Illustrating the multifaceted art of screenwriting, this guide expertly navigates its vital aspectsdramatic structure, the creation of character, and story development. The nature of the writer's role in the film and television industryboth in Hollywood and in Canadais explored, and the art of collaboration and the practicalities of writing for commercial production are examined in detail. Chapters cover classic three-act structure and its multi-character variation, story arc, adapting material from other forms of media, and creating dramatic movement in character. From portraying morality and establishing good and evil to fashioning the element of suspense, this sophisticated handbook also explores film as a business, considering agents, producers, and the arduous task of breaking into the industry.
This book teaches the art of screenwriting. Readers will learn about dramatic structure, the creation of character, and story development. They will also learn the nature of the writer's role in the film and television industry, in Hollywood and in Canada. The book examines the art of collaboration and the practicalities of writing for commercial production. There are chapters in classic three-act structure, story arc, and creating dramatic movement in character. In addition, there is a discussion of multi-character variation on three-act structure. The book also discusses writing morality, how to set up good and evil in movies, as well as the creation of suspense. Film is a collaborative art, so this too is a topic for consideration, as is the adaptation of material from other media. Finally, film is a business and the final chapter is called "The Business and You," where agents, producers, and the arduous task of breaking into the industry are duly considered.