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RECOMMENDED
RESOURCES
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Recommended Resources
Writers often email us asking which screenwriting books, classes, seminars, and software our judges recommend. They ask questions about script formatting, screenplay registration, film industry contracts, script sales, and a whole host of other subjects. So we polled our judges – a panel of over 30 industry professionals – and assembled a master list of their most highly recommended screenwriting books, classes, software, services, tools and supplies. The list is divided into three sections, designed to help you:
WRITE YOUR SCRIPT
| SELL YOUR SCRIPT
| MAKE YOUR MOVIE
If you'd like to explore any of these websites or find out how to purchase any of the recommended materials, simply click on the link provided. We hope this information will be helpful to you!
WRITE YOUR SCRIPT
There are many excellent resources available to help you write your script, and we encourage you to investigate as many of them as possible. However, if you're looking for the very best screenwriting books, classes, software, services, tools and supplies, these are the resources our judges cited over and over again as their top picks:
THE TOP 10 BOOKS
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THE SCREENWRITER'S BIBLE
A wealth of information in one indispensable guide: a screenwriting primer and workbook; a clear, concise film and TV script formatting guide; a spec screenplay writing manual; a script sales and marketing handbook; and an extensive resource directory. Author David Trottier provides you with sample query letters, worksheets, checklists, hundreds of examples, sample scenes, and crystal clear explanations of script formatting and screenwriting fundamentals. The one book every aspiring screenwriter must own. |
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THE WRITER'S JOURNEY
Christopher Vogler explores the powerful relationship between mythology and storytelling in a clear, concise style that has made this book required reading for movie executives, screenwriters, and scholars all over the world. Based on the work of Joseph Campbell, Vogler offers a set of useful myth-inspired storytelling paradigms based on "The Hero's Journey," and provides a step-by-step guide to plot and character development within the screenplay structure. An international best-seller and a true classic. |
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STORY
A comprehensive, integrated explanation of the craft of screenwriting. Master storyteller and teacher Robert McKee shares his deep understanding of characterization, screenplay structure, story and form as the keys to dynamic screenwriting. McKee's award-winning methods, taught to thousands of students in his popular screenwriting workshops, provide real results, as many of his students have gone on to write, direct, and produce outstanding movies and television programming. A must read! |
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LEW HUNTER'S SCREENWRITING 434
From his spirited and competitive graduate screenwriting workshops, UCLA Professor Lew Hunter has launched a generation of filmmakers. This recently updated version of Hunter's classic screenwriting guide contains all his secrets to effective screenplay writing – from developing an original script to adapting a story from another medium. Also included is Hunter's famous two-minute-movie lecture. A true gem!
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HOW NOT TO WRITE A SCREENPLAY
As a film industry executive who read tons of screenplays every week, Denny Martin Flinn saw first-hand that, while all good screenplays are unique, all bad screenplays tend to suffer from the same set of problems. Flinn clearly explains all the pitfalls and shows the reader how to write a screenplay that will rise to the top of the executive's in-box. A no-nonsense analysis of the latest techniques for crafting a first-rate script.
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MAKING A GOOD SCRIPT GREAT
Hollywood script consultant Linda Seger offers a wealth of genuinely useful insights into the complete screenplay writing process – from first draft through shooting script. If you're writing your very first script, this in-depth screenwriting guide will help develop your skills and tell a compelling story. If you're a veteran screenwriter, this book will help you use the skills you already have. And if you're stuck on a rewrite, this book will help you analyze the problems and get you back "on track." (Also available on DVD) |
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WRITING SCREENPLAYS THAT SELL
A complete blueprint for writing and selling film and TV scripts by renowned screenwriting teacher and coach Michael Hauge. One of the most practical screenwriting books on the market, this myth-busting manual puts purpose behind your dream of breaking into the film industry and shows you how to effectively pursue a screenwriting career. Chapters include: "Four Paths to a Deal," "Living and Working Outside Los Angeles," and "The Life of a Screenwriter."
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WRITING TREATMENTS THAT SELL
Often the first step in selling your film or TV idea is to prepare a treatment – the brief pitch that sells your story concept to a busy producer or agent. In this best-selling book, writers/producers Kenneth Atchity and Chi-Li Wong show you step-by-step how to create effective and saleable treatments for feature films, episodic television, and made-for-TV movies. Also included are the latest trends in the industry, essential information on copyrighting and acquiring rights, and a comprehensive glossary of industry terms.
