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286th out of 321 books
—
503 voters
Writing Movies for Fun and Profit: How We Made a Billion Dollars at the Box Office and You Can, Too!
Finally, a guide to screenwriting by two guys who have actually done it (instead of some schmuck who just gives lectures about screenwriting at the airport Marriott).
Robert Ben Garant and Thomas Lennon's movies have made over a billion dollars at the box office--and now they show you "how to do it yourself "This book is full of secret insider information about how to conq
...moreKindle Edition
Published
(first published July 5th 2011)
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First off, if you are expecting to really get some good informative information about how to write your first screen play for the big screen, then you probably will get your hopes let down with this book. Not to say that Mr. Garant and Mr. Lennon did not provide the reader with some good street smarts and lessons that they have learned in only a way that Mr. Garant and Mr. Lennon can do. While, I did enjoy Mr. Garant and Mr. Lennon's let it all hang out their sense of humor and say anything atti...more
Interesting glimpses of the screenwriting industry, even if the style is sometimes aggressively informal to the point of excess.
The test screenings were SO GOOD, in fact, that we made what was (at the time) our BIGGEST PAYDAY EVER to write the sequel: Taxi 2. Yes, this is how crazy things in Hollywood can be. One of our biggest deals EVER was for Taxi 2—cue the silly punctuation marks!?!?!!?!?...more
Then, of course, Taxi was released, and not only did it pretty much end the film career of our friend
Garant & Lennon, two very successful (according to them and their credits) screenwriters, have written a how-to on writing, and perhaps more importantly, selling screenplays.
I have no desire to ever write one (not least of which because I have less than no desire to ever live in L.A. one of the things the authors stress many times is absolutely necessary in order to be a screenwriter), but this seems to be a fairly practical guide. It's also pretty hilarious.
What I learned from this book:
Yo...more
I have no desire to ever write one (not least of which because I have less than no desire to ever live in L.A. one of the things the authors stress many times is absolutely necessary in order to be a screenwriter), but this seems to be a fairly practical guide. It's also pretty hilarious.
What I learned from this book:
Yo...more
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Screenwriting books are not typically written by successful screenwriters. Apparently, if you're making lots of money as a screenwriter, there's no real motivation to make substantially less money writing a non-fiction book. (In one of the first screenwriting books I read 20+ years ago, the author actually wrote about how nobody in Hollywood would read his scripts, even though he told them he had a book coming out on the subject!)
So it's very refreshing to have a book written by actual screenwri...more
So it's very refreshing to have a book written by actual screenwri...more
Even for someone with no interest in writing a studio film, Writing Movies for Fun and Profit is an illuminating look at the Hollywood system.
Robert Ben Garant and Thomas Lennon avoid giving many writing tips, and instead focus on what those other screenwriting books (mostly penned by people who have never gotten a script greenlit) don't tell you - how to actually make it in the business. How to pitch, how to agree with "notes," where your parking spot reveals you are on the Hollywood hierarchy,...more
Robert Ben Garant and Thomas Lennon avoid giving many writing tips, and instead focus on what those other screenwriting books (mostly penned by people who have never gotten a script greenlit) don't tell you - how to actually make it in the business. How to pitch, how to agree with "notes," where your parking spot reveals you are on the Hollywood hierarchy,...more
Some reviews of this book have referred to sections of it as "fluff". What they call fluff, I call the funny bits. This book is as much a mockery of screenwriting guides and Hollywood as it is an in depth look into the matter.
Even though I write, I've never really had a compulsion to go out to LA and give the world of big studio screenwriting a whirl, and this book has in no way changed my mind. While they pretty explicitly state some parts of this, it's valuable to remember that these guys prim...more
Even though I write, I've never really had a compulsion to go out to LA and give the world of big studio screenwriting a whirl, and this book has in no way changed my mind. While they pretty explicitly state some parts of this, it's valuable to remember that these guys prim...more
Probably one of the best books on being a professional screenwriter. It's no wonder these guys are successful— they've figured out how to navigate the system and provide it with what it needs and rewards, handsomely.
Like their movies, though, it goes a long way on concept and is padded with filler. Sure, give me an example of an outline- but possibly *not* the one for the unmade RENO 911 sequel, 'kay?
