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Short Films: Writing the Screenplay
A complete guide to short film screenplays, from finding and developing that exciting idea to information on the technical revolution in digital filmmaking and distribution
Every award-winning short film begins life with a clever idea, a good story, and a screenplay. Here Patrick Nash analyzes the process of writing short film screenplays and gives advice on story and structure, plot and pace, generating ideas, screenplay format, dialogue and format, and character design. He helps readers ensure that their writing will be fresh by discussing common clichés and stereotypes; conflict, obstacles, and stakes; eliciting emotion; and how to hook the viewer. The specifics of loglines, outlines, and synopses are also covered, as well as rewriting, length, practicalities, and budgets. The book also includes a number of award-winning scripts and interviews, advice and contributions from their award-winning screenwriters and a discussion of the benefits to writers of writing short screenplays.
Every award-winning short film begins life with a clever idea, a good story, and a screenplay. Here Patrick Nash analyzes the process of writing short film screenplays and gives advice on story and structure, plot and pace, generating ideas, screenplay format, dialogue and format, and character design. He helps readers ensure that their writing will be fresh by discussing common clichés and stereotypes; conflict, obstacles, and stakes; eliciting emotion; and how to hook the viewer. The specifics of loglines, outlines, and synopses are also covered, as well as rewriting, length, practicalities, and budgets. The book also includes a number of award-winning scripts and interviews, advice and contributions from their award-winning screenwriters and a discussion of the benefits to writers of writing short screenplays.
256 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2012
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142 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
April 28, 2013
Patrick Nash skips much of the bullshit and gets straight down to brass tacks, giving you practical advice to get your script started, to get your story perfected, and to get your script seen.
He opts to focus on that first short film script to get you noticed, either for directing, or for simply moving on to writing the meatier stuff. Much of his advice can be applied to feature length scripts as well, but the main focus is on short films.
There are three great case studies, showing you actual short film scripts, and then inviting you to analyse them with Nash within the text, giving you a practical point of reference to work back to in future when writing your script. it's invaluable because it shows you how to plan your script, how to write it, and then shows you what the finished product looks like at the end.
A must read for anyone interested in starting to screen write, or simply looking to improve their craft.
He opts to focus on that first short film script to get you noticed, either for directing, or for simply moving on to writing the meatier stuff. Much of his advice can be applied to feature length scripts as well, but the main focus is on short films.
There are three great case studies, showing you actual short film scripts, and then inviting you to analyse them with Nash within the text, giving you a practical point of reference to work back to in future when writing your script. it's invaluable because it shows you how to plan your script, how to write it, and then shows you what the finished product looks like at the end.
A must read for anyone interested in starting to screen write, or simply looking to improve their craft.
June 9, 2017
There are very few books about short film writing. This is definitely an essential and can be used as a checklist before finalizing a short script.
It's bit pricey for the content and especially the platform(kindle).
It's bit pricey for the content and especially the platform(kindle).
December 6, 2020
"Anlatma, göster"
July 12, 2013
I would definitely recommend this book for short script writers, all film-making professionals (don’t, whatever you do, rush into production without nailing an excellent script first!) and feature writers, too.
It really is a very thorough look at all aspects of being a writer of short scripts; detailed craft tips, motivational advice (ideas), how to think like a producer/director (economising and being aware of budget) and how to work your way up to being a professional writer of both short scripts and feature scripts (mastering original story-telling, eliciting emotion, writing pitch documents and how to approach a rewrite).
Read the full review here: http://www.writesofluid.com/review-sh...
It really is a very thorough look at all aspects of being a writer of short scripts; detailed craft tips, motivational advice (ideas), how to think like a producer/director (economising and being aware of budget) and how to work your way up to being a professional writer of both short scripts and feature scripts (mastering original story-telling, eliciting emotion, writing pitch documents and how to approach a rewrite).
Read the full review here: http://www.writesofluid.com/review-sh...
May 22, 2013
This book is brilliant. I was writing a screenplay for my end of university course creative writing assignment, and was so glad I stumbled on this book.
April 2, 2014
some good information but seems to have been written in a hurry.
July 31, 2014
Excellent, no nonsense in depth book on making short films with good examples.
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December 24, 2015Some really useful information. Quoted frequently for assignments on my Script writing Module.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews