“You can’t write your second script until you write your first.” Do you have a story in you that would make a fantastic film? Then this book should enable you to turn that idea into a screenplay. Screenwriting is a tight and demanding medium but it is also one of the most exciting forms in which to write. Write That Script! brings together all the theory you need, with examples to show you how the theory works and tons of exercises to oil the writing muscles that will see you through to the end. Write That Script! will steer you through the stormy seas from wanting to write a script to having your first one down on the page or screen. To start that script now. Not tomorrow. Not next week, but now. With 21 years experience as a screenwriting tutor, mentor and writer, Lindsay J Sedgwick has pulled together a stimulating, easy to follow guide to writing your screenplay, from character to structure, plotting to format and everything in between.
Endorsements: “A practical inspiration for getting that script out of your head and on to the page/screen from someone who has done just that and done it brilliantly.” – Paul Donovan, Producer, Deadpan Pictures
With this one
What Lindsay has done wonderfully well in this book is to give screenwriters a helpful and practical guide to fire imaginations and to get words flowing onto the page. She has distilled the essence of screenplay craft and technique into a practical guidebook that’ll motivate you to overcome the screenwriter’s hardest obstacle – the first draft. It’s the how-to book that inspires as much as it teaches and enlightens. – Alan Fitzpatrick, MD Filmbase "Lindsay was my first screenwriting teacher way back in 1996 and set me on my way to becoming a professional screenwriter. It is a delight to see all her knowledge, experience and enthusiasm distilled into a book that will add richly to the education of screenwriters everywhere." - Christian O’Reilly, screenwriter “What I love about this book is that it's all practical and actionable advice, with effective exercises and brainstorming tips. Great for those starting out and getting more familiar with the challenges of screenwriting, as well as those want to develop their craft in a committed and professional way.” - Danny Stack, writer/ director
L. J. SEDGWICK is an award-winning screenwriter whose credits span genres and form, from feature films, television drama and children’s series, to short films, radio plays and game narrative. She's the author of the Wulfie series with Little Island (Wulfie Stage Fright (Sep 2020), Wulfe: Beast in Show (Mar 2021) and Wulfie Saves the Planet (Oct 2021). Wulfie: A Ghostly Tail (March 2022.)
Her first novel (Dad’s Red Dress, 2017) was described as ‘joyous, loving... truly unique among the vast canon of coming-of-age stories...a delight to read’. It is currently under option and being developed at a 10-part TV series.
In addition to screenwriting credits, Lindsay’s plays have been produced throughout Ireland and in the UK and her writing has been described as ‘gripping,’ ‘gut-wrenching’ and ‘seductive’.
I am a novelist who got thrust into a screenwriting career. I had assumed that my writing skills would translate across mediums, but once I started delving into the process, I quickly learned that I needed help. As with any creative avenue, there is a wealth of self-help books to choose from. Soooo ... which one to choose?
I remembered Lindsay J Sedgwick from a conference that I had attended. She is an award-winning screenwriter with a stellar reputation in the industry. Her presentation stood out because she demonstrated a keen understanding of the rules and standards while disseminating them in a clear and coherent manner.
Thus, I decided on her book. And I am SO glad I did.
Write That Script is a gem of practical advice, complete with a conversational approach that reminded me a lot of Stephen King's On Writing (my go-to source for writing wisdom). This is not a typical "do this, do that" outline with anemic examples. Sedgwick guides you through the entire process from structural breakdowns to character motivations, all while providing thoughtful exercises in order to apply what you learn. She also peppers the book with relevant quotes from famed authors and industry professionals, which I found to be compelling and insightful. It really does feel like you are sitting down with Lindsay for a one-on-one.
I highly recommend this book to anyone looking to get a firm grasp on screenwriting, not only from a structural standpoint, but also from a motivational one.
Loved this book -- A great guide for beginners and a comprehensive introduction to scriptwriting. Lindsay's style is fun and accessible. Highly recommended.
A well-structured, easy to follow guide for screenwriters, filled with useful advice, theory and practice to get you started. All you really need to know to write that script!!