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Writing Screenplays That Sell by Michael Hauge
The up-to-date, acclaimed guide to writing and selling screenplays to today′s film and TV markets. This is the new screenwriter′s bible.
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First published January 1, 1988
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
October 30, 2017
I find that when I’m blocked with my writing, reading a how-to book can inspire me. I’m a novelist who only occasionally wonders if I have it in me to turn one of my manuscripts into a teleplay or screenplay. The basics of storytelling, regardless of genre, are the same. Namely, your hero needs a goal, and achieving that goal should be super hard.
This book did not inspire me to write screenplays or teleplays, but if that’s your goal, this book is a good start. The advice is helpful. For example during the brainstorming faze:
“Don’ edit as you go. In other words, when dialogue (or any other aspect of your writing) starts to flow, you are tapping directly into your creative source . . . If you start to engage your critical, judgmental faculties, you will stifle the creativity you’ve been striving for.”
The movie business sounds even harder than the novel-writing business because it takes millions of dollars to make a movie. For a novel, depending on the format, distribution, advance, and marketing campaign, if you’re lucky enough to have a publisher give you one, the costs are almost nothing by comparison. Also, in novel writing, unless you go to a conference where you pitch your book in person, everything is done these days by email queries. You’d definitely never call an agent like the parts of this book in which Hauge encourages you to cold call. Yipes!
For more of my reviews, please visit: http://theresaalan.net/blog/
This book did not inspire me to write screenplays or teleplays, but if that’s your goal, this book is a good start. The advice is helpful. For example during the brainstorming faze:
“Don’ edit as you go. In other words, when dialogue (or any other aspect of your writing) starts to flow, you are tapping directly into your creative source . . . If you start to engage your critical, judgmental faculties, you will stifle the creativity you’ve been striving for.”
The movie business sounds even harder than the novel-writing business because it takes millions of dollars to make a movie. For a novel, depending on the format, distribution, advance, and marketing campaign, if you’re lucky enough to have a publisher give you one, the costs are almost nothing by comparison. Also, in novel writing, unless you go to a conference where you pitch your book in person, everything is done these days by email queries. You’d definitely never call an agent like the parts of this book in which Hauge encourages you to cold call. Yipes!
For more of my reviews, please visit: http://theresaalan.net/blog/
November 27, 2013
Have I said it before? I'll say it again. As a novelist, I love screenplay how-to. Screenwriters cut write to the heart of the issue: plot structure, character arc, and thematic oomph. Hauge builds upon the sturdy foundation of Syd Field's Screenplay and adds much emphasis to the workings of character arc and outer vs. inner conflict. He offers some great thoughts on concept and premise and finishes off with a stellar breakdown of the classic The Karate Kid. Thought-provoking stuff from start to finish.
July 20, 2019
One of the earlier books on screenwriting, updated for today.
The section at the end may be useful if you want to become a wheeler and dealer in Hollywood, but the writing section didn't have much that wasn't covered in other books.
The section at the end may be useful if you want to become a wheeler and dealer in Hollywood, but the writing section didn't have much that wasn't covered in other books.
October 8, 2012
Great writing book! It helps if you've heard Michael Hauge speek before you read this only because you get even more detailed explanations about his story points. His website is another fantastic resource. I would recommend this book for any writer, no matter what genre. A lot of wonderful advice for novel writers as well.
January 18, 2025
A love letter to consulting when you haven’t had your own success.
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Lots of useful lessons here, of which some resonate way more than others. May be one to revisit during blocks rather than one to build a process around.
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The section about how to typeset, print, bind, envelope, copyright, and courier your scripts to agents was a jumpscare. Need to read a screenwriting book written more recently or at least after they invented email?
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Lots of useful lessons here, of which some resonate way more than others. May be one to revisit during blocks rather than one to build a process around.
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The section about how to typeset, print, bind, envelope, copyright, and courier your scripts to agents was a jumpscare. Need to read a screenwriting book written more recently or at least after they invented email?
August 2, 2018
This book covers, how movies used to be made back in the 90s from a screenwriter prospective.
