Screenwriting for Dummies - 3rd Edition by Laura Schellhardt (Paperback)

About the Book

You know that fantastic idea you've got for a screenplay? It's time to make it a reality! In this book, you'll learn how to move from concept to finished product with practical and hands-on advice on writing characters, dialogue and plot, talking to the right people, and marketing and selling your work.

Book Synopsis

Suspend your disbelief--you can make it as a screenwriter

Behind every blockbuster film and binge-worthy show, there's a screenwriter--and that writer could be you! Turn your brainstorming sessions into dynamic scripts with the help of Screenwriting For Dummies. Create believable worlds with relatable characters, gripping dialogue, and narrative structures that will keep even the showbiz bigwigs on the edge of their seats. Once you've polished your product, it's time to bring it to market. This book is full of advice that will help you get eyes on your screenplays so you can sell your work and find success as a screenwriter. From web series to movie musicals to feature films, this book shows you how to develop and hone your craft.

• Learn to think like a screenwriter and turn story ideas into visually driven, relatable scripts that will get noticed
• Study the elements of a story, like plot structure (beginning, middle, and end) and characterization (wait, who's that, again?)
• Hop over the hurdle of writer's block, and tackle other obstacles that stand in the way of your scriptwriting career
• Get insider insight into finding an agent and meeting with studio execs, plus alternative markets for your finished work

This updated edition covers the latest trends and opportunities--and there are lots of them--for today's writers. Let Dummies help you map out your story and put your script on the road to production. Thank us when your work goes viral!

From the Back Cover

Transform your ideas into compelling scripts

You know that fantastic idea you've got for a screenplay that would absolutely turn heads? Well, it's time to make it a reality! In Screenwriting For Dummies, you'll learn how to move from concept to finished product with practical and hands-on advice on writing characters, dialogue, and plot, talking to the right people, and marketing and selling your work. From idea to story, story to script, and script into moving picture, this book walks you through every step you need to take to see your epic come alive on the big screen!

Inside...

• Learn to think--and write--visually
• Create a clear start, middle, and end
• Craft dynamic dialogue
• Build memorable characters
• Transform story into script
• Rewrite only what's necessary
• Sell and market your script
• Get your foot in the door

About the Author

Laura Schellhardt is an Associate Professor of Instruction at Northwestern University, where she heads the undergraduate playwriting program in the Department of Theatre. She's dedicated her life to creating new work for stage and screen, and it's her mission to help other writers do the same.