How To Write A Screenplay

By Dorian Scott Cole

Ó Copyright Dorian Scott Cole, 1994, 1996, 1998. All rights reserved, including rights to use any portion in future publications. Non-exclusive printing and distribution rights: National Writers Workshop, PO Box 69799, Los Angeles, CA 90069. The electronic version was made available in April, 1996; HTML version made available in April, 1998. All Rights Reserved on all versions. 

VisualWord is a trademark of The Visual Writer, LLC 

Copying: School systems may copy this guide electronically or in print as needed for classroom use by including copyright information. No part of this guide may be used in another document or altered without expressed permission from the author. All Rights Reserved - this is not public domain material.

Printing: The "help file" format allows printing of topics. A topic includes the information identified by major headings that is visible on the screen or by using the scroll bar, but does not require "jumping" to another topic.

Intent: Funds for printing the original document were provided to National Writers Workshop by THE ACADEMY OF MOTION PICTURE ARTS AND SCIENCES, partly because of the nonprofit nature of National Writers Workshop and its assistance to screenwriters. The Academy does not endorse (or not endorse) this guide or contribute financially in any other way. The author was not (and is not) compensated in any way for this guide. Although this version is also used as an advertising vehicle for Writers Workshop Script Doctor, nothing has been deleted from the original, and nothing was withheld at any time to diminish the value or effectiveness of the Guide in any version (for example to promote marketing). The full text of Writers Workship Script Doctor is available on the author's web site: http://www.visualwriter.com. This guide in print or electronic form really is an unrestricted freebie.

Versions: This guide is made available without charge in Microsoft Windows for PC format and in HTML format in keeping with the spirit of the original publication, and additional material has been added. This document will be available at a later date in HTML as a program intneded for downloading to single computers. 

Regarding Macintosh platforms: Current Macs support PC programs. Because of cost, support for older Mac and other computer platforms is not planned for existing or future versions. 

Graphics: Graphics in this electronic book are the exclusive design of Dorian Scott Cole, except the movie and reel pictures in the opening graphics, which are Microsoft Clipart. Exclusive graphics in this document are covered under the document copyright.

History: How To Write A Screenplay was written in 1994/5 for National Writers Workshop for its pilot program with Los Angeles, Hollywood, and surrounding city high schools. National Writers Workshop is a nonprofit organization whose purpose is to find, assist, and develop new screenwriters (with a strong focus on minorities), and has been supported by major motion picture studios, organizations, prominent individuals, and volunteers since 1979. The pilot program was designed as a way of encouraging writing in the school system, and of providing an avenue of assistance into screenwriting. This guide is designed as an addition to existing curriculums where screenwriting can be an elective, and not as a course in itself. See Teacher's Information for more information. Topics are based on the Author's original research, screenplay critiques, and book Writers Workshop Script Doctor.

Contact: For permissions, feedback, and questions, contact Dorian Scott Cole by the Internet e-mail address, Primary Contact. Do not send scripts or story ideas - I can't read them because of time limitations and plagiarism issues. At the first hint of story content I will have to delete the entire message (sorry). 
 
 

What do you do with a screenplay that doesn't sell? One you have invested a lot of yourself in, with a potential value of forty thousand or more. Keep shuffling it around to agents and contests? Park it on the top shelf of a closet? Read yet another book telling the same old things? Finally a book that tells everything - how to identify problems and quickly fix them, as well as in depth help. A true writer's tool kit!

The Top Twenty Problems and their remedies

Almost all writers have problems with characterization and structure. Thirteen major categories are explored, with myriad problems described and solutions given. Scenes and dialogue complete the problems sections with seven more major categories. 

Plus, discover how to create vibrant characters that come to life on the page in the section Raising Dead Characters. Decide when and how to make major turning points in your story with the help of Five Power Points In Three Act Drama.

Each section contains the category Originality. With this book, you can't help but create original characters, plots, and scenes. And it's loaded with examples!

It's cross referenced and fully indexed to help you find in depth help quickly. 

Not just quick solutions to problems. 

What motivates characters? Part Two describes motivation from macrocosmic to microcosmic, and the process of character change is explored in detail. Then in an interactive section, use character motivation to form both characters and plot.

Writer's block? Ideas stale? Challenge stodgy thinking out of its rut with Part Two. And explore your choices: How do you pick a genre? What does a concept do for you? Should stories always grow out of character? Where do you draw the line on realism? What is visual writing? It may not be what you think!

Find help, and learn about Writers Workshop.

Learn how to critique. Find out how to get into a writers' group, how to workshop scenes, use feedback forms for friends, and of course, learn about the Writers Workshop feedback and script development process. Also learn how to stage a screenplay using the Rodgers' Technique.

To order the electronic version of Writers Workshop Script Doctor, send an Internet e-mail message to Primary Contact for mailing instructions.