The Screenwriter's Workbook (Revised Edition) |  | Author: Syd Field
Publisher: Delta
List Price: $16.00
Buy New: $9.26
as of 11/23/2009 21:36 CST details
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Seller: zp_books
Rating:  29 reviews
Sales Rank: 19905
Media: Paperback
Edition: Rev Upd
Pages: 320
Number Of Items: 1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.4
Dimensions (in): 8.1 x 5.3 x 0.7
ISBN: 0385339046
Dewey Decimal Number: 808.23
EAN: 9780385339049
ASIN: 0385339046
Publication Date: October 31, 2006
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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Amazon.com Review
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.
Product Description
At last! The classic screenwriting workbook—now completely revised and updated—from the celebrated lecturer, teacher, and bestselling author, Syd Field: “the most sought-after screenwriting teacher in the world”*
No one knows more about screenwriting than Syd Field—and now the ultimate Hollywood insider shares his secrets and expertise, completely updating his bestselling workbook for a new generation of screenwriters. Filled with new material—including fresh insights and anecdotes from the author and analyses of films from Pulp Fiction to Brokeback Mountain—The Screenwriter’s Workbook is your very own hands-on workshop, the book that allows you to participate in the processes that have made Syd Field’s workshops invaluable to beginners and working professionals alike. Follow this workbook through
to the finish, and you’ll end up with a complete and salable script!
Learn how to:
• Define the idea on which your script will be built
• Create the model—the paradigm—that professionals use
• Bring your characters to life
• Write dialogue like a pro
• Structure your screenplay for success from the crucial first pages to the final act
Here are systematic instructions, easy-to-follow exercises, a clear explanation of screenwriting basics, and expert advice at every turn—all the moment-to-moment, line-by-line help you need to transform your initial idea into a professional screenplay that’s earmarked for success.
The Perfect Companion Volume to Syd Field’s Revised and Updated Edition of Screenplay: The Foundations of Screenwriting
*Hollywood Reporter
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| Customer Reviews:
Showing reviews 1-5 of 29
 Syd Field is all you need to be a screenwriter June 30, 2009
Joel J. Rossetti (Visalia, CA USA)
Syd Field is the real deal. The Foundations of Screenwriting + Screenwriter's Workbook = Oscar
Great. April 10, 2009
Katharine Blankenship
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.
 Helpful February 20, 2009
Leah Wall (Hanau, Germany)
Helpful for the novice writer but if you are more serious about it then don't let this be your only guide.
Great advice December 13, 2008
Alexandru Chelaru (Iasi, Romania)
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!
 Field's Failure September 30, 2008
Titus (oregon)
1 out of 3 found this review helpful
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.
Showing reviews 1-5 of 29
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