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After reading this book, I turned a 260-page meandering rough draft of a novel and in two weeks turned it into a 120-page screenplay. -- many writers have been there for years and never been in the Top 3. He makes me love this painful process. He understands the soul of the beast that I am. In 1991 when I went looking for a book on how to write movies, I thumbed through what was on the shelf at a bookstore and this is the one that grabbed me. Thank you, Professor Walter. My first two were in the Top 3 at [.]. After a 13-year hiatus to raise my very prematurely born son, I returned to work on my writing goals and have nearly finished my 4th script.
Not bad. I've since attended his basic workshop and advanced screenwriting lab, and there is something about his style of coaching writers that works beautifully for me. What I remember is that rather than dish out a formulaic approach or dry lecture, Richard Walter spoke to me as a struggling fellow writer. My debut screenplay won two awards for Best Script for Children, and has been nominated and commended in the Science Fiction Fantasy category. I've re-read his book and I've given it to a few people and recommended it to many writers. I always come away refreshed, liberated, and eager to write. Always remember his words: "The worst thing to be in Hollywood is boring." My other favorite part is where, after all the sticky rules are duly noted and explained, he encourages us to run roughshod over them.
Not very useful as I wanted more set-up information. Good advice on agents.I recommend Screenwriting for Dummies purchase instead.
Richard Walter knows whereof he writes. I wouldn't make this the first book I read about screenwriting--lots of others offer more basic theory. Instead, his book gives you some great insight and overview of the craft and business of screenwriting and it's all done in a very entertaining way (much like when you hear him speak live).
Screenwriting: The Art, Craft and Business of Film and Television Writing is an excellent resource for the aspiring writer. Written clearly and without jargon, Walter explains all aspects of the writing to-how as well as how to sell the script.
On the other hand, for those willing to sift through the self indulgent prose, there are a great many fabulous tips to tighten and polish story, structure, and dialogue. OK, first the bad news out of the way: This book is often very pompous and uses a lot of lengthy descriptions to illustrate simple points. Walter loves the sound of his own keyboard and often diverges into long lists and lofty philosophy on how your screenplay should leave audiences misty eyed and gasping in awe at the glory of humanity. Walter offers tremendous insight and fresh ideas and reminds us of the basics at the same time. I read this book through twice and the second time, highlighted the good parts for reference.
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