Essentials of Screenwriting : The Art, Craft, and Business of Film and Television Writing

This portable (5.25x8") guide provides an overview of creative and business aspects of writing for film and television. This updated edition integrates lessons and screenwriting principles from the author's book Screenwriting with material from the companion text The Whole Picture. It also includes new advice on writing and selling scripts. In addition to insight on story theme, character development, dialogue, and setting, there is practical advice on working methods and dealing with criticism. Business chapters give advice on collaboration, script sales strategies, agents, contracts, and option and purchase deals. The book concludes with a story craft exercise. Walter is chairman of UCLA's graduate program in screenwriting. The book is distributed in the US by Viking Penguin. Annotation 2010 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)