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THE TV WRITER'S WORKBOOK
In this unique hands-on guide, television writer and producer Ellen Sandler shares the trade secrets she learned while writing for hit shows like "Everybody Loves Raymond" and "Coach." She offers concrete advice on everything from finding a story idea to getting hired on a current TV series. Filled with easy-to-implement exercises and practical wisdom, this ingenious how-to handbook outlines the steps to becoming a professional TV writer, starting with a winning script.
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STARTING YOUR TELEVISION WRITING CAREER
Abby Finer and Deborah Pearlman of the Warner Bros. TV Writers Workshop reveal insider tips on all aspects of television writing, including tricks for trouble-shooting scripts, advice on how to research and brainstorm ideas, and instruction on how to write a beat sheet and outline in order to achieve a polished draft. Filled with practical advice and up-to-date information, each chapter provides strategies and insights that will jump-start your television writing career.
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SOFTWARE & SUPPLIES
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FINAL DRAFT
The industry's most widely-used screenwriting software, the Final Draft script formatting program effortlessly formats your feature script, sitcom or stage play as you type. In addition, the new Final Draft Panels system helps you brainstorm, structure, and rewrite; and out-of-town co-writers can easily work together with Final Draft CollaboWriter. "Ask the Expert" puts you in touch with an expert with the click of your mouse. And Final Draft's online Knowledge Base and phone support are on stand-by for you 24 hours a day. |
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MOVIE MAGIC SCREENWRITER
The "gold standard" of the Hollywood studio system, Movie Magic screenwriting software offers consummate control of screenplay, sitcom, stage play, and multimedia formats using just the TAB and ENTER keys. An extremely intuitive, easy-to-use script formatting program that's totally customizable. The built-in index card system helps you write your script, edit, and rearrange scenes, and the Import/Export feature allows you to access almost any text document. And, of course, tech support has your back 24/7.
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TRUBY'S
BLOCKBUSTER
No matter how good a writer you are, Truby's Blockbuster screenwriting software will revolutionize the way you write. Distinguished screenwriting teacher and coach John Truby has integrated a comprehensive story organizer with his renowned Story Structure course to create a multi-level creative writing tool, bringing together all the elements you need to write your script. And Blockbuster's Online Help will connect you directly to Truby's website for additional examples and story advice.
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| SCRIPT COVERS |
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| Crafted of heavy-weight card stock containing 25% linen, these Classic Script Covers create the feeling that your script is special before your reader ever turns the first page. Available in multiple colors.
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| SCRIPT BRADS & WASHERS |
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| These are THE script brads used by Hollywood studios, scriptwriters, and production companies. Just the right size for scripts from 70 to 120 pages, these heavy-duty solid brass brads have a wide head to ensure your screenplay will withstand numerous readings. Matching brass washers add strength and durability. |
| PRO-SCRIPT SCREW & POST FASTENERS |
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| Tired of script brads that poke, catch, and rip? Here's a neat and easy solution: Silver, Black or Brass-colored screw-style script fasteners provide ease of handling and a clean, professional look for your screenplay. |
SCRIPT DEVELOPMENT SERVICES
| SCRIPTS UNLIMITED |
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| Script formatting got you frustrated? Let a pro do it for you! Typing, script formatting, and re-formatting services for feature films, MOWs, and TV pilots. Submit your order online, and your professionally formatted script can be delivered back to you within 24 hours! |
| LENGUA TRANSLATION SERVICES |
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| In the fiercely competitive Hollywood market, if English isn't your native language a faulty script translation may hurt your chances of success. The translators at Lengua are all full-time linguists with university degrees. They work exclusively in their special areas of expertise and translate only into their native tongue, so you know your finished screenplay will be in perfect English. And if you need your screenplay or specific sections of your script translated from English into another language, the pros at Lengua can translate to almost any language currently in use. |
CLASSES & SEMINARS
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McKEE'S STORY SEMINAR (classes)
Robert McKee's renowned 3-day screenwriting workshops have earned him a reputation for inspiring novices and putting many floundering careers back on track. In these popular seminars, McKee shares his deep understanding of characterization, screenplay structure, story and form. For more than 15 years, students who've taken this legendary screenwriting class have gone on to take Hollywood's top honors. Take the course and find out why! (Also available on AUDIO CD) |
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TRUBY'S GREAT SCREENWRITING CLASS (DVD)
Top screenwriters use fundamentally different tools than amateur writers; yet most screenwriting books and seminars teach a simple one-size-fits-all approach. In this course you will learn literally hundreds of professional techniques that will allow you to compete with the best. John Truby's flagship screenwriting class, taken by over 20,000 students worldwide, wins awards year after year as the best writing class in America. |
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THE HERO'S 2 JOURNEYS (DVD)
Two of Hollywood's top studio script consultants and authors unite to reveal the tools and principles that can move your screenplay from the rejection pile to the production slate. In this special DVD screenwriting class, Michael Hauge and Christopher Vogler offer their unique insiders' understanding of the ways screenplay structure, character arc, and theme must combine with myth, archetype, identity, and transformation to touch the widest possible audience. (Also available on AUDIO CD)
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SYD FIELD'S SCREENWRITING WORKSHOP (DVD)
Syd Field is widely regarded as the industry's foremost authority on the craft of screenwriting. For over 25 years he has taught thousands of professional screenwriters, many of whom have gone on to become some of the biggest names in Hollywood. His exclusive screenwriting class is limited to 12 students and is given only a few times a year. This DVD version takes you on the exact same educational journey in the comfort of your own home, allowing you to progress at your own time and pace.
