I just finished reading this book and have to say it left a big impression on me. It is virtally a textbook for how to envision, approach, outline, and write a screenplay in a very conscious, craftsmanlike way. The depth and insight of his analysis of film story is staggering. It's like a (THE?) frikkin' bible for screenwriters, is what it is. It addresses just about every weakness every element of a screenplay or story can possibly have, and shows the way to not make that mistake and create quality instead. Incredible.
As a beginner, I feel very empowered after reading it as it will show me the way to quality before I have even begun (and without film school too!), and it also confirmed for me several important instincts I had recognized in myself but was unsure they were valid in screenwriting (to my delight, they were). I had read the Syd Field books any years ago and they didn't come anywhere close to illuminating so many critical issues in crafting stories for film.
It's very deep, like a textbook is, and almost has the tone of a sacred text, so one reading alone will definitely not do. I plan to devour it all over again, and then use it as a reference text to guide me at every turn as I work on my maiden script, checking and rechecking the integrity of my story value, structure, spinal integrity, beat rhythm, sequence array, pacing of scenes within the sequences, etc. It can serve as a guide to everything!
Obviously, this book is a must-have for any screenwriter, whether beginner or advanced. I'm new here so maybe it's common knowledge and you guys all own two copies, but I think it bears being recommended here. If like me you are pretty new to this and looking for major insight into what it will take to write *effective* screenplays, you are absolutely BLOWING IT if you don't get it and live it.
Another two books I have just read that are very good are "Writing The Thriller Film" by Neill Hicks and "Crafty Screenwriting" by Alex Epstein. They were excellent also.
Oh and naturally I look forward to checking out Martell's books too.
cheers
AP
As a beginner, I feel very empowered after reading it as it will show me the way to quality before I have even begun (and without film school too!), and it also confirmed for me several important instincts I had recognized in myself but was unsure they were valid in screenwriting (to my delight, they were). I had read the Syd Field books any years ago and they didn't come anywhere close to illuminating so many critical issues in crafting stories for film.
It's very deep, like a textbook is, and almost has the tone of a sacred text, so one reading alone will definitely not do. I plan to devour it all over again, and then use it as a reference text to guide me at every turn as I work on my maiden script, checking and rechecking the integrity of my story value, structure, spinal integrity, beat rhythm, sequence array, pacing of scenes within the sequences, etc. It can serve as a guide to everything!
Obviously, this book is a must-have for any screenwriter, whether beginner or advanced. I'm new here so maybe it's common knowledge and you guys all own two copies, but I think it bears being recommended here. If like me you are pretty new to this and looking for major insight into what it will take to write *effective* screenplays, you are absolutely BLOWING IT if you don't get it and live it.
Another two books I have just read that are very good are "Writing The Thriller Film" by Neill Hicks and "Crafty Screenwriting" by Alex Epstein. They were excellent also.
Oh and naturally I look forward to checking out Martell's books too.
cheers
AP
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