Also, the majority of their creative advice is applicable only to writers of mass-market comedie...more
Like their movies, though, it goes a long way on concept and is padded with filler. Sure, give me an example of an outline- but possibly *not* the one for the unmade RENO 911 sequel, 'kay?
Also, the majority of their creative advice is applicable only to writers of mass-market comedie...more
Jul 27, 2011
Kevin Wright
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
Everyone who wants to make a living writing films in Hollywood.
This was great! Absolutely great.
1) This is a book about screenwriting written by people who are funny, have sold numerous scripts, and have had hits as well as stinkers. Not only that, they continue to work, so the scenarios they describe are current and things aspiring writers will probably run into. They aren't describing what writing in Hollywood used to be like, rather, how it is right now.
2) Like most of you who would consider picking this book up, I've read just about every screenwriting...more
1) This is a book about screenwriting written by people who are funny, have sold numerous scripts, and have had hits as well as stinkers. Not only that, they continue to work, so the scenarios they describe are current and things aspiring writers will probably run into. They aren't describing what writing in Hollywood used to be like, rather, how it is right now.
2) Like most of you who would consider picking this book up, I've read just about every screenwriting...more
This was great! Good, practical advice, mixed with lots of gossipy insider stories, peppered with tons of humor. Honestly, I laughed out loud more at this book than I have at the last few "humor" books I've read. And a lot of books about screenwriting don't seem to have been written by people who ... are very good writers? That feels mean to say, but with the exception of William Goldman's terrific pair of memoirs on the topic, most of the screenwriting-related books I've read -- while very usef...more
Check out my spanish blog review: http://lunairereadings.blogspot.com/2...
This book goes to the point: strike out the fun; you will write for profit. And a lot of profit (millions; billions of dollars) for the movies you write. Of course you will need to work your ass off and brown-nose your way up to the fat checking account; but if you invest your time; energy and loads of money (fancy car; good clothing; nice invitations); you will find that there on the top; where the millions are; there are...more
This book goes to the point: strike out the fun; you will write for profit. And a lot of profit (millions; billions of dollars) for the movies you write. Of course you will need to work your ass off and brown-nose your way up to the fat checking account; but if you invest your time; energy and loads of money (fancy car; good clothing; nice invitations); you will find that there on the top; where the millions are; there are...more
While probably most enjoyable to a very narrow part of the reading population (aspiring screenwriters or movie buffs), this extremely pragmatic and entertaining book from the creators of RENO: 911 and NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM is a breezy but practical guide from two guys who have made a fair amount of money navigating the studio system as screenwriters. Full of stories of their adventures and chockablock with information, it's also a business guide much more than an artistic guide to using the Hollyw...more
As an aspiring screenwriter (among many other things) I, obviously, wanted to read this book. There's no doubt that these two are successful, and I've enjoyed some of their work in the past. Plus, in a rarity, they are comedy screenwriters talking about the business and work of screenwriting. Usually, it's either people who can barely call themselves screenwriters, and especially not comedic ones (which is the field I'd mostly consider myself in). As great as this book is for learning "the ropes...more
This is seriously one of the best books I have read in while. The authors are comedians, but also writers and this book tells you how to break into the writing industry in Hollywood, but in a funny yet true way. Facts are all there, true stories are all there yet I laughed out loud so much, for a non-fic how-to book. I loved it! My favorite part was their description of all the parking lots at all the studios in Hollywood. I didn't realize how many I have actually been to. The one I have been to...more
Super-successful and critically despised screenwriters give you the SECRET to selling and writing billion dollar movies!!!! Written almost as a parody of screenwriting books, the funniest part is that Garant and Lennon are giving Really Good Advice.
Yes, this is a manual for formula writing. But it's really hard to argue with the idea that a movie should be tightly structured, that it should have characters the audience cares about, and that it should above all be entertaining. Lennon and Garant...more
Yes, this is a manual for formula writing. But it's really hard to argue with the idea that a movie should be tightly structured, that it should have characters the audience cares about, and that it should above all be entertaining. Lennon and Garant...more
Let me make this clear: I don't want anything to do with the screenwriting process. I'm not that creative. I can only get creative with a baking pan or a needle and thread. Writing is not my forte. Well, screenwriting is not my forte. And if I'm being brutally honest, I only read this book because I have a slight crush on Thomas Lennon. But he has to be in his Lt. Dangle outfit. Because those shorts are PHENOMINAL.
