Scriptshadow Secrets

by Carson Reeves

Scriptshadow Secrets is the first book from popular screenwriting blogger, Carson Reeves. The book was written as an answer to the glut of tired A-Z screenwriting books that have flooded the market over the years. Instead of another extensive How-To guide, Scriptshadow Secrets looks at 50 popular movies from the past six decades and offers 10 (give or take) screenwriting tips from each. The idea is to not only teach screenwriters valuable lessons, but show how those lessons have been incorporated into successful films. This way, writers learn by example, instead of having to take the author's word for it. From Aliens to Pirates Of The Caribbean to The Hangover to The Empire Strikes Back, Secrets teaches you screenwriting lessons from the greatest films of all time.

Author Carson Reeves began as a screenwriter himself, yet struggled to figure out the elusive formula for writing a successful screenplay. Then, about seven years ago, he started getting his hands on spec sale scripts and reading them. Within weeks, he'd learned more about screenwriting than he had in the past seven years combined. He then turned his attention from writing to helping others write. This was the genesis behind the Scriptshadow website - a way to teach screenwriting through reading professional screenplays.

The site blew up but quickly became controversial, due to Reeves breaking down material that Hollywood considered private. As such, the site's become a "love it or hate it" fixture in both Hollywood and the screenwriting community. Still, the site has tens of thousands of aspiring screenwriters who visit daily and make it the most popular screenwriting site on the web. The site's most popular feature, the "What I learned" section at the end of each review, was the main inspiration behind Scriptshadow Secrets, as Reeves saw how positively writers responded to quick context-relevant tips.

Genres: Writing, Nonfiction, Film

239 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 26, 2012

Reviews

[Brock · Rating 4 out of 5]

Probably the only book on screenwriting worth reading. Short and to the point and dolls out a lot of interesting techniques on writing a solid screenplay.

[Rick Yagodich · Rating 3 out of 5]

As with almost every book on writing, this one promises to be different: it will give you the secrets you really need to make a difference, the tricks to improve your craft. It promises a deeper understanding of the subject than the rest of the shelf.

And, I must admit, Reeves' experience as a script reviewer definitely adds a touch of kudos. The use of examples based on movies many people will know - or at least know of - definitely raises it above many similar revelations of secrets.

However, he makes another claim - right in the introduction - which is patently false: that the books format will allow you to dip in and out, to take the learnings from a chapter and apply them immediately. But, given that the book is arranged by movie rather than by subject, it fails in this respect. It claims 500 screensriting secrets, but in reality maybe offers 50, each repeated many times over. This ad hoc repetition means that no subject is clearly and concisely covered. It's hard to even list what those covered subject are, because they come and go without theme or coherent structure.

And, it must be said: there really is nothing new within these pages. There are no secrets that haven't been covered a hundred times before, often in better-structured prose.

That's not to say that there aren't some interesting and useful gems. The different angle provides a decent reminder of things one will, most likely, have learned elsewhere. And maybe the approach to that reminder will help them stick where they didn't before…

[Mars Dorian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good and concise screenwriting guide some of Hollywood's best movies (and screenplays).
The author writes in a fun and engaging way, sharing the pros, and sometimes cons, of the popular screenplays.

I learned about making more compelling characters, using more pressure, creating memorable moments and likable character traits, as well as crystalizing goals both for protagonists and antagonists, as well as dozens other things.

Most of the lessons count for fiction writers as well, so (indie) authors, give this one a read.

[Author David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best screenwriting book I've read yet.

This book gives VERY PRACTICAL ADVICE and great examples, so it read less like a textbook. This is unlike so many other screenwriting books I've read. The author seems to have legit experience in the industry too. Mostly knowing what Hollywood wants and doesn't want to read for scripts.

[Ben · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy read with a number of great insights. The Goals Stakes Urgency concept will stick with me. Also enjoyed that all of the examples of what makes a great screen play were used in the context of actual movies.

[Dave Wagner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent, clear, helpful read. Lots of great pointers, both in general (in the opening segments) and specifically (in all of the screenplay references throughout the rest of the book). I'll definitely keep this one on my shelf as I endeavor to learn the screenwriting craft.

[Mary Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a real adventure. Like mining for diamonds and finding them. I recommend it to all.

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are a number of good observations and examples to take home from this, but the style of writing was off-putting. Perhaps it wouldn't have been so if I was a 20-year-old American male.