Writing Your Screenplay

This guide to film writing is an ideal introduction to the craft for would-be screen scribes or film buffs who want to learn how it is done. A broad introduction to writing for the screen is provided, along with a structured system for creating strong screenplays, based on the author's successful online college course. This book goes beyond the typical formulaic approach, offering insights into the classic mythic structures as well as contemporary storytelling techniques that underlie good screenwriting. The secrets to crafting cohesive plots, likeable characters, compelling action, and believable dialogue are all explained. Also provided is guidance on how to create strong scenes and a complete visual world that will engage audiences.

Lisa Dethridge has 20 years of experience as a writer and teacher of media communications at the American Film Institute, New York University, the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, and the University of California, Los Angeles Writers' Program. She has served as a consultant for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, the Australian Film Finance Corporation, CBS, E! Entertainment Television, Fox, Granada TV, MTV, and Warner. She is the author and codesigner of an online screenwriting program for the Australian Film, TV and Radio School.