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Screenwriting for Teens: The 100 Principles of Screenwriting Every Budding Writer Must Know
This books gives teens -who go to the movies more than any age group in the world - the tools to do more than just watch those movies. It gives them the tools to write their own films.
- GenresNonfictionWriting
228 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2006
6 people are currently reading
87 people want to read
About the author
Christina Hamlett
78 books12 followersFormer actress and theatre director whose credits to date include 45 books, 265 stage plays and squillions of articles and interviews. I am also a script consultant for stage and screen, a distance learning instructor, photographer, gourmet chef, and professional ghostwriter.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
April 5, 2011
The 100 Principles of Scriptwriting Every Budding Writer Must Know
As an author, I agree with Christina Hamlett when she says that the more you practice the better you’ll get. Writers do that even when they don’t have an extra hour in their day. A little bit each day will become a tremendous amount one day. Yet, if you do not start today, you will have empty tomorrows.
From an author’s perspective, we read everything we can put our hands on. Why? To check on the competition?
Not really. There are many authors and there are a lot of readers who like their different styles of writing, so we don’t really compete against each other. We do it to get new insights, new techniques, new ideas, and to become better.
In the case of a screenplay, too many people—and not just teens—rush headlong into the process without understanding the principles of how an idea becomes a story, a story becomes a script, and that script becomes something that eventually gets made into a film.
You can’t sidestep any of it or it will lack something. That something is what can make you or break you in the movie business.
I found Screenwriting for Teens: The 100 Principles of Scriptwriting Every Budding Writer Must Know a well-written book with insights that will take the guesswork out of your movie. I would say this is a must keep book for all those who want to seriously be a success in the world of screenwriting. Learn from it. Practice with it, and see your life change for the better. I dare you! And you can write to me to tell me thanks or to make a movie from my books. www.annadelc.com
As an author, I agree with Christina Hamlett when she says that the more you practice the better you’ll get. Writers do that even when they don’t have an extra hour in their day. A little bit each day will become a tremendous amount one day. Yet, if you do not start today, you will have empty tomorrows.
From an author’s perspective, we read everything we can put our hands on. Why? To check on the competition?
Not really. There are many authors and there are a lot of readers who like their different styles of writing, so we don’t really compete against each other. We do it to get new insights, new techniques, new ideas, and to become better.
In the case of a screenplay, too many people—and not just teens—rush headlong into the process without understanding the principles of how an idea becomes a story, a story becomes a script, and that script becomes something that eventually gets made into a film.
You can’t sidestep any of it or it will lack something. That something is what can make you or break you in the movie business.
I found Screenwriting for Teens: The 100 Principles of Scriptwriting Every Budding Writer Must Know a well-written book with insights that will take the guesswork out of your movie. I would say this is a must keep book for all those who want to seriously be a success in the world of screenwriting. Learn from it. Practice with it, and see your life change for the better. I dare you! And you can write to me to tell me thanks or to make a movie from my books. www.annadelc.com
December 7, 2014
If you have a story inside that wants to come out - whether it is written, visual or to be acted out - this book will help to tell it better. In a concise and understandable way, Christina Hamlett defines story structure concepts. She pairs this with films to watch and writing exercises that are designed to sink those concepts deep into the memory banks.
This book could easily be used as curriculum for a film making or creative writing class - I purchased several copies as gifts for teacher friends. It should be required reading before signing up for a YouTube account!
Hamlett’s writing style is comfortable, conversational and often humorous. I chuckled at an anecdotal story regarding a conversation with a young screenwriter. Topic; the total number of characters in a script directly relates to the cost of producing the film. With a budget of $250, the young man thought he might be able to pull off a scene that required shutting down a bridge in a busy metropolitan area and getting thousands of people (costumed in gorilla suits) to run across it.
Some of the concepts that I found most helpful in my own fiction writing development; Linear Versus Non Linear Storytelling, A Conflict Is What Drives A Plot Forward, Genre Dictates Structure and Fast Pitch.
More than anything else, Screenwriting for Teens is a clear roadmap for how to think about storytelling.
This book could easily be used as curriculum for a film making or creative writing class - I purchased several copies as gifts for teacher friends. It should be required reading before signing up for a YouTube account!
Hamlett’s writing style is comfortable, conversational and often humorous. I chuckled at an anecdotal story regarding a conversation with a young screenwriter. Topic; the total number of characters in a script directly relates to the cost of producing the film. With a budget of $250, the young man thought he might be able to pull off a scene that required shutting down a bridge in a busy metropolitan area and getting thousands of people (costumed in gorilla suits) to run across it.