The first parts of the book were interesting, but then the book became boring when it turned to a technical instructor proposal.
I bought the book for 1$ from a homeless guy. I gave 5$. I think now it's worth 10$, it's an okay book!
The first parts of the book were interesting, but then the book became boring when it turned to a technical instructor proposal.
I bought the book for 1$ from a homeless guy. I gave 5$. I think now it's worth 10$, it's an okay book!
March 18, 2022
This is one of the better books on screenwriting and would be a great resource for writers—especially ones just starting their journey.
The highlight of the book for me was in the end pages where Hauge talks about getting your work seen. He makes a valid point that success is not just about skill, intelligence, and connections... success often also requires tenacity.
The highlight of the book for me was in the end pages where Hauge talks about getting your work seen. He makes a valid point that success is not just about skill, intelligence, and connections... success often also requires tenacity.
July 1, 2021
A lot of people write screenplays. If you are interested in writing the kind that get bought (and made) I highly recommend this book.
May 2, 2021
Michael knows story. I read this book for pointers on how to write a novel, and I was not disappointed. Not all of his suggestions work for novels, but much of the book bears at least some consideration by novelists. As he says, it all comes down to plot and character. My two other top books for novel writing: The Anatomy of Story by John Trudy, and Save The Cat Writes a Novel, by Jessica Brody.
May 5, 2011
Writing Screenplays That Sell by Michael Hauge
This book is not only a great primer on screenwriting, it will give the novelist a stronger idea of how stories are put together.
Knowing the components of a story are important for any writer, and while some of these subjects are covered in other books such as "The Anatomy of Story," this book will give you a clear understanding of storytelling from one of the top writing instructors in the business. This book contains a few things not seen in other books, so its a great way to get a general understanding of the subject of screenwriting and it will also help those working on a novel.
A Great Overview Of Writing Techniques
Most of the information in this book is a fantastic way to get an overview of the process of how to write a screenplay. While the Three Act Structure system isn't as useful as other techniques, it's important to know how it works in a story and an entire section in this book is devoted to it.
Goals, Story Development
The first part of this book explains what the goals of a writer are, it shows how to take a concept and develop it into a solid premise and then explains how to develop characters and the theme of the story.
Writing The Screenplay
The next section of this book shows you how to write the screenplay, beginning with the proper format for a screenplay. How to write a scene and how to organize a story are explained.
The Business Of Screenwriting
The last two sections of this book show you how to market yourself as a writer and how to get an agent.
Summary
This book is a great overview of the writing process for screenwriters. Some of the techniques are great for novelists too. Use this book as an introduction to writing techniques. Make sure to use more advanced structure methods. Get "The Anatomy of Story" after you read this book.
Mark O'Bannon
www.BetterStorytelling.Net/Blog
This book is not only a great primer on screenwriting, it will give the novelist a stronger idea of how stories are put together.
Knowing the components of a story are important for any writer, and while some of these subjects are covered in other books such as "The Anatomy of Story," this book will give you a clear understanding of storytelling from one of the top writing instructors in the business. This book contains a few things not seen in other books, so its a great way to get a general understanding of the subject of screenwriting and it will also help those working on a novel.
A Great Overview Of Writing Techniques
Most of the information in this book is a fantastic way to get an overview of the process of how to write a screenplay. While the Three Act Structure system isn't as useful as other techniques, it's important to know how it works in a story and an entire section in this book is devoted to it.
Goals, Story Development
The first part of this book explains what the goals of a writer are, it shows how to take a concept and develop it into a solid premise and then explains how to develop characters and the theme of the story.
Writing The Screenplay
The next section of this book shows you how to write the screenplay, beginning with the proper format for a screenplay. How to write a scene and how to organize a story are explained.
The Business Of Screenwriting
The last two sections of this book show you how to market yourself as a writer and how to get an agent.
Summary
This book is a great overview of the writing process for screenwriters. Some of the techniques are great for novelists too. Use this book as an introduction to writing techniques. Make sure to use more advanced structure methods. Get "The Anatomy of Story" after you read this book.
