Film scripts and screenplays Books

Book SynopsisIn May 1979, Francis Ford Coppola unveiled a 'work in progress' cut of his film, Apocalypse Now, at the Cannes Film Festival. After winning the prestigious Palme d'Or, the convention-shattering film was nominated for eight Academy Awards and became a worldwide phenomenon. In 2001 Coppola introduced a new version - wholly re-edited from the original raw footage - that included forty-nine minutes of never-before-seen footage: Apocalypse Now Redux.Apocalypse Now relocates Joseph Conrad's Heart of Darkness to the Vietnam War, focusing on the hazardous mission of Captain Willard to find and terminate 'with extreme prejudice' a renegade American colonel in Cambodia.

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Book SynopsisAlan Bennett is the acknowledged master of the television play. This vintage collection of his work from the 1970s illustrates his skill and mastery of the medium from the beginning. Perceptive, poignant, truthful and very funny, the work here gives as much enjoyment in the reading as it did in the viewing, and provides a welcome addition to the Bennett canon.The television plays included are A Day Out, Sunset Across the Bay, A Visit from Miss Prothero, Me, I''m Afraid of Virginia Woolf, Green Forms, The Old Crowd and Afternoon Off. This volume contains a new general introduction by Alan Bennett, as well as the original preface by Lindsay Anderson to The Old Crowd.A companion volume of Alan Bennett''s work from the late 1970s and early 1980s is published as Rolling Home.

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Book SynopsisATONEMENTTHE SHOOTING SCRIPTScreenplay by Christopher HamptonBased on the novel by Ian McEwanIntroduction by Christopher HamptonA Newmarket Shooting Script Series Book 30 Colour photos in a colour insertThe official screenplay book tie-in to the adaptation by screenwriter Christopher Hampton (Academy Award winner for Dangerous Liaisons) of Ian McEwan''s best-selling 2002 novel, starring James McAvoy (BAFTA Award nominee for The Last King of Scotland) opposite Academy Award-nominated Keira Knightley, directed by Joe Wright (Pride & Prejudice), coming from Focus Features in December. Filmed on location in the U.K., the story of Atonement spans several decades. In 1935, 13-year-old fledgling writer Briony Tallis (Saoirse Ronan) and her family live a life of wealth and privilege in their enormous mansion. On the warmest day of the year, the country estate takes on an unsettling hothouse atmosphere, stoking Briony

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Book SynopsisHail, Caesar! is the story of Eddie Mannix, tireless pursuer of the interests of fictional Capitol Pictures, circa 1951. He is the ultimate studio fixer and---since the studio is his world---the ultimate earthly one. There is no star scandal he cannot cover up, no studio misstep he cannot repair, no sin he cannot make right. His powers are tested, though, when production on the studio's most expensive picture ever---biblical epic Hail, Caesar!---is halted by the kidnapping of its star. The kidnappers are a mysterious gaggle seeking not just ransom but the destruction of everything Eddie Mannix lives for, and everything he lives by. . .

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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Book SynopsisAfter making an initial impact with his first film "Les 400 Coups", the French film director Francois Truffaut went on to make 23 films in 26 years. This appraisal of his work provides a socio-political contextualization, and gives an overview of his films and film-making methods.Table of ContentsPrefaceLes Mistons: an introduction1. The Context: Cinema Saved my Life2. A Career in Cinema3. The Genre Films4. Magic Mothers: The Sexual Politics of Truffaut’s Films5. Where is the Father? Masculinity and Authorship6. The Definitif and the Provisoire (The Absolute v. the Provisional)FilmographyBibliography

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Book SynopsisA study of the "enfant terrible" of French cinema. The ingredients and influences of Carax's films (including "Les Amants du Pont Neuf" and "Pola X") are examined: Paris, pop music, flanerie, amour fou, mannerist and neo-baroque aesthetics, "Nouvelle Vague" and contemporary naturalist cinema.Table of ContentsList of platesSeries editors' forewordAcknowledgementsIntroduction: Genesis of Carax's system1. A pierrot apart; 'Boy Meets Girl' (1984), 'Mauvais Sang' (1986) and the nouvelle vague inheritance2. 'Feux d'artifice:'Les Amants du Pont-Neuf'' (1991) and the spectacle of vagrancy3. Carax's ambiguities: 'Pola X' (1999), naturalism, MelvilleFilmographyBibliographyInde

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Book SynopsisAlain Resnais, director of "Hiroshima mon amour" (1959) and "L'Annee derniere a Marienbad" (1961), has transformed the representation of memory, fantasy and desire in modern cinema. This title presents an introduction to his work that traces the evolving patterns of his filmmaking, its reflections on mortality, guilt, chance and human doubt.Table of ContentsAcknowledgements Illustrations Introduction 1. Documentaries 1948-1958 2. 'Hiroshima mon amour' (1959) 3. 'L'Annee derniere a Marienbad' (1961) 4. 'Muriel ou le temps d'un retour' (1963) 5. 'La Guerre est finie' (1966), 'Je t'aime je t'aime' (1968), 'Stavisky' (1974) 6. 'Providence' (1977) 7. 'Mon oncle d'Amerique' (1980), 'La vie est un roman' (1983), 'L'Amour a mort' (1984), 'Melo' (1986), 'I Want to Go Home' (1989) 8. 'Smoking/No Smoking' (1993), 'On Connait la chanson' (1997), 'Pas sur la bouche' (2003) Filmography Select Bibliography

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Book SynopsisThis is the first book on the celebrated films of director Claire Denis ('Chocolat', 'Beau Travail', 'Trouble Every Day'), one of the most remarkable filmmakers to come to prominence in the last 20 years. An essential read for students and specialists in contemporary French cinema.Table of ContentsIntroduction1. Foreignness and the aesthetics of the unsaid2. Screening exile3. The mise en scène of desire: Towards a cinema of the sensesConclusionFilmographySelect bibliography

