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Many of you probably don't give a shit... I worked in development for 7 years with two working producers (one now runs a studio). I worked in a writers' room. I was staffed on a show. I've sold pitches. Sold pilots. Sold features. I also produce movie trailers. So as everyone...
weighs in on this whole "screenwriting books are bullshit" thing, I am going to give my two cents. It's my opinion. It's not meant to be a rule. Or even a suggestion. Just what I've observed.
There are a few screenwriting books out there by working writers that can
There are a few screenwriting books out there by working writers that can
Be very helpful when you are starting out. Even as you progress, they're great references to go back to if you get stuck.
Myself? This is in addition to having read, god, at least 10,000 scripts over the last 18 years. And watching who knows how many movies.
Myself? This is in addition to having read, god, at least 10,000 scripts over the last 18 years. And watching who knows how many movies.
My writing is a summation of all this.
If you think just watching movies is enough, let me be hyperbolic:
You can't watch a two hour heart transplant video and think you can perform one.
That was a doctor who spent years in school. Who has a wealth of knowledge--
If you think just watching movies is enough, let me be hyperbolic:
You can't watch a two hour heart transplant video and think you can perform one.
That was a doctor who spent years in school. Who has a wealth of knowledge--
Of books. Of watching other surgeons. Medical reviews. Decades and centuries of doctors who cam before him/her.
Point is, writing is a living, breathing beast and how you write or find how to better yourself as a writer is based on all of these experiences combined.
Point is, writing is a living, breathing beast and how you write or find how to better yourself as a writer is based on all of these experiences combined.
Screenwriting books are not the be-all end-all of rules and how-tos. They should be taken in with reading screenplays of produced movies. Screenplays of unproduced movies. Watching movies. Taking an online Masterclass from Sorkin. Hopefully you get my point.
To say these books are all bullshit is, well, bullshit. There is and can be a wealth of knowledge in there. I pointed out earlier that you have to cheery pick what is useful to you. Every writer has their problem areas. If I get stuck, I love to go back to movies I know and love
... as well as scripts by writers I know and love.
That's all I have to say.
Also, I've never read "STORY" by McKee. So what do I know?
That's all I have to say.
Also, I've never read "STORY" by McKee. So what do I know?