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MILLION DOLLAR SCREENWRITING (DVD)
Do you find three-act screenplay structure lacking? Is Act Two a monster? Have you always thought there must be a better way? THERE IS. This unique DVD class, recorded at the first-ever Million Dollar Screenwriting Seminar, offers a simple, clear, and highly-effective technique for structuring your story. Never be more than 10-15 pages from a plot-point, story beat or major landmark again. This is the secret to screenplay structure that has made millions for savvy screenwriters, and this is the only DVD course that teaches it.
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| THE SCREENWRITING CONFERENCE IN SANTA FE |
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| Now in its tenth year, this extraordinary five-day Screenwriting Conference is a unique opportunity to learn from some of Hollywood's most successful screenwriters and screenwriting teachers. The emphasis during the first three days is on perfecting the art and craft of screenwriting. Then over the next two days, you'll learn how to market and sell your script. The Screenwriting Conference faculty is excellent, the classes are usually small and very personal, and the Santa Fe atmosphere is pure inspiration. |
| THE AUSTIN FILM FESTIVAL & CONFERENCE |
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| A terrific four-day Screenwriting Conference, featuring over 80 interactive panels, roundtable sessions, screenwriting workshops, and meet-and-greet events. After the day's seminars and events, panelists and registrants hang out at the Festival parties and hotel bars. Austin is a casual, laid-back city, and the Festival and Screenwriting Conference follow suit. No velvet ropes or VIP rooms. Just a bunch of filmmakers and writers gathering to talk about the art and business of storytelling through film. |
| THE SCREENWRITING EXPO |
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| Billed as "The world's largest conference and trade show for screenwriters," this massive convention is held each October in Los Angeles. During the course of five days, over 300 screenwriting workshops, classes, seminars, and panel discussions are presented by some of the industry's top screenwriters, teachers, consultants, literary agents, managers, and film industry executives, covering a wide variety of subjects related to screenplay writing and script sales. An invaluable opportunity to learn from the best in the business! |
INTERNET RESOURCES
| THE DAILY SCRIPT |
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| More free movie and TV scripts – with a new one posted every day! |
| WIKIPEDIA |
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| The amazing free online encyclopedia |
| BARTLEBY |
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| Free online access to a wealth of literature, verse, and reference materials |
| GREAT QUOTES |
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| Over 54,000 easily searchable quotes, famous sayings, and proverbs |
| MOVIE CLICHES |
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| Lists of the most common (and annoying!) movie logic flaws, stereotypes, and cliches |
| BABEL FISH |
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| If you only need to translate a few words or sentences, try this great free online translator! |
| THE BIOGRAPHICAL DIRECTORY |
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| Information about more than 33,000 notable men and women who have shaped our world from ancient times to the present day |
| HOW STUFF WORKS |
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| An excellent research site filled with a huge variety of practical information |
| eHOW |
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| How to do just about everything! |
| COP SEEK |
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| Links to all things related to law enforcement |
| CRIME LIBRARY |
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| Insights into the minds and methods of gangsters, outlaws, murderers, terrorists, spies and assassins |
| BABY NAMES |
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| Names for your babies (real or imagined) |
| KNOW PLAY? |
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| Access a wide variety of online search engines and web resources – all on one easy-to-use page |
| iTOOLS |
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| Quick access to all the top internet research tools, language tools, and more |
SELL YOUR SCRIPT
| MAKE YOUR MOVIE
7510 Sunset Blvd. #610, Hollywood, CA 90046
© 2004-2008 PAGE International Screenwriting Awards
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