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Book SynopsisThe first full-length monograph in English devoted to one of the most acclaimed and controversial directors in contemporary cinema -- .Table of ContentsList of platesSeries editors' forewordAcknowledgementsIntroduction1. Female virgins and the shaming gaze2. Sisters as one soul in two bodies3. Masculine tendencies and macho violence4. Staging masochism, facing shameConclusionFilmographySelect bibliographyIndex

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Book SynopsisA complete survey the first in English of Jacques Rivette's sixty-year career in French cinema, from the New Wave to the present day. -- .Trade ReviewThis book makes a strong case for explaining what is specific, innovative and exciting about Rivette's films, focusing on his exploration of form and the relationship of artist to audience.Smith and Morrey offer a vital defence of some of Rivette's more maligned films.This overdue study makes for an erudite introduction and a thoroughly explanatory 'user guide' to its slightly forbidding subject. -- .Table of ContentsList of platesSeries editors’ foreword Acknowledgements 1. Introduction 2. The art of the present and the dialectics of duration: The film criticism of Jacques Rivette 3. In the labyrinth: Narrative, conspiracy, community 4. Story as space: Space as story 5. Family secrets 6. La Règle du jeu: Games and play 7. Play, theatre and performance 8. Adaptation 9. Pushing the envelope: Bodies, love and jealousy 10. Out of time: The unconsoled in Rivette’s late works ConclusionSelect bibliography Filmography Index

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Book SynopsisThe introduction of this book gives the production history of the film. It provides a biographical sketch of Hawk's career and the original story by Hagar Wilde, on which the film is based. Also included are an interview with Hawks by Joseph McBride, reviews, essays and a filmography.Table of ContentsIntroduction Bringing Up Baby Interviews, Reviews, and Commentaries Filmography and Bibliography

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Book SynopsisFrom "Stranger than Paradise" (1984) and "Slacker" (1991) to Miranda July's "Me and You and Everyone We Know" (2005), indie cinema has become part of mainstream American culture. But what makes these films independent? This title argues that the American independent feature film since the 1980s has developed a distinct approach to filmmaking.Trade Review"US academic J.J. Murphy argues that the meteoric rise of indie filmmaking in the last 25 years has necessitated a different style of storytelling. His analysis of a variety of indie scripts will chiefly be of interest to aspiring screenwriters." --Empire"Lately, we've all been pondering the same question: Are independent films really independent anymore? Author Murphy asserts that independent films are determined more by their missions than their budgets."--Script Magazine"Me and You and Memento and Fargo is absolutely appealing far beyond just being a typical screenwriting "manual" such those written by Syd Field and his ilk. Murphy is clearly zeroing in on the way these films are written, but even those not interested in writing their own screenplays should find this book totally engrossing....Hopefully it'll give food for thought to a new generation of screenwriters who truly want to push the storytelling envelope again." -Bad Lit: The Journal of Underground Film"With J.J. Murphy's insightful look at American independent screenwriting [in] Me and You and ‘Memento' and ‘Fargo': How Independent Screenplays Work...Murphy focuses on independent cinema in clear, engaging prose, tracking how a series of seminal independent features were developed and written and his case studies include scripts and films by Jim Jarmusch, Hal Hartley, Allison Anders, Miranda July, David Lynch and Gus Van Sant. -- Kathryn Millard, Journal of Screenwriting 1, 2 (May 2010)It has the potential to serve future scriptwriters by validating the desire to digress from traditional paradigms. It makes a nice companion to the more rigid manuals on the market. This text will also be of interest to fans of the various films discussed in these pages. Before reading Murphy’s book, this reviewer had only seen seven of the twelve films discussed. It created a strong desire to watch the other five films, and managed to raise my appreciation for the seven films that I had previously seen. -- Devon Powell * Cinemaliterate *Table of ContentsIntroduction; 1. The Ambivalent Protagonist - Stranger Than Paradise; 2. The Passive Protagonist - Safe; 3. Shifting Protagonists - Fargo; 4. Multiple Plots and Subplots - Trust; 5. Shifting Goals and Plotlines - Gas Food Lodging; 6. Ensemble Structure - Me and You and Everyone We Know; 7. Flashback Structure - Reservoir Dogs; 8. Temporal Complexity - Elephant; 9. Puzzle Film - Memento; 10. Dream Logic - Mulholland Dr; 11. Free Association - Gummo; 12. Character-based Structure - Slacker; Conclusion.