Mark O'Bannon
www.BetterStorytelling.Net/Blog
March 1, 2013
A very useful detailed guidance that take you step by step through screenwriting process at professional level. Michael's writing style is an attraction that is an added value by itsefl to make reading through a very enjoyable experience. I liked it and benefited a lot from it. Highly recommend it to professional script writers and those interested of this core.
August 27, 2020
During the COVID 19 shutdown, I felt an urge to pursue filmmaking, as I finally had some time to myself.
This novel was half decent at giving some advice and providing some inspiration. However, I was constantly distracted by how many times Hauge references Shrek throughout his writing.
This novel was half decent at giving some advice and providing some inspiration. However, I was constantly distracted by how many times Hauge references Shrek throughout his writing.
March 11, 2023
Cuốn sách "Writing Screenplays That Sell, New Twentieth Anniversary Edition: The Complete Guide to Turning Story Concepts into Movie and Television Deals" của tác giả Michael Hauge là một trong những cuốn sách hướng dẫn viết kịch bản điện ảnh được đánh giá cao nhất hiện nay. Được xuất bản lần đầu tiên vào năm 1988, phiên bản mới nhất của cuốn sách này - một kỷ niệm 20 năm, đã được cập nhật và bổ sung thêm các nội dung mới nhất về lĩnh vực viết kịch bản điện ảnh.
Cuốn sách này cung cấp cho người đọc những kinh nghiệm, bài học và kỹ năng cần thiết để viết kịch bản điện ảnh chất lượng cao, thu hút các nhà sản xuất và đưa phim của bạn trở thành một thương mại thành công. Tác giả Michael Hauge không chỉ giới thiệu cho người đọc về cách viết một kịch bản điện ảnh đúng cách mà còn trang bị cho họ các kỹ năng cần thiết để phát triển câu chuyện, tạo nên các nhân vật đầy cảm xúc và hấp dẫn, và viết ra những đoạn hội thoại sắc nét.
Cuốn sách được chia thành các chương khác nhau, mỗi chương đề cập đến một chủ đề cụ thể trong quá trình viết kịch bản. Những chủ đề này bao gồm cách xây dựng cốt truyện, viết nhân vật, phát triển các yếu tố tâm lý và cảm xúc, và tạo ra các bài hội thoại sống động. Tác giả cũng cung cấp cho người đọc các kỹ năng kỹ thuật để viết kịch bản điện ảnh chuyên nghiệp, bao gồm các nguyên tắc định dạng kịch bản và cách sử dụng phông chữ và định dạng để truyền tải cảm xúc và ý nghĩa.
Ngoài ra, cuốn sách cũng đề cập đến các khía cạnh về thị trường và công nghiệp điện ảnh hiện tại, giúp người đọc hiểu rõ hơn về quy trình phân phối phim và thị trường viết kịch bản điện ảnh. Tác giả cũng đưa ra các lời khuyên hữu ích về cách tiếp cận các nhà sản xuất và giới thiệu kịch bản của bạn cho họ.
Cuối cùng, cuốn sách cũng cung cấp cho người đọc các ví dụ cụ thể từ các bộ phim nổi tiếng, giúp họ hiểu rõ hơn về các nguyên tắc và kỹ thuật viết kịch bản điện ảnh. Ngoài ra, tác giả cũng chia sẻ về những trải nghiệm của mình khi làm việc trong ngành điện ảnh, giúp độc giả có cái nhìn tổng quan về thị trường và công việc của nhà văn kịch bản.
Cuốn sách "Writing Screenplays That Sell" là một nguồn tài liệu quý giá cho những người đang quan tâm đến việc viết kịch bản điện ảnh. Điểm đáng chú ý của cuốn sách là sự chi tiết và thực tế trong cách tác giả giảng dạy các kỹ thuật viết kịch bản. Những lời khuyên và kinh nghiệm của tác giả cũng rất hữu ích cho những người đang bắt đầu trong ngành điện ảnh và muốn trở thành một nhà văn kịch bản chuyên nghiệp.
