Screenwriting for Film and Television - Softcover

Screenwriting for Film and Television is a major rewrite of Bill Miller's 1980 text. This book is comprehensive, clear, and invaluable to both the novice and the experienced screenwriter of film and television. The book begins with techniques to develop creativity and a practical approach to screenwriting. The inverted triangle method that takes the writer from concept through outlines to the final draft script offers a clear and useful strategy for keeping the storyline on target. The character and structure chapters not only present the author's approaches (such as the multiple storylines model) but also discuss and critique other character and structure models, including the issue of three act structure. Mini-chapters address: getting the story ideas, doing the rewrite, and alternative screenwriting for more innovative and experimental features. These chapters address important topics that are not usually seen in a screenwriting text. There are formulations of techniques of exposition and preparation, in addition to a more thorough explanation on scenes and dialogue. The previously well regarded chapter on comedy has been expanded, updated, and remains a unique feature among screenwriting texts. The tone of the book is straightforward and easily readable, yet it has the comprehensiveness suitable for college and university classes. It will help students get ideas and develop these into scripts, and continue to serve as a valuable reference source as they refine their screenwriting both in the classroom and out.

William Miller is a poet and the author of many children's books. He teaches creative writing and African American literature at York College of Pennsylvania.Leonard Jenkins is a fine artist who has illustrated several children's books, including Walter Dean Myers's Malcolm X: A Fire Burning Brightly. He lives in New York City, where he teaches painting at the School of Visual Arts.