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Book SynopsisMark Evan Schwartz is Associate Professor of Screenwriting at Loyola Marymount University, School of Film and Television, in California, USA. He's a former Head of Story Development for Nelson Entertainment, Story Analyst for the David Geffen Company, and Production Assistant to Francis Ford Coppola. A working screenwriter, he has credits on over a dozen produced feature films and television movies.Trade Review"Mark Evan Schwartz's book is 'a good read' and it's also an instructional read that guides a new screenwriter through the maze of writing a good screenplay, much the same way Virgil guided Dante through another potentially hellish experience all those many years ago." -- Barry Brodsky, Director, Screenwriting Certificate Program, Emerson College, Boston MA"An interesting and worthwhile experiment. A fast and informative read... A fun way to learn how to write a script!" Screenwriting magazine"Schwartz delivers a wonderfully unique concept...a great idea and the most entertaining way of learning the process." -Script MagazineMark Evan Schwartz knows screenwriting like Dante knew Hell. Not that screenwriting is hell all of the time, but it is often enough to need a great roadmap, and "How to Write: a SCREENPLAY" does that beautifully, with humor and invention and a thorough respect for both the basics and the sulphorous details. And the notion of writing it in the form of a screenplay, called writing for the hell of it, is just plain inspiration. Writing a screenplay that really works is deceptively difficult. Reading this book and following its wisdom decidedly is not.—Wes Craven -- Wes Craven"The latest edition How to Write a Screenplay appears in its revised, expanded edition to add a chapter on "The Pitch" and features a screenplay-like format which sets it apart from others on the market.... Learn the basics of writing and marketing a screenplay through a format that lends to lively insights: perfect for any public library or school collection catering to aspiring screenwriters."- Bookwatch/ California Bookwatch, July 5, 2007 -- California Bookwatch"As entertaining and engaging as it is informed and informative, How to Write a Screenplay is an impressive, ‘reader friendly', professional, practical, instructive, superbly organized and presented ‘how to' manual that is very strongly recommended reading for any and all aspiring playwrights and novice screenwriters."- James Cox, Library Bookwatch, August 2007 -- Library Bookwatch"This is not a dry read but is rather entertaining. The formatting of a script quickly makes sense and the learning to be had is a wide array. If you want to learn the steps to successfully creating a movie script, this has the technical knowledge you will need." -Darth Weasel Book ReviewsAdult/High School-This is one of the best books available for aspiring screenwriters. What makes it so useful for novices is that it follows the cardinal rule Show, Don't Tell. Instead of explaining how to write a script, the book is one. The characters illustrate the craft through an action-adventure story in which Danny, a young writer, is trying to score a tryst with a sexy actress. Bebe La Rue denies him any action until he writes a hot script for her to star in. Enter Virgil, mystery man and screenwriting guru, who takes Danny to the netherworld, where they encounter ghouls, zombies, and giant slugs while exploring concepts like story structure and dramatic conflict. The book makes it clear that writing movie scripts is much harder, and takes much more strategy and expertise, than most people think. Students with dreams of winning the next Project Greenlight contest will leap ahead of the competition by learning the concepts presented in this volume. If their goal is to sell to Hollywood, this book shows them other items frequently requested by producers and agents during the pitching process: the script logline, synposis, and treatment. There's also information about how to copyright and register finished work.-Lois Kirkpatrick, School Library Journal, Fairfax County Public Library ,VA * School Library Journal *Table of ContentsIntroduction; Log Line; Synopsis; Character Profiles; Beat Outline; Treatment; The Pitch; The Original Screenplay.

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Book SynopsisEven the most gifted screenwriters get lost along the way. Inspired by the work of mythologist Joseph Campbell and psychologist Jean Houston, this title demonstrates how the "screenwriting by numbers" approach that offers templates into which the writer may mechanically drop his or her story idea is fundamentally incomplete.Trade Review"[This book] demonstrates that good screenwriting is more than hitting the big plot points with exciting action" Writers Forum, November 2008"Keith Cunningham's The Soul of Screenwriting: On Writing, Dramatic Truth, and Knowing Yourself...offers an unusual survey inspired by the mythic approach of Joseph Campbell and tinged by the psychology background of Jean Jouston, providing a survey of the act of screenwriting and how the writer's brain and experience juxtaposes to influence technique, character development, scene dynamics and results. It's a scholarly analysis recommended for any film or drama collection." -Midwest Book Review, (The Bookwatch), December 2008"US script-writing guru Keith Cunningham's hefty self-help guide" Total film, 1 May 2009 -- Carmen GrayMention -Book News, November 2008"Writing in a clear, evocative style, screenwriter/consultant Cunningham melds the business side of screenwriting with the craft of screenwriting in an attempt to help writers navigate the often-unwieldy terrain between what an artist needs to create and what the film industry demands as product....In demonstrating the symbiotic relationship between the writer and the world the writer creates, Cunningham offers writers an unique way to view their craft. And he extols the value of truthful writing, as opposed to formulaic writing, and provides a means to remain faithful to one's art while still producing a viable Hollywood product. More than a tool book, this book teaches writers how to persevere as artists. SUMMING UP: Recommended - Choice * Choice *Table of ContentsPart One: The Living Story; Introduction: The Night of the King Coho; Chapter One: Mirrored in the Story; Chapter Two: The Mythic Dimension of Screenwriting; Chapter Three: Need vs. Mode, The Core of Conflict; Chapter Four: The Story Molecule; Chapter Five: Orchestrating Character and Style; Part Two: Plot and the Dynamics of Creation; Chapter Six: The Soul of Screenplay Structure; Chapter Seven: The Journey in Four Movements; Chapter Eight: Act, Sequence, Scene, Beat: The Dramatic Present; Chapter Nine: The Sixteen Story Steps; Chapter Ten: The Creative Journey of Story Development.

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Book SynopsisA fascinating play about a man's greed for land.

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Book SynopsisScriptwriting for Theatre and Screen: A Practical Guide is an introduction designed to help readers understand the nature of dramatic scriptwriting and quickly guide them to a place where they can write, first a short play, and then a short screenplay.The book clearly points out not only the differences between writing for the stage and writing for the screen, but also the shared skills and the fundamental dramatic principles that unite them. The two sections (Theatre Writing and Screenwriting) are connected by a bridging chapter which explores similarities and differences between the two media. The chapters are arranged with a short introductory essay on topics such as generating ideas, structure, character, modes of address, empathy, status, visual writing, and revising and editing, followed by practical exercises with exemplar responses â including a sample short play and film. Two additional chapters address how to approach writing a self-reflexive commentary, explore how the skills covered can be applied to writing for television, and explain other skills a writer might need to develop when working in this industry. This complete introduction to writing dramatic scripts is intended for students of playwriting and scriptwriting but is also suitable for all writers new to these areas and interested in developing their skills.