Ngoài ra, cuốn sách cũng mang tính ứng dụng cao, vì nó không chỉ giải thích những nguyên tắc chung của việc viết kịch bản điện ảnh mà còn cung cấp các kỹ năng cần thiết để viết một kịch bản điện ảnh thành công và thu hút sự chú ý của các nhà sản xuất. Từ cách xây dựng cốt truyện, viết nhân vật, phát triển tâm lý và cảm xúc, tạo ra các đoạn hội thoại sống động, cho đến việc sử dụng các nguyên tắc định dạng kịch bản, tất cả được giải thích rõ ràng và dễ hiểu.
Trong tổng quan, "Writing Screenplays That Sell" là một cuốn sách hữu ích và thực tế về việc viết kịch bản điện ảnh. Cuốn sách này đáp ứng đầy đủ các yêu cầu của người đọc, từ người mới bắt đầu đến các nhà văn kịch bản chuyên nghiệp đang muốn nâng cao kỹ năng của mình. Nếu bạn đang quan tâm đến lĩnh vực viết kịch bản điện ảnh, thì đây chắc chắn là một cuốn sách bạn không nên bỏ qua.
Mình mua sách gốc cuốn này tại Bookee, bạn cần mua thì có thể tham khảo ở đây: https://bookee.store/writing-screenpl...
Cuốn sách này cung cấp cho người đọc những kinh nghiệm, bài học và kỹ năng cần thiết để viết kịch bản điện ảnh chất lượng cao, thu hút các nhà sản xuất và đưa phim của bạn trở thành một thương mại thành công. Tác giả Michael Hauge không chỉ giới thiệu cho người đọc về cách viết một kịch bản điện ảnh đúng cách mà còn trang bị cho họ các kỹ năng cần thiết để phát triển câu chuyện, tạo nên các nhân vật đầy cảm xúc và hấp dẫn, và viết ra những đoạn hội thoại sắc nét.
Cuốn sách được chia thành các chương khác nhau, mỗi chương đề cập đến một chủ đề cụ thể trong quá trình viết kịch bản. Những chủ đề này bao gồm cách xây dựng cốt truyện, viết nhân vật, phát triển các yếu tố tâm lý và cảm xúc, và tạo ra các bài hội thoại sống động. Tác giả cũng cung cấp cho người đọc các kỹ năng kỹ thuật để viết kịch bản điện ảnh chuyên nghiệp, bao gồm các nguyên tắc định dạng kịch bản và cách sử dụng phông chữ và định dạng để truyền tải cảm xúc và ý nghĩa.
Ngoài ra, cuốn sách cũng đề cập đến các khía cạnh về thị trường và công nghiệp điện ảnh hiện tại, giúp người đọc hiểu rõ hơn về quy trình phân phối phim và thị trường viết kịch bản điện ảnh. Tác giả cũng đưa ra các lời khuyên hữu ích về cách tiếp cận các nhà sản xuất và giới thiệu kịch bản của bạn cho họ.
Cuối cùng, cuốn sách cũng cung cấp cho người đọc các ví dụ cụ thể từ các bộ phim nổi tiếng, giúp họ hiểu rõ hơn về các nguyên tắc và kỹ thuật viết kịch bản điện ảnh. Ngoài ra, tác giả cũng chia sẻ về những trải nghiệm của mình khi làm việc trong ngành điện ảnh, giúp độc giả có cái nhìn tổng quan về thị trường và công việc của nhà văn kịch bản.
Cuốn sách "Writing Screenplays That Sell" là một nguồn tài liệu quý giá cho những người đang quan tâm đến việc viết kịch bản điện ảnh. Điểm đáng chú ý của cuốn sách là sự chi tiết và thực tế trong cách tác giả giảng dạy các kỹ thuật viết kịch bản. Những lời khuyên và kinh nghiệm của tác giả cũng rất hữu ích cho những người đang bắt đầu trong ngành điện ảnh và muốn trở thành một nhà văn kịch bản chuyên nghiệp.
