The Screenwriters Workbook Revised Edition

The Screenwriters Workbook Revised Edition

Screenplays, according to Field, are not so much written as they are built, and in this book he provides a clear explanation of what raw materials are needed to assemble the modern Hollywood movie script.In this cogently constructed workbook–one of the standards in the industry–Field elucidates the strict three-act structure of screenplays, talks about the nature of character, describes what plot points are and where they must fall, and provides exercises to help the screenwriter take an idea from the first germ of a concept, to outline, to rewritten script.

User Ratings and Reviews

4 Stars Great.
This is a great book if you want to know how to format screenplays and any other questions you might have about actually writing one. Great resource.

1 Star Field’s Failure
Once upon a time……

…. Syd Field would have been laughed at. But not today. In a time when ‘time’ takes too long and man is only interested in the skeleton of things, the appearance of things, Field’s approach is quite popular. Field is not helping man fix his story handicap (Hollywood) but only making it easier for more ignorant and uncreative ‘work’ (not art) to filter through and flood our pathetic ‘art’ industry. What Field is selling here is a step-by-step process for those who don’t have the foggiest clue on how to write a story – you know, those people who don’t even know where to begin. However, what is ironic is that it is obvious that Mr. Syd is one of those people. If you read this book carefully you’ll begin to notice that Field isn’t actually saying anything at all. I can actually sum up his advice for you: just free-associate everything into existence. If you want to know what is the essence of anything, please don’t ask that, because Sydster is only going to tell you to free-associate your problems away. “Trust in the system”. I guess true art doesn’t take talent but simply the proper scientific steps. Creativity doesn’t have anything to do with something inherent in the individual, it is simply the external process of efficiency that one taps into.

Furthermore, I found the book to be quite boring in that I had to make it through so much ‘fluff’ between key points in his theory (which isn’t completely his since everyone is writing on these same foundation points) . Fluff you say? Yes, fluff. If he isn’t writing out the story lines for every Hollywood film, reminiscing on ideas of his own that never made it, contradicting himself, or just talking about his own life experience – as if it is at all interesting – then he might be making a point. And what is his point class? Free-association! Yes, very good. If you want to read someone who has somewhat of a more profound understanding on the topics Field is trying to talk about, then I recommend Egri’s ‘The Art of Dramatic Writing’. Very helpful. Furthermore, Egri is capable of laying out what you as a writer needs to do in order; whereas Field didn’t seem to follow any logical order in his ‘step-by-step’ workbook.

5 Stars Great advice
This is a great book. It’s not the first time I write a screenplay, but following Syd Fields advice took my scripts to a new level. It’s not only the advice, but the exercises makes you be disciplined with your ideas and that saves you time and head-aches. Some exercises are somehow inspirational and brings depth to your writing. You will not only look like a professional, but after practicing with this book, you will be one! Well worth purchase! Highly recommended!

3 Stars Helpful
Helpful for the novice writer but if you are more serious about it then don’t let this be your only guide.

5 Stars A Great Mother Daughter adventure
My daughter has decided she wants to be a writer. Her first attempt at a novel had way to many minor details. She’s a very visual person. I had taken a screenwriting course in college and thought of how she was automatically doing all the things I struggled to do “right”. This book is a great tool to help me help her develop her gift.

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