Some of the concepts that I found most helpful in my own fiction writing development; Linear Versus Non Linear Storytelling, A Conflict Is What Drives A Plot Forward, Genre Dictates Structure and Fast Pitch.
More than anything else, Screenwriting for Teens is a clear roadmap for how to think about storytelling.
November 11, 2012
Reviewed by Steph for TeensReadToo.com
Christina Hamlett is a former actress and director. Currently, she is a script coverage consultant, and has won numerous awards. Hamlett works as a grant consultant of Young Filmmakers Academy and also teaches. Her teaching ability is evident in her structured and helpful book, SCREENWRITING FOR TEENS.
Hamlett writes a very informative book for any teen with the dream of writing movies. The writing is very simple and easy to understand; not too much movie jargon that an amateur wouldn't know. The book is set up with many suggestions and how-to's about writing and getting published that any teen can easily accomplish.
Not only does the book give screenwriter wanna-be's helpful tips, but it also gives lots of references for them to do their research. This book is a great resource for anyone who wants to not only learn about screenwriting but to also see their stories appear on the big screen.
This book is highly recommended as a tool for teen screenwriters everywhere.
Christina Hamlett is a former actress and director. Currently, she is a script coverage consultant, and has won numerous awards. Hamlett works as a grant consultant of Young Filmmakers Academy and also teaches. Her teaching ability is evident in her structured and helpful book, SCREENWRITING FOR TEENS.
Hamlett writes a very informative book for any teen with the dream of writing movies. The writing is very simple and easy to understand; not too much movie jargon that an amateur wouldn't know. The book is set up with many suggestions and how-to's about writing and getting published that any teen can easily accomplish.
Not only does the book give screenwriter wanna-be's helpful tips, but it also gives lots of references for them to do their research. This book is a great resource for anyone who wants to not only learn about screenwriting but to also see their stories appear on the big screen.
This book is highly recommended as a tool for teen screenwriters everywhere.
April 14, 2014
This book is a gem every writer - no matter the medium - should keep handy. Ms. Hamlett's clear explanation of the fundamentals of crafting a story demystifies the process of producing a good tale that appeals to, and satisfies, its audience. Her chapters are to-the-point and take the reader right into exercises guaranteed to spur creativity. The works to which she refers the reader as examples run the gamut of entertainment and in themselves constitute a solid body of work with which every aspiring screenwriter should be familiar. Yes, writers need to read books and watch movies and study theatre productions to hone their own skills, and I LOVE how Ms. Hamlett makes that a prerequisite for becoming a successful writer. If I had read this book when I was a teen, I might very well have chosen screenwriting as a career path instead of authoring books, if only to indulge in the creative adventure that fills every one of these pages. A wonderful book for inspiration, re-motivation, and actual story construction. Brava, Ms. Hamlett!
October 24, 2010
One of the most practical books I have read on screenwriting. Hamlett's presentation of the material is easy to follow and comprehend. She boils down everything that's necessary to know regarding concept, structure, and content. The "Brainstorming" activities at the end of each section are useful not only for instructional purposes, but give the reader direction and way in which to apply the material. One of the strongest elements of the book is Hamlett's extensive filmography and her use of examples from every corner of the industry. Where I have found other books lacking, "Screenwriting for Teens" fills in the blanks. I would recommend it not only for teens, but anyone interested honing their craft.
June 11, 2014
An Invaluable Resource for Writers
Screenwriting for Teens is a must read for anyone who has ever desired to write a screenplay. Christina Hamlett provides easy to understand “how to” directions, offers a wide variety of creative writing “Brainstormer” exercises, and shares interesting as well as informative examples often times using endearing wit and humor. After reading her book, it is doubtful, you will ever view a commercial, play, or movie the same way again.
Screenwriting for Teens is a must read for anyone who has ever desired to write a screenplay. Christina Hamlett provides easy to understand “how to” directions, offers a wide variety of creative writing “Brainstormer” exercises, and shares interesting as well as informative examples often times using endearing wit and humor. After reading her book, it is doubtful, you will ever view a commercial, play, or movie the same way again.
April 6, 2008
Two page synopsis each principle including references to scenes in films for illustration.
February 15, 2012
An easy, accessible book about screenwriting.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews