THE ESSENTIALS
THE ESSENTIALS
Blogs:
- ScriptMag – Tons of great information.
- Stephen Fellows – Everything you’ve ever wanted to know about film and more.
- ScreenCraft – Even more great information.
- Go Into The Story – Scott Myers is prolific and so very knowledgable.
- Studio Binder – Not just for screenwriting. This is film school on the web. And watch their videos!
- Stage 32 – Filmmaker social networking and educational site. With a fantastic TV Writing contest!
Podcasts:
- 3rd & Fairfax – This is the WGAw podcast. Great information and interviews.
- Paper Team – Alex and Nick tell you everything you need to know about TV writing.
- Hilliard Guess’ Screenwriter’s Rant Room – Hilliard and gang tells you like it is. With fantastic interviews and insight.
- The Secret History of Hollywood – With a voice like butter, Adam Roche teaches you all about Old Hollywood.
- Scriptnotes Podcast – John August and Craig Mazin. Need I say more?
- Reply All – Hosted by PJ Vogt and Alex Goldman. Not about screenwriting but it’s the most interesting podcast you’ll ever listen to. And you learn things.
Writing:
Adventures in the Screen Trade
William Goldman
I read this at least once a year and hand it out to young screenwriters like candy on Halloween. Don’t move to L.A. without having read this book.
On Writing
Stephen King
Res Ipsa Loquitur – legal speak for the thing speaks for itself. Just read it! As a writer, it will change your life.
The Art of Dramatic Writing
Lajos Egri
The Writer's Journey
Christopher Vogler
The Hero with a Thousand Faces
Joseph Campbell
Structure:
Write it Pitch it Sell Your Screenplay
DMA
If you ever get the chance to see her speak, do it. She is a fountain of knowledge. If you don’t have that opportunity, read this book. It’s the next best thing.
The Hollywood Standard
Christopher Riley
Not sure how to write a flashback? Can’t remember how to structure a particular scene? This book will quickly become dog-eared.
The Screenwriter's Bible
David Trottier
For those of you who want to be spoon fed good practical advice, this is the ultimate screenwriting book for you.
Filmmaking:
In the Blink of an Eye
Walter Murch
From the Editing Master. If you know how to edit (DON’T JUST PUSH BUTTONS), you know how to tell a story.
Shot by Shot
Steven D. Katz
Learn how to shoot and the by product is you learn how to write.
The Complete Film Production Handbook
Eve Light Honthaner
Hitchcock
Francois Truffaut
As if you needed a reason to read this…
How Not to Make a Short Film
Roberta Marie Munroe
Everyone starts by making Shorts. Learn how to make one.
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