Product Description

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.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #92448 in Books
• Published on: 1998-04-13
• Released on: 1998-04-13
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 320 pages

From Library Journal
There are a lot of fine "how to write a screenplay" titles out and about, but what makes Keane's How To Write a Selling Screenplay unique is the examination on a step-by-step basis of a screenplay, The Crossing, that the author wrote. The teacher/pupil-type exchange, as you closely examine the screenplay, reads almost as if you were asking pertinent questions in class at just the right moments. Keane discusses each screenwriting point (opening sequence, inciting incident, plot point #1, etc.) as it occurs in his screenplay. This makes for twice the fun as you learn solid screenwriting tactics and get to read a thrilling story to boot! Wilson's Inside Hollywood is an eclectic sampling of Tinseltown, never too much information, never quite enough, but a perfect starting point for anyone interested in the motion picture industry. This survival guide to the biz also comes in a format unlike anything this reviewer has ever seen before. Where else will you find the history of Hollywood, an overview of the movie and television industries, and an examination of various film-related job titles, salaries, etc., while taking a quick look at the city of Los Angeles itself? Both books are well written and are essential for strengthening your movie-writing collection.?Marty D. Evensvold, Magnolia Branch Lib., TX
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Inside Flap Copy
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.

From the Back Cover
"Keane's HOW TO WRITE A SELLING SCREENPLAY is certain to become the standard book for aspiring young authors. It covers every aspect of the screenwriting process from initial conception to the completion of the script, finding an agent, and placing the project with a production company. A masterful contribution from a leading authority." (James Nagel, writer, HEMINGWAY IN LOVE AND WAR, Eidson Distinguished Professor, The University of Georgia)

"Chris Keane's book, HOW TO WRITE A SELLING SCREENPLAY, is the new bible on the art of writing screenplays. It is a must for any new or experienced writer." (Michael Pressman, Executive Producer, PICKET FENCES)

"Keane's book is a method, a set of observations, from which an aspiring writer can discover his own approach: an approach to discipline, to work habits, most importantly--a discovery of process--so that if there is any talent there and a personal vision, it has a chance to survive and find a practical means of expression. Comprehensive, instructive, and filled with illuminating and helpful personal anecdotes." (Marshall Brickman, screenwriter. MANHATTAN MURDER MYSTERY, ANNIE HALL; cowriter, MANHATTAN, SLEEPER)

"Keane effectively combines theoretical considerations with hands-on applications that are easy to understand. His experience as an educator is abundantly evident on every page." (Richard Walter, professor and Screenwriting Chairman, UCLA)

"Keane has written a great guide to screenwriting. If all young screenwriters and studio execs would read it, American movies would be better." (Ralph Rosenblum, professor of Film at Columbia University Graduate Film School and editor of Goodbye, Columbus; Annie Hall; and Sleeper)

"To call this a book about screenwriting is to underestimate it enormously. It is about good writing and each superb rule and suggestion can be used for plays, novels, TV, and movies. I greatest accolade I can give is to say, 'I wish I had written it." (Stanley Ralph Ross, writer, The Bill Cosby Show, Columbo)

Customer Reviews

Fantastic Book!
I highly recommend this book. It has helped write the Different Flags screenplay. Eugenia RenskoffDifferent Flags

Excellent guide for screenplay writing
So far the best and complete guide for screenplay that I've read. Very useful for those who wants to start writing a screenplay. I recommend it.

Titel should read "How To Sell a Written Screenplay."
This books is very well written and has loads of information for the beginning screen writer such as myself. The author takes a chronological step by step approach as to how to get started and the proper format for a screenplay. The only thing I'm sort of ad odds with is that the author doesn't say much as to how in the world you get an agent to just read your script, let alone representing you. He sort of glosses over that problem and a real problem it is. I personally have been sending out query letters since February of this year and have received only "polite" rejection form letters or no responses at all. I've even sent out "follow up" queries and still no responses. I assume that agents need postage stamps, they've obviously kept the ones that I've included for return postage, or that in order to get ANYTHING read and actually produced, you have to know someone personally in the business. Don't quit your day jobs and think that you're going to sell a story. It's next impossible, as I've unfortunately realized. You would assume that it's not really that difficult given all the "schlock" that IS produced. Case in point: an independent film maker made a film this last year about zombies attacking a small town and it cost him about $30,000 to make. He released it and it made over $35,000,000 in one weekend! Out grossing the three main stream releases put together! Go figure. Never the less, this book is a good fundamental but just don't depend on it too much as gospel. Keep writing, keep looking for an agent but also keep/find a regular job in the meantime.