic wonderful license.

The entire shooting script is included in the book. It is simple, straight forward, and it includes JOHNNY CRAWFORD'S improvised dialogue from the famous "Park Bench Scene" with KRISTIN NELSON, where he goes on about John Wayne, and Gary Cooper, and when asked if he has a horse, says: "Well, not all cowboys have their own horse."

THE RESURRECTION OF BRONCHO BILLY (1970) was released by Universal Studios, to motion picture theaters across the U.S. and Canada for 104 weeks, and holds the record as the most financially successful live action short film in the history of the studio. Ironically, as the book tells us, the filmmakers were all just starting out on their motion picture careers and were attending classes at the Cinema Department at the University of Southern California at the time they made the picture. That is inspiring for young filmmakers everywhere.

If you are interested in short films, this book includes details about "BRONCHO BILLY" and several other excellent short films as a reference on short film script writing. If you may write a short film yourself, this is one book that you should own and read.

Crafting Short Screenplays That Connect, Second Edition

Average customer rating:

Great ideas; why don't they work?
Better for a group than an individual
the rosetta stone for a new writer
What a Great Screenwriting Coach!
This book is a real gem.

Crafting Short Screenplays That Connect, Second Edition
Claudia H. Johnson
Manufacturer: Focal Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

History & Criticism | Movies | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

Screenplays | Movies | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

Screenwriting | Movies | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

General Broadcasting | Radio | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

Screenwriting | Television | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

General | Writing | Reference | Subjects | Books

General | Performing Arts | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Art Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside Entertainment Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside Fiction Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside Reference Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

All Amazon Upgrade | Amazon Upgrade | Stores | Books

Arts & Photography | Amazon Upgrade | Stores | Books

Entertainment | Amazon Upgrade | Stores | Books

Literature & Fiction | Amazon Upgrade | Stores | Books

Reference | Amazon Upgrade | Stores | Books

Qualifying Textbooks - Spring 2007 | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

The Visual Story: Seeing the Structure of Film, TV and New Media
Writing Short Films: Structure and Content for Screenwriters
Writing the Short Film, Third Edition
Writing Short Scripts
In the Blink of an Eye Revised 2nd Edition

ASIN: 0240806417

Book Description

The only screenwriting book that includes a DVD that contains performances of the short films and screenplays that are featured in the book!

The beauty and power of any story lies in its ability to connect to the reader, listener, or observer. Crafting Short Screenplays That Connect is the first screenwriting guide to introduce connection as an essential, although essentially overlooked, aspect of creating stories for the screen and of the screenwriting process itself. Written with clarity and humor, this book teaches the craft of writing short screenplays by guiding the student through carefully focused writing exercises of increasing length and complexity. Eight award-winning student screenplays are included for illustration and inspiration.

The text is divided into three parts. Part one focuses on preparing to write by means of exercises designed to help students think more deeply about the screenwriter's purposes; their own unique vision, material and process; and finally about what screenplays are at their simplest and most profound level--a pattern of human change, created from specific moments of change--discoveries and decisions.

Part two teaches students how to craft an effective pattern of human change. It guides them through the writing and re-writing of "Five (Not So Easy) Pieces"--five short screenplays of increasing length and complexity--focusing on a specific principle of dramatic technique: The Discovery, The Decision, The Boxing Match, The Improbable Connection, and The Long Short Screenplay.

Part Three presents the five screenplays used throughout the book to illustrate the dramatic principles that have been discussed, and includes interviews with the screenwriters, a look at where they are now and what they are doing, and brief discussion of how each film evolved.

* Groundbreaking book that stresses human connection as the basis of a good screenplaynot conflict
* The only screenwriting book that includes a DVD that contains performances of the short films and screenplays that are featured in the book
* Ample exercises for practice and inspiration

Customer Reviews:

Great ideas; why don't they work?.......2005-08-05

Ms. Johnson has some terrific, if not-quite-revolutionary, insights and ideas on screenwriting. Her central idea is that connection is more important than conflict, and she eloquently presents and defends this approach. I really appreciated the inclusion of the DVD, which shows the results of her exercises and approach with some good (not great) student films.

