How to Write a Selling Screenplay

by Christopher Keane, Julius Epstein (Foreword by)

Christopher Keane has spent 20 years in the business, learning the truths--and the tricks--of writing a selling screenplay. In How to Write a Selling Screenplay, he takes writers through the entire process, from developing a story to finding the best agent. Using an annotated version of an often-optioned screenplay of his own, and citing examples from movies ranging from Casablanca and Lethal Weapon to Sling Blade and The English Patient, he discusses how to create three-dimensional characters, find a compelling story, build an airtight plot structure, fine-tune dialogue, and much more. Keane's tips on the difference between writing for film and television, as well as his advice on dealing with Hollywood movers and shakers, make this an essential companion for people writing their first--or their fortieth--screenplay.

Genres: Nonfiction, Writing, Business, Film

320 pages, Paperback

First published April 13, 1998

About the author

Christopher Keane is the author of more than a dozen novels and screenplays. The author of the teleplay for "The Huntress," the basis for the hit series on the USA network, Keane also served as writer and co-producer of the series. He teaches screenwriting all over the United States and in Europe and leads several workshops yearly.

Reviews

[Sarah Rigg · Rating 3 out of 5]

I mainly read this out of curiosity since I have experience writing nonfiction essays, short stories, and poetry, but never tackled a screenplay. It's a good introduction to the form, though a bit outdated by now.

[Adrienna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aside from the title, this book opened up with wise advice when dealing with fear and also first chapter explains the difference between a novel, a play, and screenwriting to see your writing levels and message to determine which route is best for you to go.

As a novelist of two published books (novella and YA novel) and author of several nonfiction books, I have considered of screenwriting for a future book project into a movie or just see if I can create some of the things I've always wanted to see in movies (or what I believed was missing). Yet, this requires less writing than a novel but more emphasis on conflict, action, and movement than descriptive writing when it comes to screenwriting. Less is best. I might pass it over to the pros. Or find a mentor and have to also get the proper software if I may consider this transition. I also have performed in past stage plays for high school, and as an adult for nearly two years in a small production.

Too much info to delve, so may have to get a future copy on my book shelf and see if there is an updated version too. Enjoyed the brief notes I took so far too. Software advised to use for screenplays and formatting.

I also liked the pointer about some mediums are not meant to adapt (some plays, novels, or short stories to be written by the author to later make it a screenplay, with the example of Ironweed. Novel was wonderful and movie was a mess according to Christopher Keane. Might have to look into this project to judge on my terms).

[Love of Hopeless Causes · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first screenwriting book I read and got rid of. It was not enough information for me to complete a screenplay. I still needed to learn how to format, create a plot, satisfy a script reader, etc. I preferred "Crafty Screenwriting." https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...

One thing I took away was the notion of the "Backpack." Where the reader gathers up sentences and puts them in a backpack that he unpacks at the end. Everything in the backpack should matter to the story, no more no less.

This idea is expressed elsewhere as, "Every sentence should move the story forward or reveal character." There was other good advice about keeping things simple, but that's all I can recall from way back when.

[Ablossi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I suggest reading this twice, because the first time it really just kicks you! Kicks up all of the dust in your mind, including creative and you have the perseption of being more confused than when you began. This is not the case the second time around. I could not find an audiobook for re-reading so ..

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read several of these types of books, this one is the best by far.

[Jazmín Romero · Rating 4 out of 5]

Muy interesante y útil. Se pueden tomar varias de las cosas que incluye para la escritura de novelas, y ayuda a pensar en la estructura y en el ritmo de lo que uno va escribiendo.