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Theatre and Script Writing

Screenplay: The Foundations of Screenwriting


Screenplay: The Foundations of Screenwriting

Price: $26.95

Discover the fully revised and updated edition of the quintessential screenplay guide, penned by the “most sought-after screenwriting teacher in the world”* – as quoted by The Hollywood Reporter. Dive into the ‘bible’ of screenwriting, now celebrating over four decades of success in shaping screenwriting careers.

Syd Field’s insightful works on the fundamental structure of emotionally engaging screenplays have been lighting the path to prosperous careers in film and television since 1979. In this revised edition of his premier guide, he unravels the foundations of successful on-screen narratives in a language that is clear, uplifting, and timeless – regardless of whether you’re watching on a hand-held device, IMAX, or venturing into virtual reality.

As the pioneer in identifying the structural elements intrinsic to successful movies, celebrated producer, lecturer, teacher, and bestselling author Syd Field brings us this classic text. From concept to character, from the opening scene to the polished script, it provides indispensable guidelines to help all screenwriters – from novices to Oscar-winners – refine their craft and market their work.

In ‘Screenplay’, Syd Field assists you in understanding:

• Why the first ten pages of every script are vital in sustaining professional readers’ interest
• How to captivate these influential readers from the very first word on the first page
• Why structure and character are the bedrock of all narrative screenplays
• How to adapt a novel, a play, or an article into a marketable script
• Tips on safeguarding your work – three ways to legally establish ownership of screenplays
• Essential insights on writing authentic dialogue, creating memorable characters, constructing robust yet adaptable storylines (think form, not formula), overcoming writer’s block, and much more.

Syd Field is celebrated as the original master of screenplay story structure, and this guide continues to set the bar high as the industry’s gold standard for understanding the fundamentals of screenwriting.