On the down side, the good-not-great-ness of these films reveals quite clearly the greatest weakness of her approach. The resulting films are warm and fuzzy and "work" on the level of human connection, but consistently lack exactly those elements of drama that she says aren't important--namely the tension and conflict that make you care what happens next when actually watching a film. Her ideas are so good it saddened me that the films seemed to prove the most obvious and naive argument against her central premise: Won't films that emphasize connection at the expense of what is traditionally called "conflict" come across as BORING and predictable? Sorry to say it, but yes these films are just that and I was left more than a bit skeptical that her approach as presented would really generate films that didn't share the same flaw.

Bottom line: As a filmmaking teacher, I'm very glad I bought this book. It opened my mind to some great new ideas and practical approaches to teaching. On the other hand, I would not show any of the films from this book as examples for my students to emulate and learn from, and I would be very cautious about taking the approach presented in this book too far when writing either student or commercial screenplays.

Buy it despite its limitations--it's really worth a read!

Better for a group than an individual.......2005-08-02

This is an interesting book which offers some fresh thoughts about screenwriting. It suggests that conflict is about a half of what makes a good story, whereas all good stories don't only have conflict but have connection in them, human connection. This is an interesting and thought-provoking approach that can definitely contribute to the process of learning to write well.

However, it has some flaws - first, I think all the excercises are pretty much meaningless unless you do them in a group, with other students and a teacher. And this book is all about the excercises, so I found it unuseful.
Also, this book doesn't really explore all the aspects of screenwriting that are in a way essential to writing a short screenplay. It's more like an introduction with some excercises to get you going.

The only real advantage here is the DVD with the short films and their scripts that are included in the book. It is interesting and can certainly give you a direction of writing, but again it's very limited. All these films are pretty much the same, there isn't a variety of short films that can really give you a view of the infinite possibilities.

the rosetta stone for a new writer.......2003-10-04

there are hundreds if not thousands of books which claim that they are the one key to unlocking the door to becoming a successful screenwriter. as a wannabe myself, i have purchased and read far too many of these books. ms. johnson's book is the real mccoy. i gained so many insights into the process in each chapter. following her suggestions, i realized that i was making the act of putting ideas on to paper much more complicated than it needed to be. the upshot being that i was finally able to finish several projects that were graying with age and these projects are now sitting with the people who can turn my words from my pages and put them up on to the screen. thank you ms. johnson

What a Great Screenwriting Coach!.......2001-11-17

This wonderful little book is for you, the student of screenwriting. How do I know? I had the good fortune of being in Dr. Claudia Hunter Johnson's screenwriting class at Florida State University. We used the methods described in her book and they work! If you are disciplined enough to follow her process, you will amaze yourself. You will begin with Le Menu (your very own personal autobiography) and finish with a well-crafted script. Although you will not have her direct feedback, you will have the benefit of a script coach who has helped launch a thousand careers. Tom.

This book is a real gem........2000-09-22

I stumbled on it recently when I was at the Samuel French bookstore on Sunset Blvd. In the heart of Hell-A (oops, scratch that - L.A. has no heart!) Anyway, there are tons of screenwriting books in that store. Tons. But I happened to pick this one up and start reading the Introduction. Very insightful. So I bought it (should've bought it here, though - it's cheaper), and I ended up devouring it pretty damn quickly. The writing is terrific - very conversational, accessible, smart, and at times bust-a-gut funny. But most impressive, the author sheds light on the importance of "connection" in the storytelling process. It made me think back about how many times in writing classes CONFLICT CONFLICT CONFLICT had been shoved down my throat. Okay, okay, I got it already! But, she points out, it's only half the story (the yin to the yang, or ya know, vice-versa...) - as she goes on to wonderfully illustrate and illuminate. Also, the sample student scripts are great additions. I especially got a big laugh out of "The Making of 'Killer Kite.'" I may have to spring for the companion video just to see how that film turned out.

Yeah, yeah, the book has "short screenplays" in the title, but the points she makes are applicable to scripts of any length. You can bet that even this jaded L.A. feature film writer will be incorporating a lot of her insights in his own creative process.