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Book SynopsisOffering a definitive approach by which any individual may learn to unleash the power of the personal, this book provides the reader with an exhaustive guide on how to tell the stories theyâre uniquely qualified to tell.Anchored in process and skills acquisition, this book shifts the paradigm for all storytellers â seasoned and emerging â as it empowers them to increase their creative and business acumen. Guiding creatives in recognizing the vital role of personal voice in their work, the book illuminates the process by which to discern and harness that voice, proffers the tools to incorporate voice into stories that resonate with audiences, and examines how voice translates to best industry practices in merging creative and business development. Unfolding in three parts, the chapters include practical exercises and mentor-like strategies to help transfer practice to industry. The text concludes with a revealing interview with a film industry expert, who sheds light on the kn

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Book SynopsisPrewriting Your Screenplay cements all the bricks of a story's foundations together and forms a single, organic story-growing technique, starting with a blank slate. It shows writers how to design each element so that they perfectly interlock together like pieces of a puzzle, creating a stronger story foundation that does not leave gaps and holes for readers to find. This construction process is performed one piece at a time, one character at a time, building and incorporating each element into the whole.The book provides a clear-cut set of lessons that teaches how to construct that story base around concepts as individual as the writer's personal opinions, helping to foster an individual writer's voice. It also features end-of-chapter exercises that offer step-by-step guidance in applying each lesson, providing screenwriters with a concrete approach to building a strong foundation for a screenplay. This is the quintessential book for all writers taking their first sTrade Review"Tabb's book asks you to look deep within yourself and answer a fundamental question: why are you writing this particular story? Why are you even writing in the first place? It gives you some very pragmatic tools to help make your writing more soulful and authentic."—David S. Goyer, WGA Screenwriter/Creator; The Blade and Batman Begins Trilogies, Dark City, Jumper, The Puppet Masters; TV’s Krypton, Da Vinci’s Demons, Constantine, Flash Forward; Video Games Call of Duty: Black Ops I & II"A comprehensive, honest, and heart-felt look at the craft of screenwriting. Writers at all levels will find something in this book to inspire them to do their best work."—Nicole Perlman, WGA Writer, Guardians of the Galaxy, First Man, Captain Marvel, Black Widow, Detective Pikachu, Sherlock Holmes 3"The best way I can think to get yourself writing again if you’re stuck would be to have Michael Tabb come over with a bottle of bourbon and a couple of glasses and talk you through things. The second-best way would be to buy this book and read it. You can supply your own bourbon." —Bill Prady, WGA Writer/Creator, The Big Bang Theory, The Muppets, Gilmore Girls, Dharma & Greg, Caroline in the City, Dream On"Michael Tabb has thought long, hard, and usefully about how to write screenplays with vision and intent. He understands premise, character, conflict, and drama; Far more importantly, he can impart wisdom about all of them without condescending or ‘dumbing down.’ I know of no better guide to the work of writing that happens before we write."—Howard A. Rodman, President, Writers Guild of America (WGA); WGA Writer, August, Saving Grace, Takedown"Are you a writer? Then you’re a fraud, right? Every time you stare at that empty page, you feel it in your bones. The movies I have written have grossed over five billion in the box office, and STILL, I feel like a fraud every time I start a new project. When I read Michael’s book, I felt a lot better. Michael is not only a great screenwriter, but he understands how to explain screenwriting in a way that I never could and in a way that helped me move forward. It is so strange to have a decent man you know help you, through his writing, to become a better writer. I got a free copy of his book on my shelf, but I would’ve paid for it. Writers like Michael who help other writers understand the art or the craft of screenwriting are truly among our best and brightest. Think about it. He is helping his own competition! Only a wise and true class act would ever do that. This book is yours. Consume it!"—Roberto Orci, WGA Writer/Creator, Transformers 1 & 2, Star Trek 1, 2 & 3, The Amazing Spider-Man 2, People Like Us, The Legend of Zorro, Mission: Impossible III; TV’s High School 51, Sleepy Hallow, Hawaii five-0, Fringe, Alias, Matador, Xena, Hercules"Tabb provides an insightful and engaging guide to the process of breaking story and character. Writers looking to set a strong foundation for their first or next script would be well served by reading Prewriting." —Carlton Cuse, WGA Writer/Creator, San Andreas, Rampage; TV’s Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan, Lost, The Colony, Bates Motel, The Strain, Nash Bridges, Martial Law, Crime Story"It’s vitally important for aspiring writers to understand that a professional screenwriting career is built upon the relentless pursuit of asking the right creative questions and then finding the most satisfying answers. In his new book, Prewriting Your Screenplay, writer and teacher Michael Tabb generously shares his innovative approach to meeting that challenge. His original method of generating story, character, and theme will be valuable to both veterans and novices, and should help any writer get past the fear of writers block."—Jeff Melvoin, Emmy Award-winning Television Writer/Producer, Chair of the Writers Education Committee of the Writers Guild of America, West; Designated Survivor, Army Wives, Alias, Early Edition, Northern Exposure, Hill Street Blues, Remington Steele"I wish I had this book when I was just starting out — but it’s still immensely helpful. An indispensable handbook of the craft written by a seasoned veteran and accomplished writer. A must read for anyone serious about screenwriting."—Marc Guggenheim, WGA Writer/Creator, Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters, Green Lantern; TV’s Arrow, Legends of Tomorrow, No Ordinary Family, Eli Stone, CSI: Miami, Law & Order; Video Games Singularity, X-Men Origins: Wolverine, Call of Duty 3, Perfect Dark Zero"The book every writer has been waiting for -- a step by step guide to nourish and develop your idea for a screenplay, book or story. Invaluable and vital."—Evan Spiliotopoulos, WGA Writer, Beauty and the Beast, The Huntsman: Winter’s War, Hercules, Tinker Bell and the Lost Treasure"Michael understands the nuts and bolts of storytelling like no one else — Whether you’re penning your first script or your thirtieth, this book will make you a better writer." —Damon Lindelof, WGA Writer/Producer/Creator, Star Trek (2009), Star Trek: Into Darkness, World War Z, Prometheus; TV’s Lost, The Watchmen, The Leftovers, Nash Bridges, Crossing Jordon"Michael Tabb's book will challenge writers to do the hard work in polishing that rough idea into a clear artistic vision. I wish this book was around when I was writing my first screenplay, or even my forth screenplay."