Adventures
in the Screen Trade
by William Goldman
The classic insider's view of the Hollywood system, and the awkward place of screenwriters
in it. Funny, insightful, intelligent; required reading. Paperback.
The
Art of Adaptation
by Linda Seger
Greatly clarifies the arcane complexities of turning novels and other media into
screenplays. Excellent. Paperback.
The
Art of Dramatic Writing
by Lajos Egri
One of the best books ever written on how to create drama. A must-read for anyone
considering becoming a screenwriter. Paperback.
Creating
Unforgettable Characters
by Linda Seger
A Hollywood view of how to approach characters, their psychology, and motivations.
Paperback.
How
to Write a Story - Any Story: the Art of Storytelling
by Michael B. Druxman
A valuable primer on what makes story work. A solid reference for beginnners with which to
start their understanding of structure and dialogue. Paperback.
Lew
Hunter's Screenwriting 434
by Lew Hunter
Well-known text by a respected UCLA screenwriting teacher. Paperback.
Making
a Good Script Great
by Linda Seger
One of the best overviews of rewrite and script doctoring by an expert in the field.
Paperback.
Standard
Script Formats - Part I
by Hillis Cole and Judith Haag
Covers most aspects of standard film format. Nicely and usefully presented as a bound
collection of actual 8 1/2" x 11" screenplay pages. Paperback.
Story
by Robert McKee
This thorough and thought-provoking text by the noted guru may change the way you think
about screenwriting. Hardback.
The
Writer Got Screwed (But Didn't Have To)
by Brooke Wharton
Subtitled A Guide to the Legal and Business Practices of Writing for the Entertainment
Industry. How to avoid pain and suffering. Paperback.
The
Writer's Journey
by Christopher Vogler
The theories of Joseph Campbell condensed for screenwriters. In particular, Campbell's
"Hero's Journey" as it pertains to modern storytelling. Paperback.
Writing
the Character-Centered Screenplay
by Andrew Horton
A thoughtful view of growing story from character. Reminds you of what film should
really be about. Greatly inspired by Egri. Paperback.
As
Good As It Gets
by Mark Andrus & James L. Brooks
Witty, human, biting, and romantic. A great Newmarket Press edition. Paperback.
Cheyenne
Warrior
by Michael B. Druxman
A lovely, well-told story of a friendship between a pregnant settler and a Cheyenne brave.
A nice piece of screenwriting that needs to be seen on the page! Paperback.
Chinatown
& the Last Detail
by Robert Towne
In one volume! Chinatown is possibly one of the most stylistically influential screenplays
of the last 20 years. Paperback.
Goodfellas
by Martin Scorsese & Nicholas Pileggi
That wacky Mafia. Paperback.
Good
Will Hunting
by Matt Damon & Ben Affleck, intro by Gus Van Sant
Read the magic on the page, and see if some of it rubs off on you. Paperback.
L.A.
Confidential
by Brian Helgeland & Curtis Hanson, adapted from the novel by James
Ellroy
A perfect fusion of tight plotting and vivid characterization. Paperback.
Leaving
Las Vegas
by Mike Figgis & John O'Brien
Bleak, hard-hitting, unflinching look at alcoholism as suicide. Paperback.
The
People Vs. Larry Flynt
by Scott Alexander & Larry Karaszewski
A mutant Horatio Alger story. Excellent character study of a consummate outsider.
Paperback.
The
Piano
by Jane Campion
One of the most layered, thoughtful, and haunting stories on film. Paperback.
The
Shawshank Redemption
by Frank Darabont, with a Stephen King introduction
One of the best modern screenplays, and the greatest, most uplifting tale of redemption in
the last decade. Paperback.
Sling
Blade
by Billy Bob Thornton
Like a Greek Tragedy - inevitable, predictable, yet still utterly fascinating to see
unfold. Paperback.
Swingers
by Jon Favreau
The real rules to dating. Paperback.
The
Truman Show
by Andrew Niccol
A solid piece of scriptwriting by a consistently intriguing screenwriter with
well-executed ideas. Another great Newmarket edition. Paperback.