Ngoài ra, cuốn sách cũng mang tính ứng dụng cao, vì nó không chỉ giải thích những nguyên tắc chung của việc viết kịch bản điện ảnh mà còn cung cấp các kỹ năng cần thiết để viết một kịch bản điện ảnh thành công và thu hút sự chú ý của các nhà sản xuất. Từ cách xây dựng cốt truyện, viết nhân vật, phát triển tâm lý và cảm xúc, tạo ra các đoạn hội thoại sống động, cho đến việc sử dụng các nguyên tắc định dạng kịch bản, tất cả được giải thích rõ ràng và dễ hiểu.
Trong tổng quan, "Writing Screenplays That Sell" là một cuốn sách hữu ích và thực tế về việc viết kịch bản điện ảnh. Cuốn sách này đáp ứng đầy đủ các yêu cầu của người đọc, từ người mới bắt đầu đến các nhà văn kịch bản chuyên nghiệp đang muốn nâng cao kỹ năng của mình. Nếu bạn đang quan tâm đến lĩnh vực viết kịch bản điện ảnh, thì đây chắc chắn là một cuốn sách bạn không nên bỏ qua.
Mình mua sách gốc cuốn này tại Bookee, bạn cần mua thì có thể tham khảo ở đây: https://bookee.store/writing-screenpl...
August 15, 2017
Whether you're a screenwriter or a novelist, this incredibly useful book offers a wealth of practical advice on story concept, plot structure, character development and an in-depth section on scene writing. Through analysis of the most commercially successful films, Hauge examines the specific techniques for writing great action, on-the-nose dialogue, compelling and credible characters that illustrate how to elicit a positive emotional response from an audience/reader in order to create a story that will sell. The final section on marketing and pitching a story concept gives a fascinating insight into the film industry in general, but was of less relevance to me as a novelist. I will definitely be keeping this book on my reference shelf for future use. Can highly recommend.
July 25, 2021
Really weak book. It's like if a food critic thought "Wow, if I can Judge food quality I can cook indeed!" And then writes a long (treading water) book about how to cook.
Pages and pages of pure treading water, lame advices about creativity. He uses the old fashion 3 acts structure and even this wasn't deeply explainded.
Micheal Ardnt in 3 short videos (https://vimeo.com/user72581635) could made more than this author using tons of treading water pages.
If you cut the long sentences, the repetitive ones (that start exactly the same of previous one, you get a 60 pages book (maximum), of uncomplete theory about screenwriting structure). If this book had an honest number of pages (like 60 or less) I would give 3 stars.
What a frustrating journey reading this book.
Pages and pages of pure treading water, lame advices about creativity. He uses the old fashion 3 acts structure and even this wasn't deeply explainded.
Micheal Ardnt in 3 short videos (https://vimeo.com/user72581635) could made more than this author using tons of treading water pages.
If you cut the long sentences, the repetitive ones (that start exactly the same of previous one, you get a 60 pages book (maximum), of uncomplete theory about screenwriting structure). If this book had an honest number of pages (like 60 or less) I would give 3 stars.
What a frustrating journey reading this book.
November 15, 2018
Lots of positive-minded tips for the potential screenwriter -- particularly if you're happy to be told to watch at least 2 films and read 1 screenplay per week, as I certainly am -- but I thought it did better in the short sections on personal diligence, marketing and career focus than the main bulk on structuring a screenplay.
There are better books I feel on structure and the 'whys' of storytelling ('Into The Woods', for example) than this and I'm not sure anything is gained by reading more than one book on the subject, if you're intention is to write then getting on with that would be time better spent.
I'm not sure Avatar was the best example script to focus on either...
There are better books I feel on structure and the 'whys' of storytelling ('Into The Woods', for example) than this and I'm not sure anything is gained by reading more than one book on the subject, if you're intention is to write then getting on with that would be time better spent.
I'm not sure Avatar was the best example script to focus on either...
May 24, 2024
I was told that this book would be a good idea to read if you wanted to be a novelist. I do agree with this - however, a lot of what is stated in this book is already stated in a lot of books written for novelists. So along with restated information, we are getting information about the movie business that we as novelists might not need. However, this book was well-written, and I enjoy looking at writing from different artistic expressions - it is a great way to brainstorm, so I will be keeping this on my bookshelf!