Anyways, I'm getting off topic here. I thought this book was very informative for...more
Anyways, I'm getting off topic here. I thought this book was very informative for...more
I like both of the authors - particularly when they're making things more akin to Reno 911! and less like Night At The Museum - and they did not disappoint. This book is very funny, in addition to offering some sound advice.
I'd like to make a career in film and it became clear to me early on in the reading of this book that I do not necessarily want a career in writing STUDIO films, which this book is entirely geared towards. It's all in the title, after all: the "fun" part is crossed out - a fa...more
I'd like to make a career in film and it became clear to me early on in the reading of this book that I do not necessarily want a career in writing STUDIO films, which this book is entirely geared towards. It's all in the title, after all: the "fun" part is crossed out - a fa...more
This book was not only really funny, but it was also fascinating because it offered an insider's insight into the movie studio system that we rarely get a glimpse of (most likely because it is dysfunctional and borderline nonsensical, as the authors of this book make abundantly clear). After reading this, you see why so many bad movies are made, and how the studio system is mostly to blame for the dreck that is released so often in theaters. It's also a great description of what a screenwriter's...more
Written by the guys who wrote (and starred in) “Reno 911!” tv show and movies; these men have written many successful crappy movies and made bucket loads of cash from them. Some of their ideas: live in LA, expect to get fired, always be writing, all Hollywood studio movies employ the exact same formula, use a program called Final Draft because all studios expect that it will be used. The last 110 pages of the book are three very detailed outlines that screenwriters write before they turn in scre...more
This book is real stupid. It's also real funny. These guys are hacks and they know it. They talk about what it's like to make such crap-tocious movies as "Herbie: Fully Loaded". Which they wrote. And they know it was a stinker. Ever wonder how that works? How Hollywood churns out so much drek each summer? Read the book. Surprisingly this book also dishes a pretty insightful scoop on the movie biz. While making stupid fart jokes at the same time. They hold up Die Hard as the ultimate screenplay....more
This book would be a great stocking stuffer for an intermediate level screenwriter. While the book is quite funny (studio parking lots, In-N-Out locations) it's a real quick read, lasting only three to four hours (two-thirds of it is on writing while the last third is made up of a few treatments; including The Reno 911 sequel, which is pretty funny). After the comedy bits, which are spread evenly throughout the book, the majority of its content deals with the studio system and how to navigate it...more
This is a fantastically funny, short and sweet guide to writing popcorn movie screenplays. It's written by Those Guys from Reno 911/The State/Other Humorous ventures, in a straightforward and almost urgent format.
It's got quick, helpful things to say about how to structure a movie and how screwed you are if you are assigned to park in a certain studio lot.
It made me excited to write a blockbuster style screenplay. It made me laugh. It made me SMILE!
It's just a damn shame that Benny G and Tommy L...more
It's got quick, helpful things to say about how to structure a movie and how screwed you are if you are assigned to park in a certain studio lot.
It made me excited to write a blockbuster style screenplay. It made me laugh. It made me SMILE!
It's just a damn shame that Benny G and Tommy L...more
Flat out the best book about screenwriting I've ever read. Lennon & Garant manage to layer in fantastic and inspiring advice while being laugh-out-loud funny at the same time. There are 2 million screenwriting books out there written by people who have never sold a script. No matter what you think of Lennon & Garant's movies, the fact remains that they GET THEM MADE. And I'm not walking away from this book ready to sacrifice my sense of humor and/or creative influences to churn out studi...more
This was odd -- it does explain, more than any other screenwriting book, the "business" and process of the business, which made it a worthwhile read.
Then, there was the rest of it. The writing style was ridiculous, over the top, cheesy, and made me think the authors -- screenwriters Thomas Lennon and Robert Ben Garant,(scribes of such crap as Reno 911 and The Pacifier) are lucky to even get a meeting.
