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On Story: Screenwriters and Their Craft
Austin Film Festival (AFF) is the first organization of its kind to focus on the writer’s creative contribution to film. Its annual Film Festival and Conference offers screenings, panels, workshops, and roundtable discussions that help new writers and filmmakers connect with mentors and gain advice and insight from masters, as well as refreshing veterans with new ideas. To extend the Festival’s reach, AFF produces On Story, a television series currently airing on PBS-affiliated stations and streaming online that presents footage of high-caliber artists talking candidly and provocatively about the art and craft of screenwriting and filmmaking, often using examples from their own films.
This book distills the advice of renowned, award-winning screenwriters who have appeared on On Story, including John Lee Hancock, Peter Hedges, Lawrence Kasdan, Whit Stillman, Robin Swicord, and Randall Wallace. In their own lively words and stories transcribed from interviews and panel discussions, they cover the entire development of a screenplay, from inspiration, story, process, structure, characters, and dialogue to rewriting and collaboration. Their advice is fresh, practical, and proven—these writers know how to tell a story on screen. Enjoy this collection of ideas and use it to jumpstart your own screenwriting career.
This book distills the advice of renowned, award-winning screenwriters who have appeared on On Story, including John Lee Hancock, Peter Hedges, Lawrence Kasdan, Whit Stillman, Robin Swicord, and Randall Wallace. In their own lively words and stories transcribed from interviews and panel discussions, they cover the entire development of a screenplay, from inspiration, story, process, structure, characters, and dialogue to rewriting and collaboration. Their advice is fresh, practical, and proven—these writers know how to tell a story on screen. Enjoy this collection of ideas and use it to jumpstart your own screenwriting career.
196 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
January 18, 2014
Since its creation in 1993, The Austin Film Festival has been, and continues to be, a haven, an inspiration, a “womb” for screenwriters -- and one of the few venues that recognizes the primacy of the writer. The editors of On Story have tapped the wisdom of several distinguished screenwriters who have participated in and supported the annual festival throughout the years to make an engaging and valuable book.
Contributors were: John August, Sacha Gervasi, John Lee Hancock, Peter Hedges, Brian Helgeland, Lawrence Kasdan, Nicholas Kazan, Daniel Petrie Jr., Frank Pierson, Anne Rapp, Bud Shrake, Whit Stillman, Robin Swicord, Caroline Thompson, Randall Wallace, Bill Wittliff, and Steven Zaillian.
Each writer gave his or her personal take on matters such as inspiration, theme, research, character building, or the wrenching and exhilarating experience of creation. Kasdan, wrote that a fellow screenwriter once told him it was a curse that movies should tell stories, but that he, personally, always starts with character. “When I die,” he said, “I just want my tombstone to say, ‘Finally, a plot!’ ”
Opinions were often at variance, which only supported the general contention that screenwriting, and therefore movies, are subjective. I would highly recommend it. Take notes.
Contributors were: John August, Sacha Gervasi, John Lee Hancock, Peter Hedges, Brian Helgeland, Lawrence Kasdan, Nicholas Kazan, Daniel Petrie Jr., Frank Pierson, Anne Rapp, Bud Shrake, Whit Stillman, Robin Swicord, Caroline Thompson, Randall Wallace, Bill Wittliff, and Steven Zaillian.
Each writer gave his or her personal take on matters such as inspiration, theme, research, character building, or the wrenching and exhilarating experience of creation. Kasdan, wrote that a fellow screenwriter once told him it was a curse that movies should tell stories, but that he, personally, always starts with character. “When I die,” he said, “I just want my tombstone to say, ‘Finally, a plot!’ ”
Opinions were often at variance, which only supported the general contention that screenwriting, and therefore movies, are subjective. I would highly recommend it. Take notes.
June 11, 2015
I read sections of it every day. Wonderful book.
March 15, 2016
This book was such a quick read because it is filled with wonderful stories, advice, and wisdom.
It's like the kick in the pants to "Just go and write"
It's like the kick in the pants to "Just go and write"
November 19, 2018
Very good source of information and inspiration for those who want to write.
January 18, 2021
Very few screenwriting books has the practical meat that this one does, and I give a hearty kudos to the editors for this insightful anthology. Appreciated the section about approaching characters.
October 5, 2022
I found this so inspirational! I can't wait to reread it and perhaps write my own screenplay one day!
March 25, 2025
A useful guide to storytelling and screenwriting. Although the arrangement of the book was a little confusing to me, the content gave me plenty to think about.
September 15, 2016
I found myself thumbing through the pages, browsing and not following a linear reading pattern with this title. It was a highly enjoyable read though and I recommend this to anyone curious about the storytelling process.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews