It's simple: films need to have commercial value for the studios to produce them, distributors to sell them, and theater chains to screen them. While talent definitely plays a part in the writing process, it can be the well-executed formulaic approaches to the popular genres that will first get you noticed in the industry. Genre Screenwriting: How to Write Popular Screenplays That Sell does not attempt to probe in the deepest psyche of screenwriters and directors of famous or seminal films, nor does it attempt to analyze the deep theoretic machinations of films. Duncan's simple goal is to give the reader, the screenwriter, a practical guide to writing each popular film genre. Employing methods as diverse as using fairy tales to illustrate the 'how to' process for each popular genre, and discussing these popular genres in modern television and its relation to its big screen counterpart, Duncan provides a one-stop shop for novices and professionals alike.

Film Genre for the Screenwriter is a practical study of how classic film genre components can be used in the construction of a screenplay. Based on Jule Selbo’s popular course, this accessible guide includes an examination of the historical origins of specific film genres, how and why these genres are received and appreciated by film-going audiences, and how the student and professional screenwriter alike can use the knowledge of film genre components in the ideation and execution of a screenplay. Explaining the defining elements, characteristics and tropes of genres from romantic comedy to slasher horror, and using examples from classic films like Casablanca alongside recent blockbuster franchises like Harry Potter, Selbo offers a compelling and readable analysis of film genre in its written form. The book also offers case studies, talking points and exercises to make its content approachable and applicable to readers and writers across the creative field.

This book is the first one focusing on Chinese mainstream films from a cross-disciplinary perspective. Based on case studies, it discusses three subgenres of mainland Chinese commercial mainstream films and offers an approach to studying the transformation of Chinese mainstream film within the theoretical frameworks of “genre theory” and “screenwriting method”. It helps professionals understand the genres and narratives of Chinese mainstream films, and also serves as a must-read for non-professionals interested in Chinese cinema.

I am thrilled to introduce my comprehensive guide, “Screenwriting Made Easy: A Step-by-Step Guide to Writing Your First Screenplay”. With my extensive experience in script coverage, analyzing over 388 scripts for filmmakers and film students, and my contribution as a ghostwriter for numerous short and feature films, I am certain that this book will prove to be an invaluable resource for aspiring screenwriters. In this book, I provide a detailed explanation of the screenwriting process, breaking it down into specific points and delving deeper into each step. This approach is part of my pedagogical method in accelerated learning practices in educational systems, designed to facilitate fast and effective learning. If you ever find yourself feeling overwhelmed or frustrated, I encourage you to take a break, relax, and return to the book when you are ready to continue reading. As an experienced screenwriter, I offer practical advice and detailed instruction to help readers gain the skills and confidence needed to write a successful screenplay and navigate the complex entertainment industry. I understand that the world of screenwriting can be daunting, but I believe that with the right tools and insights, anyone can craft compelling stories that capture the attention of audiences and industry professionals alike. Throughout the book, I share my tried and true strategies to help aspiring screenwriters get their foot in the door and provide examples of screenwriting across various genres. I firmly believe that screenplay writing doesn’t have to be complicated, and I offer strategies for making your screenplay viable for production. Whether you’re a first-time screenwriter or looking to refine your skills, my book is an invaluable resource for anyone interested in pursuing a career in screenwriting. I invite you to explore the world of screenwriting and to use this book as your guide on your journey towards success.

The world in which we live and work today has created new working conditions where storytellers, screenwriters and filmmakers collaborate with colleagues from other countries and cultures. This involves new challenges regarding the practice of transcultural screenwriting and the study of writing screenplays in a multi-cultural environment. Globalisation and its imperatives have seen the film co-production emerge as a means of sharing production costs and creating stories that reach transnational audiences. Transcultural Screenwriting: Telling Stories for a Global World provides an interdisciplinary approach to the study of screenwriting as a creative process by integrating the fields of film and TV production studies, screenwriting studies, narrative studies, rhetorics, transnational cinema studies, and intercultural communication studies. The book applies the emerging theoretical lens of ‘transcultural studies’ to open new perspectives in the debate around notions of transnationalism, imperialism and globalisation, particularly in the screenwriting context, and to build stronger links across academic disciplines. This volume combines methods for studying, as well as methods for doing. It draws on case studies and testimonials from writers from all over the globe including South America, Europe and Asia. Transcultural Screenwriting: Telling Stories for a Global World is characterised by its scope, broad relevance, and emphasis on key aspects of screenwriting in an international environment.

