Secrets of Film Writing (a review)
This is the first book I’ve read about film writing. Although I’ve always been a good creative writer I never bothered to properly learn how to write for film. After reading and applying the lessons in this book I can say that; a) screenwriting properly done is simple, b) it’s one of the hardest things to do.
All in all there are 19 chapters, broken down into small chapters that take you step by step through the film writing process. Written mostly like a screenplay it’s an easy read and full of useful information as well as examples so you can see the lessons in writing.
The lessons that were most immediately applicable to my writing were:
1. Scene listing- buy plotting out your script scene by scene you organize your story and give yourself the freedom to be creative. It also helps with writer’s block because you know exactly what you’re suppose to be writing about each scene
2. Re-write- Early and often, keep writing until it gets good. You should have at least 8 drafts before you have your official FIRST DRAFT.
3. Cut to the heart of the action- Don‘t wax poetic, get to the point when you’re writing. Start in the middle, skip the introductions.
Overall I give this book a 5/5 Tom Lazarus did an excellent job