The Screenwriter's Bible: A Complete Guide to Writing, Formatting and Selling Your Script

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David Trottier

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Pages: 314 (Paperback)

ISBN: 1879505444

Pub: Silman-James Press,U.S.

Pub date: 1998-10-10

Amazon.co.uk Sales Rank: 125263

Editorial Review:

How does a spec script differ from a shooting script? What kind of fasteners should one use to bind a script? How did the term MOS come to mean without sound? You'll find the answers to these pressing questions and much more in David Trottier's eminently usable Screenwriter's Bible. The avuncular Trottier--a writer-producer, script consultant, and seminar leader--has written a friendly guide through the Hollywood morass. He touts it as six books in one: it's "a screenwriting primer, a screenwriting workbook, a formatting guide, a spec writing guide, a sales and marketing guidexcfb [and] a resource guide." Much of Trottier's advice is common sense: "Don't write anything that cannot appear on the screen"; to keep casting options open, don't make your physical descriptions too specific; "don't say Ron Howard is looking at the project if he is not." But there are things to know about Hollywood that are, well, quirkier. Don't write the title of your script on the front cover or side binding; present action sequences using the "stacking action" style; in query letters and scripts alike, avoid "big blocks of black ink." Trottier's guidance--from character development and revision to queries and pitches--is invaluable. Getting in the door can seem impossible, but it's not, necessarily. "If you write a script that features a character who has a clear and specific goal," says Trottier, "where there is strong opposition to that goal leading to a crisis and an emotionally satisfying ending, your script will automatically find itself in the upper five percent."

(By the way, MOS is said to have "originated with German director Eric von Stroheim, who would tell his crew, 'Ve'll shoot dis mid out sound'"). --Jane Steinberg, Amazon.com

Reader Reviews:

Basic, not always that helpful (27/28 people found this helpful)

This came highly recommended but to be honest there are many other screenwriting guides which are far, far superior to this one. It's very basic, more of a write-by-numbers guide than anything else. It may be a good place to start, but if you really want help then Robert McKee and Linda Seger are the people to check out.

Fantastic - if you write screenplays, you NEED THIS BOOK! (9/11 people found this helpful)

I bought this book while in the process of writing a screenplay which just wasn't going anywhere. I read the whole book cover to cover and by the end of it I knew exactly where I was going with the story and what to do to get it "working". I am now at work on another script (my fourth) and intend to use Mr Trottier's book as a guide throughout the whole process.

I bought this and love it. (6/7 people found this helpful)

I actually didn't buy it here. I bought it at ScreenStyle.com because they have free shipping but it's an excellent book. If you're not careful you might think it's just for formatting but there is a lot more "how-to" write a screenplay. Great for beginners and those rare professionals.

Done Deal's Review of "The Screenwriter's Bible" (7/9 people found this helpful)

"Trottier's guide is absolutely indispensable. The 'six books in one' guide is for any screenwriter who wants to write their screenplay, improve their screenplay, format their screenplay, and market and sell their screenplay.

"The Screenwriter's Bible gives you more information that you could get out of almost any other screenwriting book or seminar. You couldn't learn this much information if you kidnapped Syd Field and made him personally teach you the aspects of the screenplay."

Absolutely the best -- helps me immensely. (2/2 people found this helpful)

This is easily the best book on the market. Clear, concise, and accurate. As a working writer, I refer to it almost daily. It helps me focus and provides valuable information that has helped me further my career. This is particularly true for the marketing, formatting, and resources sections. I am absolutely amazed at how much usuable information is contained in this book. Kudos to the author! This is a must-have book for every writer.

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