—Edward Ricourt, WGA Writer, Now You See Me 1 & 2, Jessica Jones, Wayward Pines"Teachers of screenwriting often miss the most basic truth that writing should be fun and that writers should work from their gut, not from their fear of rejection. In Prewriting Your Screenplay: A Step-by-Step Guide to Generating Stories, Mike Tabb simplifies the process of story writing and character development to its most essential elements, in the process inviting the reader to embark on the joyful journey of self-discovery that is screenwriting."—Douglas Day Stewart, WGA Screenwriter/DGA Director, An Officer and a Gentleman, The Blue Lagoon, The Boy in the Plastic Bubble, Thief of Hearts, Listen to Me"Writing for television means you cannot afford to have writer’s block, and coming up with new ideas is the hardest part of the job. I wish I’d read this book years ago! Prewriting has an original premise, which is only fitting for a book about original premises."—Brannon Braga, WGA Writer/Executive Producer, Star Trek: First Contact; TV’s The Orville, Salem, Terra Nova, Flash Forward, 24, Star Trek: Enterprise, Star Trek: Voyager, Star Trek: The Next Generation"Great advice for budding screenwriters and those more established. A rich resource to find the creative code and original strengths within yourself, and most importantly, tips on how to sustain passion for a project through the trial-by-fire of re-writes on the writer’s journey to getting it produced and onto the screen."—Alex Proyas, DGA Director / WGA Writer, I Robot, Gods of Egypt, Dark City, Knowing, The Crow"Michael Tabb is a powerhouse. He’s one of those writers that I envy – he is ALWAYS writing. Ever since I’ve known him he has constantly pumped out quality work at a steady pace. He’s a machine! And, after reading Prewriting Your Screenplay: A Step-by-Step Guide to Generating Stories, I now know his secret. There are a lot of ‘how to’ books on writing, but Tabb’s book is the first one I’ve come across that gets to the heart of the matter: how do we find a consistent method of digging out our deepest authentic feelings and ideas? If you have ever stared at your blinking cursor on a blank page, this is the book for you. Michael Tabb proves that we all have our own stories that need to be told. We think manifesting them is hard work, but Tabb shows us it is effortless."—John Lehr, WGA Writer/Creator, 10 Items or Less, Quick Draw"All too often, screenwriters, eager to start writing, will be tempted to skip the hard work that needs to be done before typing the words ‘FADE IN.’ That’s why so many screenplays, even by talented writers, are doomed from the start. Now, screenwriter and screenwriting teacher Michael Tabb comes to the rescue with a book centered on the all-important work the writer must do beforehand, the most neglected, challenging, and rewarding part of the process. Grounded in Michael Tabb’s deep understanding of how a premise is created and how characters come to life, Prewriting identifies each step of what for many is a chaotic, or even subconscious, process. This invaluable book combines those insights with down-to-earth, practical observations on the influence of genre, the varied functions the characters could fulfill, and how screenwriters can approach the story building process more systematically and more creatively at the same time. Prewriting offers thoughtful, practical and creative advice on all aspects of building a successful screen story. This should be on every screenwriter’s bookshelf." —Daniel Petrie, Jr., WGA Writer, Beverly Hills Cop, Turner & Hooch, Shoot to Kill, Toy Soldiers; TV’s Combat Hospital"All professional screenwriters know that screenwriting is half art and half science. Master teacher and accomplished screenwriter, Michael Tabb, knows a lot about both. In this important new contribution to the art and science of screenwriting, Tabb guides the novice and the professional through the absolute essentials of the screenwriting craft. He understands that the science side (the rules that all screenwriters must follow) are not an impediment to the art side (creative inspiration), but a requirement to it. Everyone who is currently making their living screenwriting and everyone who intends to should read this book. Immediately."—Allen Estrin, Senior Lecturer, Screenwriting, American Film Institute (AFI)"Prewriting is amazing! What I love is that this book is clearly written by a working writer. Prewriting does a fantastic job of breaking down the key elements and building blocks of screenwriting into simple terms. It provides a clear, step-by-step guide that is practical as well as creatively stimulating. As a working writer, I plan to rely on Prewriting as one of my new, go-to toolboxes. As an educator, I will make Prewriting required reading for all the courses I teach."—Donald H. Hewitt, Screenwriting Lecturer, School of Theater, Film & Television, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)"It’s taken me many, many years to learn what Michael has distilled into this book. I wish I knew all these things when I first embarked on my career. I’ve been to USC film school, I teach at USC film school, and I’ve had stellar jobs working for ICM, Tom Cruise and Paramount Pictures just to name a few. But I can tell you that I would have gone further and faster had Michael’s advice and guidance been available to me when I first started. He is knowledgeable, insightful, and he is right about what it takes to succeed as a writer."—Sebastian Twardosz, Screenwriting Lecturer, School of Cinematic Arts, University of Southern California (USC) "No sane person would attempt to run a marathon without training, would they? In my years of teaching screenwriting, I was amazed at how many of my students would balk at the idea of pre-writing, which includes premise building, character developing, structure plotting, and script outlining. What Michael Tabb's book does is give every student who loves writing a practical way to do all of that. He lays out each of the steps a writer needs to take before writing FADE IN, which are essential to creating a winning screenplay. This book gives the intellectual nutrition screenwriters need in order for them to start this screenwriting race. It helps guide writers to the choices they need to make in order to create a screenplay that works on all levels. I give Prewriting my highest recommendation.—Kenneth Cosby, MFA, USC Screenwriting; Professor, NYU, Writing for Television"Michael Tabb. Screenwriting is a labor of love for him -- and so is this book. The knowledge and experience he's gathered over the years has compelled him to document it and share it with others. My passion is and always has been television, but the same rules, structures, and hurdles apply. It's how I design the workshops I teach at UCLA. This is a scholarly, beautifully written (and illustrated) tome. It can apply to all forms of writing. Anything that needs an 'idea'. It's about process, which is what writing is. Not formula. Process. And Mr. Tabb has processed it well!"—Bill Taub, WGA Writer-Producer, UCLA Extension Writing Instructor"Filmmaking, unlike other arts, is a collaborative form. No film can get made and profit (key phrase ‘profit’), after the script is approved, without a producer, a director, a financier and a Distributor who understand story. Michael’s tome is a necessary read for all creatives to be able to thoroughly understand the story, its spine, its premise, its genre and how all characters within the story fit together in order to make & sell a successful movie. A must-read."