Q & A: The Working Screenwriter: An In-the-Trenches Perspective of Writing Movies in Today's Film Industry

by Jim Vines, David Trottier (Introduction)

Ever dream of being the next William Goldman or Robert Towne-or making that record-breaking spec sale like Shane Black? While that might not happen for a majority of us, there's still plenty of good news. After all, your true goal is having those ideas in your head end up on the silver screen and make a comfortable living...right? Q and A: The Working Screenwriter provides an in-the-trenches perspective from 16 screenwriters who broke the barriers, overcame the odds, and gained entry to the amazing, often exasperating, yet always exciting world of writing for the movies. Join Katherine Fugate (Carolina, The Prince and Me), Brent Maddock (Tremors, The Wild Wild West, Short Circuit), John Rogers (The Core), David J. Schow (The Crow, Texas Chainsaw Massacre 3), Neal Marshall Stevens (Thirteen Ghosts), Stephen Susco (The Grudge, The Grudge 2) and 10 other talented wordsmiths as they give first-hand insight into why they write, what keeps them motivated, how they got their scripts written-and ultimately optioned and/or sold. These writers impart a wealth of real-world experience that will truly inspire and encourage any budding screenwriter and help position them firmly on the road to becoming...a working screenwriter. If you want to stir your creative juices, bolster your confidence, and gain a better understanding of what it takes to become a working screenwriter in today's film industry, you'll find Q and A: The Working Screenwriter essential reading. Foreword by David Trottier, Author of The Screenwriter's Bible

230 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2006

About the author

Jim Vines is a photographer, as well as a Los Angeles-based screenwriter. He published his first novel, Luigi's Chinese Delicatessen, in 2015. His novel Sunshine Terrace was published in March 2024.

Reviews

[Glenn Sanders · Rating 2 out of 5]

Decent but uninspired interview book with a group of no-name working screenwriters, each of whom gives conflicting advice.

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Always good to hear from actual working screenwriters, whether they're famous or not. Some parts can be repetitive, but overall,it's an easy read with many noteworthy points from those that know.