This accessible and informative textbook provides a guide to the craft of screenwriting with an emphasis on diverse perspectives, underrepresented groups and their screen stories. Readers will learn to master writing a feature-length screenplay in a framework that focuses on diversity, equity and inclusion. With case studies to aid understanding, the book explores the screenwriting process in stages, explaining how to create a logline, as well as character bios, writing and choosing a genre, differentiating between writing a treatment, a synopsis, composing an outline, incorporating the formatting process and finally creating a scene and sequence. The techniques specific to screenwriting will also be covered in the text such as writing dialogue and action, establishing setting and time period and most importantly mastering the craft of visual storytelling. At the same time, the textbook introduces concepts of content choices that are diverse and inclusive, such as stereotypes vs. archetypes, intersectional characters, underrepresented groups and themes such as social justice, systemic racism, class conflict, gender inequity and climate change. Due to its subject matter and inclusive approach, this textbook will be an essential guide for all aspiring and current screenwriters who want to successfully navigate and complement today’s developing industry.

Next Level Screenwriting is an intermediate screenwriting book, for those that have already learned the basics of screenwriting, written a screenplay or two and want to bring their writing and stories to the next level. Each chapter of the book examines a specific aspect of screenwriting, such as character, dialogue and theme, and then provides the reader with ideas, tips and inspiration to apply to their own writing. Rather than being another “how to” book, this volume features a variety of case studies and challenging exercises throughout – derived from a broad selection of successful feature films and TV shows from the 1940s to the present day – to help spark the imagination of the writer as they work through different styles and approaches of screenwriting. An absolute must-read for any screenwriter wanting to improve their writing and storytelling skills.

While most screenwriting books focus on format and structure, Kate Wright explains how to put story at the center of a screenplay. A compelling story, complete with intriguing characters and situations created with these screenwriting tricks of the trade can become a box office blockbuster film. Screenwriters will learn: - Developing themes within the plot - Using structure to define the story - Creating memorable characters - Establishing moral dilemmas and conflicts - Achieving classic elements of storytelling in a three-act dramatic structure - Mastering different genres

This revised and refreshed edition guides the contemporary screenwriter through a variety of creative and critical approaches to a deeper understanding of how to tell stories for the screen. With a renewed focus on theme and structure, the book is an essential guide for writers, script developers and teachers to help develop ideas into rich dynamic projects, and craft compelling, resonating screenplays. Combining creative tools and approaches with critical and contextual underpinnings, the book is ideal for screenwriting students who are looking to expand their skills and reflect on practices to add greater depth to their scripts. It will also inspire experienced writers and developers to find fresh ways of working and consider how new technology is affecting storytelling voices. Comprehensive and engaging, this book considers key narrative questions of today and offers a range of exercises to address them. Integrating creative guidance with rigorous scholarship, this is the perfect companion for undergraduate students taking courses in screenwriting. Encouraging and pragmatic, it will provide a wealth of inspiration for those wishing to work in the industry or deepen their study of the practice. New to this Edition: - Refreshed and revised edition to meet the demands of contemporary screenwriting - New case studies, models, tools and approaches to writing for the screen - Updated areas of industry practice, including web series, transmedia, VR and long-form storytelling - Includes practical approaches and creative exercises that can be used in the classroom

Screenwriting for Neurotics is a quirky and accessible handbook for beginning screenwriters. Whether you are a student in a screenwriting class or just someone who wants to try their hand at writing for film or television, this handy guidebook makes the entire process simple and unintimidating. Scott Winfield Sublett, a veteran screenwriter and screenwriting teacher, walks you step by step from start to finish and helps you navigate potential and unforeseen difficulties along the way, offering handy tips and suggestions to keep you from becoming blocked or stalled. Rather than throwing you into the writing process headfirst, Sublett guides you through the various decisions you need to make—about plot, character, structure, conflict—in the order you need to make them. He explains in straightforward terms the terminology and jargon, the theory and industry standards, and dispels common myths about screenwriting that can discourage or hold back a beginning writer. Balancing theory and practice and offering valuable and insightful examples from recognizable and well-known classic and contemporary films, ranging from Casablanca to A Christmas Story to Clerks, Sublett provides the new writer with the necessary tools to successfully write a feature-length screenplay and offers a roadmap of where to go next. With an emphasis on helping a writer not just to begin, but also to finish a script, Screenwriting for Neurotics is the screenwriting book to help you actually write one.