I'm looking forward to any follow-ups from this author, because she's finally brought something new - and important -- to the endless discussions (and how-to books) on screenwriting.

Literary Cash: Unauthorized Writings Inspired by the Legendary Johnny Cash (Smart Pop series)

Average customer rating:

Literary Cash: Unauthorized Writings Inspired by the Legendary Johnny Cash (Smart Pop series)

Manufacturer: Benbella Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Music | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

General | Short Stories | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Biographies | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside Entertainment Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Similar Items:

Anchored In Love: An Intimate Portrait of June Carter Cash
I Walked the Line: My Life with Johnny
Johnny Cash: The Biography
Up Close: Johnny Cash (Up Close)
I Was There When It Happened: My Life with Johnny Cash

ASIN: 1933771038

Book Description

** COMPLETELY UNAUTHORIZED **

The legendary lyrics of Johnny Cash are the inspiration for this collection of extraordinarily creative works that provides a new spin on this musical legend. For nearly five decades, Cash captivated audiences with his unique voice and candid portrayal of the gritty life of a working man, and his songs continue to strike a chord with listeners today. But it is the stories behind the music that remain with audiences and provide the inspiration for the work in this thoughtful compilation of fiction and non-fiction from contributors such as Lauren Baratz-Logsted, Don Cusic, Gretchen Moran Laskas, Amanda Nowlin, and Russell Rowland.

Narratives of Memory: British Writing of the 1940s

Average customer rating:

Narratives of Memory: British Writing of the 1940s
Victoria Stewart
Manufacturer: Palgrave Macmillan
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

History & Criticism | Movies | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

British | Short Stories | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

General | Writing | Reference | Subjects | Books

General | Behavioral Sciences | Science | Subjects | Books

Book Description

Narratives of Memory: British Writing of the 1940s identifies memory as a previously unexamined concern in both literary and popular writing of this period. Emphasizing the use of memory as a structural device and a theme, this book traces developments in narrative, especially the novel, during the war years and immediately after. Authors discussed include Margery Allingham, Elizabeth Bowen, Graham Greene, Patrick Hamilton and Denton Welch.

Feminist Film Studies: Writing the Woman into Cinema (Short Cuts)

Average customer rating:

Feminist Film Studies: Writing the Woman into Cinema (Short Cuts)
Janet McCabe
Manufacturer: Wallflower Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Movies | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

History & Criticism | Movies | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

Feminist Theory | Women's Studies | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

General | Performing Arts | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

Feminist Film Theory: A Classical Reader
Women's Cinema
Feminism and Film (Oxford Readings in Feminism)
The History of Sexuality: An Introduction

ASIN: 1904764037

Book Description

Feminist Film Studies provides an introduction to feminist film theory as a discourse from the early seventies to the present. Janet McCabe traces the broad-ranging theories produced by feminist film scholarship, from formalist readings and psychoanalytical approaches to debates initiated by cultural studies, race, and queer theory. This book thus documents a dynamic critical field, charting the numerous feminist interventions to critically think about how the social, political, and cultural contexts informed debates and shaped the writing of a feminist film theory.

Average customer rating:

Uggh...
Not the helpful text you'd hoped for

Writing the Short Film, Third Edition
Patricia Cooper , and Ken Dancyger
Manufacturer: Focal Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Movies | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

Screenplays | Movies | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

Screenwriting | Movies | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

General | Foreign Languages | Reference | Subjects | Books

General | Performing Arts | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

All Amazon Upgrade | Amazon Upgrade | Stores | Books

Arts & Photography | Amazon Upgrade | Stores | Books

Entertainment | Amazon Upgrade | Stores | Books

Reference | Amazon Upgrade | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

Writing Short Films: Structure and Content for Screenwriters
Writing Short Scripts
Crafting Short Screenplays That Connect, Second Edition
The Visual Story: Seeing the Structure of Film, TV and New Media
New Cinematographers

ASIN: 0240805887

Book Description

The short film is a unique narrative art form that, while lending itself to experimentation, requires tremendous discipline in following traditional filmic considerations. This book takes the student and novice screenwriter through the storytelling process- from conception, to visualization, to dramatization, to characterization and dialogue- and teaches them how to create a dramatic narrative that is at once short (approximately half an hour in length) and complete. Exercises, new examples of short screenplays, and an examination of various genres round out the discussion.