—Dov S-S Simens, Dean, Hollywood Film Institute"As a professional writer for Disney Animation and having written for Dreamworks, The Weinstein Company and other major studios, I plan to use Prewriting to make my work even better. Mr. Tabb has distilled his story creating process into the most comprehensive and meaningful writing aid I've had the pleasure of reading to date. As an educator for Young Storytellers, I do and will recommend this book to writers of any age who want to be a professional storyteller in any medium. It explains how to develop a story with meaning, how to design characters to serve that meaning, and gives its readers a series of exercises to help them create their own strong story foundations from scratch over and over again. It is accessible for beginners and will even push experienced writers to improve their craft. In short: Michael Tabb has written the newest, must-read textbook for all would-be writers in the entertainment industry."—Ricky Roxburgh, Screenwriting Educator, Young Storytellers"I’m a working film producer who’s sold projects to all the majors, and began my teaching career at UCLA. I’ve taught at Pixar, DreamWorks Animation, and Blizzard, and conferences including Great American PitchFest, Screenwriters Expo, and Screenwriters World. I have devoted much of my career to persuading screenwriters, both the pros and my students, of the importance of pre-writing. It is far more effective than rewriting. Screenwriter and author, Michael Tabb, has not only persuasively made this case in his book, Prewriting, he offers up a comprehensive set of powerful tools to completely craft a successful script before you type ‘Fade in.’While there is a universal acceptance that ‘Concept is King,’ there are few answers offered on how to come up with a great idea. This is the first book I’ve read that teaches you how to brainstorm in search of inspiration. Tabb lays his own process bare so you can learn from him. I love Tabb's discussion of genre – pertinent, penetrating, and insightful, and to a story geek like me, downright sexy.Prewriting takes you through discovering your story’s thematic premise, to choosing the most impactful genre, crafting compelling characters, and ultimately incorporating these elements into a powerful story. Tabb motivates you to progress through the steps with invaluable information, enlightening examples, and skill building exercises, until you have created the foundation for a truly a successful story."—Barri Evins, Producer and Story Consultant"What do you want to say with your story? If you want to have a clearer understanding of how to define this in your writing, you will want to read Michael Tabb’s book, Prewriting. Michael dives deeply into the WHY, creating a compelling debate with your story, genre, writing characters with purpose and intention and so much more. I devoured this book. It is in direct alignment with a lot of what I teach. Michael’s approach is totally accessible. You will hit many ‘aha’ moments that will elevate your writing to the next level. I very highly recommend this book."—Jen Grisanti, Story/Career Consultant, Writing Instructor at NBC, Author, International Speaker"With Prewriting, experienced screenwriter Michael Tabb is your intense and passionate guide through the step-by-step process of designing a story from the inside out. Challenging many of the assumptions of conventional screenwriting theory, he shows you how a pro really lays out the internal wiring diagram of a story. With batteries of probing questions to ask yourself about your characters and premise, he defines the advance groundwork that allows you to start the script with confidence that your story will be coherent and meaningful. An important contribution to our body of knowledge about screenwriting and story development." —Christopher Vogler, Author, The Writer’s Journey"At last, solid guidance on what to do and the decisions to make before you start writing your screenplay. Just as a movie has a preproduction stage, so a screenplay has a prewriting stage."—Dave Trottier, Author, The Screenwriter’s Bible, Dr. Format Tells All, Host of keepwriting.com"A great screenplay begins with a great plan. With Michael Tabb's fantastic new book, writers now have the tools to do what is so difficult for many: face the blank page with confidence and conviction, armed with the knowledge and guidance required to lay down the sound, thoughtful foundation required to produce a great screenplay, and never get writer's block again."—Lee Jessup, Career Coach for Professional and Emerging Screenwriters; Author, Getting It Write: An Insider's Guide To A Screenwriting Career"The consummate writer's writer, Michael Tabb will forever change the way you look at story, premises and character through his insightful approach to Prewriting, screenwriting and brainstorming. Michael gets inside the thought process of story and premise development in a fun way no one else has. With a nod to the masters, Michael's on-point analyses, exercises, and advice is a game-changer for writers at every level looking to defeat writer's block and create compelling stories. I cannot recommend this book highly enough."—Danny Manus, CEO/Script Consultant, No BullScript Consulting; Director of Development, Clifford Werber Productions; Development Consultant, Eclectic Pictures; Director of Development, Sandstorm Films"Michael Tabb brings not only his industry experience but also insightful, inspiring, and engaging educator to the pages of Prewriting your Screenplay. Tabb engages the reader with a conversational approach to understanding the narrative components of screenplay construction. This is a master class in the art and the craft of screenwriting taught by a working screenwriter. Prewriting your Screenplay belongs on the same shelf as Egri's Art of Dramatic Writing and McKee’s Story: Substance, Structure, Style, and the Principles of Screenwriting."—Christopher Ramsey, Department Chair and Educator, Creative Writing Program, Full Sail University"Michael Tabb takes readers and writers on a fun and inspiring journey where the ideas pop out and the words flow freely. Prewriting Your Screenplay: A Step-by-Step Guide to Generating Stories is a must read for anyone who struggles with or has ever struggled with writer’s block. The advice and expertise that Tabb so generously shares with the reading public are invaluable for aspiring writers or seasoned writers who know what it’s like to stare endlessly at that blank page on the computer screen. I feel like I've been let in on a secret that only a select few, elite writers knew-- until now. As an educator, I can’t wait to refer my students to this book when they complain, and they always do, of the most severe cases of writer’s block."—Stephanie Fleming, Faculty, Los Angeles Film School"Michael Tabb might be the only film instructor to get me teary-eyed in class... and it was during his twenty minute practice lecture! Prewriting combines Michael's encyclopedic knowledge of film & writing and his love for the possibilities of art. Michael speaks to the reader plainly, honestly and with a real connection to the material. As a guide for a writer, it offers encouragement, concrete advice and sagely caution about the pleasures and potential pitfalls of creating any type of story. He provides sharp ideas for readers looking to develop their structure, genre, style and character, making this a valuable asset for experienced writers and newbies alike. Any screenwriting book equally adept at quoting Shakespeare and ‘Real Genius’ warrants your attention!"