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A Quick Guide to Screenwriting

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Paperback Original

120 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2013

9 people want to read

About the author

Ray Morton

11 books2 followers
A writer, film historian, and script consultant, Ray Morton graduated from New York University with a Bachelor of Arts in Film and Television Production, and from Pepperdine University with a Masters in Clinical Psychology.

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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
Profile Image for Hershe.
2 reviews
May 29, 2017
"A Quick Guide to Screenwriting" is in my opinion a must read, if you are a beginner and not wanting to start off reading a complex How-To. Not only is it a short read, but its very straight to the point of what a beginner needs to know when working towards moving forward in the area of screenwriting.

I have read some good articles concerning this topic, and did some research as to which book titles made for a good starting point to become more educated with screenwriting, and I found this one made the cut within a list of recommendations. "The Screenwriter's Bible: A Complete Guide to Writing, Formatting, and Selling Your Script" by David Trottier, makes the top of each list I've come across - respectively, I'm sure (hoping to get my hands on a copy at some point). My local library only has a very select few titles on screenwriting though, but I still thankfully found that it carries this Quick Guide. Fully grasping the concept of formatting is what I've had a rather difficult time with. This book served helpful in that area of screenwriting, as well as in other areas I had in mind when thinking of the original story I'll use to practice on, but I hadn't realized until I read this that such features are part of the ingredients that go into creating a script.

To some this book up, it gives a basic look on the ingredients and technique used in formulating a screenplay for beginners - even giving you the do's and don'ts. If you want to take up screenwriting but don't really know where to begin, and want a read that is insightful but not so in depth that it might leave you feeling even less understanding of the concept of screenwriting; this is a book for you. I found it to be quite helpful, and its one I may find myself reading again, while I'm still new to the idea of screenwriting.
Profile Image for Laura Wilson.
168 reviews
August 3, 2017
Very concise and to the point, an excellent place to start with my studies into screenwriting.
Profile Image for Jason.
9 reviews1 follower
April 30, 2014
The book I think is a ok book the book feels to me like another how to book. And it did not have the "hold your hand feel" well to me at least. The book is ok to look to if you are looking to do screen writing but it not the best one to choose. Well to me.

The book to me had a strange air when I read it. The book read fine but it dose not feel wright. As I read the book I felt after I had learned nothing. The book is not well written and not well crafted I feel I need to reread most of the book and it fails at teaching me the lesson. The book is very bland to me and the book is not an ok book to read. And rereading is a pain to do. So I would not reread this book but you have too if you want too learn the lesson but it not good at teaching so you reread over an over again. So I say the book is bad.
1 review
June 13, 2016
Served as a great Introduction to the dynamics of screenwriting. There were some things I had known and it gave quick, pointed tips on the different aspects of a screenplay. Good for anyone new to screenwriting looking to build their foundation of knowledge on the craft.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews

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