NEW TO THE THIRD EDITION: new screenplays, a chapter on rewriting your script, and a chapter on the future of short films

A comprehensive guide to writing this challenging form
Numerous exercises to jumpstart visualization and writing
In-depth discussion of genres suited to the short screenplay

Download Description

The short film is growing in popularity as distribution opportunities (festivals, movie theaters, even cell phones) and interest increase. The short film is a unique narrative art form that, while lending itself to experimentation, requires tremendous discipline in following traditional filmic considerations. This book takes the student and novice screenwriter through the storytelling process- from conception, to visualization, to dramatization, to characterization and dialogue- and teaches them how to create a dramatic narrative that is at once short (approximately half an hour in length) and complete. Exercises, new examples of short screenplays, and an examination of various genres round out the discussion. Ken Dancyger is also the author of two other very successful titles for Focal Press: The Technique of Film and Video Editing 3/e and Alternative Scriptwriting 3/e.

Customer Reviews:

Uggh..........2006-07-26

Is it too much to ask for a book on writing to be well written?

Writing the Short Flim was tedious. Reading the book was like trying to run underwater. The writers talked and talked and talked yet managed to say little if anything at all. The end result if feeling as if your brain had been smashed out of your skull with a hollow, plastic baseball bat.

There were some helpful insights, however they are few and far between. In fact, it came down to one useful bit of information per 20 pages. 20 pages of tedious, headache inducing rambling for one sentence of useful information.

There are many other writing books that are much more helpful: Syn and Syntax. Story by Robert McKee. Writing for Emotional Impact by Karl Iglesias. Writing Short Scripts by William H. Phillips. And David Mamet's Three Uses of the Knife.

Not the helpful text you'd hoped for.......2006-01-18

As a graduate film student, I found this book to be very unhelpful. The elements you would expect from a screenwriting textbook (clear discussion of basic structure, character development, etc.) are missing or hidden in clumsily-worded chapters.

There is little overall stucture to the book as a whole, and each chapter itself is a frustrating read. Even the directions for the exercises are unclear. It is an uninformative, confusing waste of time that will leave you no wiser about what makes a good short screenplay.

Average customer rating:

Nice simple book

Short Orders: Film Writing (Essays)
Jonathan Romney
Manufacturer: Serpent's Tail
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Movies | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

Guides & Reviews | Movies | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

History & Criticism | Movies | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

General | Essays | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

General | Foreign Languages | Reference | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1852425121

Customer Reviews:

Nice simple book.......2000-04-21

Film writing is a subject often found in books with a much wider scope. This book focus on the best practices. An interested reader will find more than enough to keep his/her interest alive.

Big in Japan: el éxito de Gael García Bernal cunde en Japón. Así lo constató Fernanda Solórzano en el marco del 2005 Short Shorts Film Festival, en Tokio. : An article from: Letras Libres

Average customer rating:

Big in Japan: el éxito de Gael García Bernal cunde en Japón. Así lo constató Fernanda Solórzano en el marco del 2005 Short Shorts Film Festival, en Tokio. : An article from: Letras Libres
Fernanda Solórzano
Manufacturer: Thomson Gale
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

Book Description

This digital document is an article from Letras Libres, published by Thomson Gale on August 1, 2005. The length of the article is 1005 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Big in Japan: el éxito de Gael García Bernal cunde en Japón. Así lo constató Fernanda Solórzano en el marco del 2005 Short Shorts Film Festival, en Tokio.
Author: Fernanda Solórzano
Publication: Letras Libres (Magazine/Journal)
Date: August 1, 2005
Publisher: Thomson Gale
Volume: 7 Issue: 80 Page: 94(1)

Distributed by Thomson Gale

Books:

Books