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Writing Great Screenplays AFI
Uses the image of the roller coaster to provide advice on plot, characters, and other script elements
190 pages, Paperback
First published August 22, 1997
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
March 8, 2019
There have been dozens of books written on screenwriting, but I have never once seen this one mentioned among recommended titles. Given the straightforward name and the unassuming cover (including the alternate cover of my copy), you might not expect it to teach the craft in a dynamic or eye-opening way. But I'm here to say that the moment I started reading, I immediately began to understand the craft of building a compelling film, and in a more accessible way than I ever expected.
Rather than discuss story elements in and of themselves, like character, motivation, conflict, plot structure, opposing forces, and the like, it instead considers these elements through the lens of how each will affect how the audience feels and reacts to the story. What sorts of questions will the audience ask at this moment, that moment, and how will your story answer their questions? What sorts of emotional needs will your story, and the scenes in your story satisfy in the audience? How will your character endear themselves to the audience? How can you express your character's personality and backstory elements through subtle and effective use of visual accessories and dialogue cues? That sort of thing. And it's all tied back to the concept of your movie as a roller-coaster. What sort of ride will you take your audience on, and how can you keep the momentum high enough that your movie won't stall or bore your viewers.
The entire book, from cover to cover, makes the screenwriting process so easy and even natural to follow. And like other how-to books, it re-enforces each chapter with end-of-chapter questions to consider about your own stories and the scripts you're working on developing. I could not have predicted this book would be so helpful and so effective in delivering its content. If you have a chance to find a copy of this mid-90s screenwriting guide, grab it immediately. It may not be the only book you'll want to review on the subject, but it is the ideal bedrock to build all other books and info upon.
Thank you Dona Cooper.
Rather than discuss story elements in and of themselves, like character, motivation, conflict, plot structure, opposing forces, and the like, it instead considers these elements through the lens of how each will affect how the audience feels and reacts to the story. What sorts of questions will the audience ask at this moment, that moment, and how will your story answer their questions? What sorts of emotional needs will your story, and the scenes in your story satisfy in the audience? How will your character endear themselves to the audience? How can you express your character's personality and backstory elements through subtle and effective use of visual accessories and dialogue cues? That sort of thing. And it's all tied back to the concept of your movie as a roller-coaster. What sort of ride will you take your audience on, and how can you keep the momentum high enough that your movie won't stall or bore your viewers.
The entire book, from cover to cover, makes the screenwriting process so easy and even natural to follow. And like other how-to books, it re-enforces each chapter with end-of-chapter questions to consider about your own stories and the scripts you're working on developing. I could not have predicted this book would be so helpful and so effective in delivering its content. If you have a chance to find a copy of this mid-90s screenwriting guide, grab it immediately. It may not be the only book you'll want to review on the subject, but it is the ideal bedrock to build all other books and info upon.
Thank you Dona Cooper.
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September 5, 2007A must for Mass Comm students and even graduates or for video enthusiasts.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews