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Title: Writing Short Films: Structure and Content for Screenwriters
ISBN: 1580650635
Author:
Linda J. Cowgill
Publicate Date: 2005-09
Publish: 2005-09
List Price: $19.95
Average Customer Rating: 4.5
Format: Paperback
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Amazon Lowest New Price: $8.98
Amazon Lowest Used Price: $7.96
Amazon Merchant Price: $13.57
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| Customer Review: |
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1: there are better books about writing short films out there......
While this book is by no means horrible, it certainly falls short in terms of it's title. A GREAT book for learning how to construct a screenplay. There's a wealth of information about the progression of a story, the importance of themes and subtexts and meaning...all the stuff that makes a great story great. BUT, THERE IS VERY LITTLE advice or insight about writing a great short film. That being said, if you finish this book you'll be more than ready to start writing. Lastly, be aware each chapter is poorly organized with many many many sections which introduce new subjects but consistently seem to recycle many old ideas.
Check this book out from a library before you buy it. Or, buy it but dont expect inspiration for writing your short film.
For a better book and resource, I'd recommend "Writing Short Scripts" by William H. Phillips. This book contains practical advice, and specific advise about writing based off of 5 scripts contained within the book (two of which were very successful short films in the festival circuit). Phillips has far better insight into the process of writing an short script. "Writing Short Scripts" is so much better than "Writing Short Films, Structure and Content..." that it is almost a crime.
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2: Excellent resource
Excellent resource for teaching high school video production. Some very helpful easy to follow directions.
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3: Not Specifically About Short Films
While the subtitle of this book is accurate ("structure and content for screenwriters"), the main title is incredibly misleading. While many short films are used as examples, I can sum up what the book says about writing the short screenplay with: They must be focused, because they are short.
The information in the book about writing a story for film is informative and worthwhile, and could be applied to any form of storytelling. But, as I was looking for specific information about working in a short screenplay format, I found that this book has very little to offer on the subject.
4 stars as a book on story structure
0 stars as a book about writing short films
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4: Expect the expected
I bought this book thinking it would really get me motivated to write more scripts or give me some knowledge that I could really use. Much to my disappointment--neither was true.
I give this book 3 stars because it does contain some valuable info on scriptwriting if you don't know how to format a script. Pick it up for a few bucks at a used book store for reference.
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5: COULDN'T BE MORE PLEASED
Arrived quickly and in great shape. What more can one ask???
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