A lot of it was ALL CAPS cliches, coupled with idiot advice, and two authors trying WAY too har...more
Then, there was the rest of it. The writing style was ridiculous, over the top, cheesy, and made me think the authors -- screenwriters Thomas Lennon and Robert Ben Garant,(scribes of such crap as Reno 911 and The Pacifier) are lucky to even get a meeting.
A lot of it was ALL CAPS cliches, coupled with idiot advice, and two authors trying WAY too har...more
Hilarious! This book focuses more on the industry of Hollywood than the craft of writing, which may be what I found most useful about it. I love writing, but I need a pep talk from time to time when it comes to navigating this business.
The writers unapologetically place profits above art (which is the opposite of my mentality at this time), but they made me laugh out loud many times...especially when retelling the story about their lunch with Jackie Chan.
In Hollywood, writing IS a business, not...more
The writers unapologetically place profits above art (which is the opposite of my mentality at this time), but they made me laugh out loud many times...especially when retelling the story about their lunch with Jackie Chan.
In Hollywood, writing IS a business, not...more
This book probably contains something for everyone who's enthusiastic about movies. Light, funny, informative AND encouraging to those with dreams of writing commercial screenplays (not me). Lots of Hollywood anecdotes, like their meeting with Jackie Chan, who's so ballsy he drank a bowl of tomato soup with one hand while wearing an all white jumpsuit, and secrets such as the meaning behind where they let you park during studio meetings. Also contains the entire outline for several movies, inclu...more
This is a hilarious take on how to write and sell a screenplay. I bought this book because I knew it would be funny based on what I had heard. In this I was not let down with their brand of snarky humor. For someone seriously interested in screenwriting there are actually a bunch of useful and practical tips. Lessons I learned from this book: (1) If you want to be a screenwriter you have to move to Los Angeles. (2) You will be fired (3) Don't deviate from the formula for screenplay structure. I...more
I'm a huge Lennon/Ben Garant fan (I'm that one person who thought "Reno 911: Miami" was hilarious), so I had to get this. Some of it is a very funny, some of it is blatant filler, but there's also extremely useful info on topics like the studio system, getting fired (it's a good thing!), and arbitration. I also liked the glossary at the back, explaining the differences between the gaffer, the grip, and the best boy. The one bad thing is that once you learn how these big hit movies are written, y...more
What a fantastic corrective to the many truly unhelpful books about the industry I've read recently. I've never read a screenwriting book so concrete and through. I loved it.
Related: I went to see Lennon & Garant speak at the Paley Center last night, which was great. When they were signing my book (I am a nerd), I mentioned that I'm a teacher at UCB. They immediately asked me when the Beast is going to open.
So, to recap: things Thomas Lennon, Robert Ben Garant and I have in common: we would...more
Related: I went to see Lennon & Garant speak at the Paley Center last night, which was great. When they were signing my book (I am a nerd), I mentioned that I'm a teacher at UCB. They immediately asked me when the Beast is going to open.
So, to recap: things Thomas Lennon, Robert Ben Garant and I have in common: we would...more
Easily one of the best books on screenwriting I have ever read.
But WARNING: it will depress you. Why? The truth hurts.
These guys tell it like it is.
You will learn EVERYTHING you need to know about Hollywood from these two guys;
By simply buying this book!
While getting some laughs along the way and the tears rolling down (probably
from actually wanting to cry), you get what they don't teach you at film school -
a hard smack in the face - wake up, this is how it is, and then you have to answer:
how b...more
But WARNING: it will depress you. Why? The truth hurts.
These guys tell it like it is.
You will learn EVERYTHING you need to know about Hollywood from these two guys;
By simply buying this book!
While getting some laughs along the way and the tears rolling down (probably
from actually wanting to cry), you get what they don't teach you at film school -
a hard smack in the face - wake up, this is how it is, and then you have to answer:
how b...more
I got this book because I love movies, not because I particularly want to be a screenwriter. Lennon and Garant are *hilarious* and they joyously tear into the business of practical advice-giving, mythbusting, and professional autobiography. They are the perfect ones to handle this material because they are two of the world's great comedians, they embrace their failures and have a sense of humor about them, and they are also fantastically successful at what they do. And they're not afraid to say...more
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