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June 23, 2024I don't think I can actually give a rating for this, because of the format of the book. It was well-written, easy to understand, and an overall excellent guide. But it wasn't particularly entertaining? I don't think it's meant to be - it's a practical how-to guide, and it did its job. At the time I got this book, I really wanted to be a screenwriter. But that dream faded, and so by the time I read this book, most of it wasn't really relevant to me anymore. Though the lessons in how to entertain and captivate a wide audience was definitely helpful.
November 22, 2024
Great resource from beginning to end, not just for screenwriters, but for all storytellers.
It covers the key components of an engaging story and goes particularly in-depth on the structure, which I appreciate as structure is the part of my writing that needs the most refining.
Then the book even covers how to go about selling your work and marketing yourself.
There are examples and samples shown throughout the book to drive concepts home and checklists to ensure your writing is up to snuff.
Just a great resource, like I said.
It covers the key components of an engaging story and goes particularly in-depth on the structure, which I appreciate as structure is the part of my writing that needs the most refining.
Then the book even covers how to go about selling your work and marketing yourself.
There are examples and samples shown throughout the book to drive concepts home and checklists to ensure your writing is up to snuff.
Just a great resource, like I said.
September 27, 2017
I'm not writing a screenplay. My San Diego Writers Group calls this the "bible" of how to tell a story, so I was intrigued.
Mr. Hauge's knowledge about screen-writing can be universally applied to all forms of story-telling, and after you read this book you will never look at a movie again in the same thoughtless/entertainment way. There is a precise formula. It works. For everyone. For every best selling novel and Emmy Award winning show. Get it.
Mr. Hauge's knowledge about screen-writing can be universally applied to all forms of story-telling, and after you read this book you will never look at a movie again in the same thoughtless/entertainment way. There is a precise formula. It works. For everyone. For every best selling novel and Emmy Award winning show. Get it.
January 5, 2023
read it mostly for the screenwriting tips part so im only reviewing that — honestly, i didnt learn a lot that i dont know and this book is pretty outdated even tho it was republished around 2014. hated the idea of a “feminine-mode” story being one that centers on family or friends and the mention of how some characters who are racist and sexist can b redeemed if theyre funny. other than that, it was a meh read
November 16, 2024
To start off this review, I have to say that non-fiction books aren’t usually my thing, but I’m trying to improve my skill as a screenwriter. With that being said, I found this book very helpful. Clearly, the writer knows what he’s talking about. He’s been in the business for a long time and with those years has come a lot of wisdom. If you’re in the market for improving your screenwriting knowledge, you could do worse than this book.
November 17, 2020
If you're an aspiring screenwriter then this book will help to get some knowledge about the screenwriting. The craft of the book is mainly designed for the Hollywood industry but some of the part of book is necessary for all kind of screenwriters. It also has a brief note about movie Avata's screenplay.
September 21, 2018
Michael Hauge is a pragmatist, splitting the difference between Truby's grandiose "Anatomy of Story" and Blake Synder's cynical and lean "Save the Cat". And there's a humility in his advice, too–which is refreshing. I think this is a good introduction to aiming for commercial work.
January 11, 2022
I like Hauge's approach to explaining story. It's nothing new if you've read Fields, Truby, McKee, etc., but he's got good "takeaways" at the end of each chapter that sum up his points and you can just flip to those if needed.
July 13, 2022
Very insightful stuff in here. When watching films I would notice certain things said in the book being replicated in the film. Gives me a way better idea of how to write successful screenplays. Now I just need to put pen to paper.
September 21, 2024
This is one of the many books that was both influential in my writing style and led me to overthinking and hampering my writing. Like so many of the others, I can't remember anything specific about it, but I do remember reading it and enjoying it, and for a time, returning to it.
May 6, 2018
This is a phenomenal book, perfect for anyone who is new to screenwriting. It covers all of the basics perfectly.
June 1, 2019
"Everything begins with your hero’s outer motivation."
June 26, 2019
This is a great source for a beginning screenwriter. Some of the references are a little outdated,but the basic information is timeless and invaluable. Recommended.
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