—Eric Conner, Former Screenwriting Department Chair, New York Film Academy (NYFA); Former Dean of Students, NYFA; Current Screenwriting Instructor, NYFA "In regards of Michael Tabb, I consider him one of the top authorities in this field due to his wealth of knowledge on screenwriting and cinema history based on the professionalism and passion with which he shares them in this book, Prewriting Your Screenplay: A Step-by-Step Guide to Generating Stories. Michael shows us the basic tricks of storytelling necessary to craft a clear and concise tome. He does this with examples, anecdotes, and exercises that provide the reader an understanding of the steps required for proper story development, including character archetypes, genre selection, conflict, and structure building. As a screenwriting teacher, I would present this book to my students with confidence that they will receive a wealth of information, insight, and experience from a great teacher and screenwriter. Michael Tabb’s Prewriting is absolutely a must read!"—Edward Santiago, Screenwriting Lecturer, Austin School of Film"I have been using Michael’s articles in Script Magazine to help my students with many aspects of screenwriting, most notably to understand the concept of thematic premise and its importance and usefulness in both idea creation as well as overall script development. Now that he has combined all of his writings (and much more) in one book my students will have a single source that offers both concrete and theoretical tools that encompass the entire process of writing a screenplay, teleplay and live performance theater from concept to completion."—Patrick Mulvihill, Guest Lecturer, Screenwriting I & II, Writing for TV, and Dramatic Writing Communications Department, Film & Media, Georgia State University"Michael Tabb's extensive experience as a writer shows in this book. Even seasoned veterans will find nuggets of wisdom to help keep their writing moving forward. This alone is worth the price of admission."—Isaac Ho, Assistant Professor, Writing for the Stage and Screen, Point Park University"In Prewriting Your Screenplay: A Step-by-Step Guide to Generating Stories, Michael Tabb raises critical questions that have long concerned writers and educators. Who’s the hero when our main character does not fit the traditional stereotype? How do we avoid writer’s block? What does a premise need to do? Why is genre relevant? How do character flaws make our protagonist stronger and clearer? What does love have to do with our protagonist and the story? And, how do genre trends affect a writer’s decision-making? Tabb’s book also includes many other thought-provoking questions, measurement exercises, and specific film references to challenge the reader to look at their work from a new perspective. Anyone involved in screenwriting or the development of film will treasure this book because it provides another avenue to help filmmakers become more observant, reflective, and introspective. Prewriting helps us all create more professional screenplays." —DR Fraley, Transmedia Storytelling Producer, Department of Communications, Media & Culture, Bryan College"As a published author, I look forward to using Prewriting Your Screenplay: A Step-by-Step Guide to Generating Stories as a great step-by-step process when in the first stages of new idea and story creation. Michael Tabb provides logical, progressive explanations to what many people perceive as a subjective and intangible endeavor. Even seasoned writers will appreciate the connections he draws from conceptualizing a premise to the pivotal roles characters and genre play within a story’s development.As an educator, Prewriting Your Screenplay: A Step-by-Step Guide to Generating Stories will be my go-to resource for young writers in my creative writing elective classes. It provides examples, exercises, and thoughtful reflections for writers that will assist in understanding the critical components of story writing. The organization of topics will help even my youngest writers develop their imagination before putting pen to paper or hands to keyboards so they will not struggle with writer’s block."—Tess Votto Haranda, Educator, Author, www.tessvotto.com"This book is excellently organized and covers every essential technique and knowledge-set needed for creating a story. Authors of all experience levels can benefit from the wisdom Mike sets forth in his writings. As an educator, I can easily see this book being put to use in my creative writing courses. The exercises at the end of each chapter expertly allow students to apply the new concepts immediately. I would most definitely recommend this to my students and fellow writers alike."—Jared Loper, Idaho Falls High School, Creative Writing Class; Christel House Academy, 11th and 12 English Language Arts "I am so pleased and excited that Michael Tabb has finally put his worldly wisdom in readable format. Prewriting is a uniquely riveting how to book that’s written from the heart. I laughed. I cried. I was inspired yet again. Michael’s love for screenwriting shines through with each and every word as he proves John Steinbeck wrong--writing is indeed not magic but can be quickly learned even from a zero baseline. As both a student and a teacher, I highly recommend this soon-to-be screenwriter’s bible prequel, which should be required reading for any student of the craft. Thank you, Mike, for always giving back!"—Constance Younger, MS, MFA, California Certified Educator, Platt College"In the ever-burgeoning catalogue of books treating screenwriting, Prewriting is an authentic standout. In fresh, accessible language, Michael Tabb posits provocative insights into the art, craft, and business of creating compelling dramatic narratives. The book is surely useful for screenwriters both new and experienced, but also for novelists and playwrights and, indeed, anyone interested in writing or reading or seeing on the screen well turned, engaging stories."—Prof. Richard Walter, Screenwriting Area Head; Associate Dean, UCLA School of Theater, Film and TelevisionTable of ContentsForeword/PrefaceAct One – The SetupChapter 1: Premise (the Big Bang for your script)Chapter 2: Genre (getting in the right mood)Chapter 3: The Brainstorm (the storm of ideas)Act Two – Character DrivenChapter 4: Character IntroductionChapter 5: Protagonist (with details on anti-heroes and failed protagonists)Chapter 6: Antagonist (and the mentor gone wrong)Chapter 7: Can the Protagonist be the Antagonist?Chapter 8: Love Interest (the motivator of inner journey and the lust interest)Chapter 9: Mentor (the model for success in the physical goal or outer journey)Chapter 10: Dual Mentors (mind versus mission)Chapter 11: The Protagonist’s Reflection characters (a look in the mirror)Chapter 12: A Final Reflection (character concept summation)Act Three – The Big IdeaChapter 13: Culmination (assembly of the puzzle pieces)Chapter 14: The Story (everything into a single story)Chapter 15: The Logline (how you’d sell it – from story to high concept)Appendix - Bonus Material/Final Exercise

