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This book shows you how professional screenwriters actually write scripts. This reference manual explores all aspects of the form, from essential format requirements to the expressive, literary qualities of screenplay language. Organized in three parts, this book systematically reveals the full essence of the screenwriter's craft.
List of contents
INTRODUCTION; PART I: THE GROUND RULES; Chapter 1: Writing the Dramatic Story; Chapter 2: Screenplay Language, Ground Rules; PART II: THE INDUSTRY STANDARDS; Chapter 3: Screenplay Format Basics; Chapter 4: Scene Headings and Secondary Headings; Chapter 5: Scene Transitions; Chapter 6: Scene Directions; Chapter 7: Character Cues (and Extensions); Chapter 8: Dialogue; Chapter 9: Personal Directions (Parentheticals); Chapter 10: Beginning and Ending Your Script; Chapter 11: Multiple Action Areas; Chapter 12: Character Names and Introductions; Chapter 13: Managing Time on the Page; Chapter 14: Written and Screen Content; Chapter 15: Script Delivery Details; Chapter 16: Why These Rules?; Chapter 17: Sample Spec Script; PART III: EXPRESSIVE SCREENWRITING Chapter 18: Establishing POV on the page; Chapter 19: Writing With Style I: Within the Conventions; Chapter 20: Writing With Style II: Bending and Breaking the Conventions; Chapter 21: Common Pitfalls, Gaffes, and Rookie Blunders
About the author
Mick Hurbis-Cherrier teaches screenwriting, story analysis, and film production at Hunter College in New York City. Professionally, he has worked as a screenwriter, script consultant, director, cinematographer, and editor. His films have garnered prizes at many festivals. He is the co-author of
Directing: Film Techniques and Aesthetics (2020), now in its sixth edition, and
Voice & Vision: A Creative Approach to Narrative Filmmaking (2025), now in its fourth edition.