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Book SynopsisIn this revised and updated edition of the StoryCenter''s popular guide to digital storytelling, StoryCenter founder Joe Lambert offers budding storytellers the skills and tools they need to craft compelling digital stories. Using a Seven Steps approach, Lambert helps storytellers identify the fundamentals of dynamic digital storytelling from conceiving a story, to seeing, assembling, and sharing it. Readers will also find new explorations of the global applications of digital storytelling in education and other fields, as well as additional information about copyright, ethics, and distribution. The book is filled with resources about past and present projects on the grassroots and institutional level, including new chapters specifically for students and a discussion of the latest tools and projects in mobile device-based media. This accessible guide's meaningful examples and inviting tone makes this an essential for any student learning the steps toward digital storytelling.Trade Review"Our innermost and deepest stories often lie buried inside of us. Digital Storytelling is an artistic and technical guide to learning how to find those stories and tell them in the digital age. Hundreds of my students have used this deeply beautiful book to guide their own search and then assist community storytellers in creating stories of their own." -Nina Shapiro-Perl, American University"Digital Storytelling is not your typical text for writing courses—it is a truly engaging history about storytelling that helps students connect to why we even tell stories. Storytelling is an art, and Lambert’s text reflects this. I enjoy using Digital Storytelling to not only teach my students how to become comfortable with telling stories, but to also inspire me on how I approach my storytelling instruction. The text covers the essential elements of storytelling via a storytelling circle that creates a safe environment for the most timid of students to participate in class. There are also plenty of astute examples and references for the students. For a book that averages about 200 pages, this is quite a feat. My students tell me this is a text they enjoy reading and applying the techniques the text offers them in order to help them craft stories with a enhanced sense of creativity and a can-do spirit. This is one of a small collection of texts that students typically do not sell back, instead they share and re-read their text when they need to rejuvenate future stories—some of which have gone on to win awards or shaped capstone texts and films at UHCL. This text is a must for any storytelling course. Your students will thank you for making this their primary text for your course. This new edition updates some of the content to ensure the text remains contextually relevant to the field of storytelling and its related topics in the dynamic academic landscape of digital media communication.Since 2002, Lambert has paid attention to our field and I now consider Lambert a formative researcher and instructor whose text is the go-to text to use when one wants to instruct an engaging course that promotes storytelling in a proactive and humanist manner. Additionally, students take note that the text has been in print since before the advent of digital media and has adapted to remain a text that stays true to the essential aspects of excellent storytelling instruction. Just read the interviews and examples and you will be hooked!" -Debra E. Menconi Clark, University of Houston Clear LakeTable of ContentsChapter 1 – The Work of StoryChapter 2 – Stories of Our LivesInterlude 1: The Legacy of TanyaChapter 3 – A Road Traveled: The Evolution of the Digital Storytelling PracticeChapter 4 – The World of Digital StorytellingInterlude 2: Wynne's StoryChapter 5 – Seven Steps of Digital StorytellingChapter 6 – The Story CircleChapter 7 – To Students: Getting Started in Digital Story Work: Mindsets and MethodsInterlude 3: İlmiye’s Story by Burcu ŞimşekChapter 8 – Approaches to the Scripting Process: Prompts and ProcessesChapter 9 – The Walking Story Circle: Rethinking Digital Storytelling in the Era of Mobile DevicesInterlude 4: Areej's Story by Nikoline LohmannChapter 10 – StoryboardingChapter 11 – Designing in Digital: Working With Digital Imaging, Audio, and VideoInterlude 5: Nellie's Story by Rani SandersonChapter 12 – Distribution, Ethics, and the Politics of EngagementChapter 13 – Applications of Digital StorytellingInterlude 6: Zahid's StoryChapter 14 – Silence Speaks: Interview With Amy HillChapter 15 – Listening To Change: Stories From Alaska’s Native Health Communities: Interview With Laura Revels Chapter 16 – Humanizing Healthcare: A Conversation With Dr. Pip Hardy and Tony SumnerChapter 17 – Transforming Education Through Story Work: A Conversation With Dr. Brooke Hessler Addendum: Silence Speaks: Guidelines for Ethical Practice

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