Writing the Character-Centered Screenplay, Updated and Expanded edition

Andrew Horton

ISBN 10: 0520221656 / ISBN 13: 9780520221659

Editore: University of California Press, US, 2000

Riguardo questo articolo

'We need good screenwriters who understand character'. Everywhere Andrew Horton traveled in researching this book - from Hollywood to Hungary - he heard the same refrain. Yet most of the standard how-to books on screenwriting follow the film industry's earlier lead in focusing almost exclusively on plot and formulaic structures. With this book, Horton, a film scholar and successful screenwriter, provides the definitive work on the character-based screenplay. Exceptionally wide-ranging - covering American, international, mainstream, and 'off-Hollywood' films, as well as television - the book offers creative strategies and essential practical information. Horton begins by placing screenwriting in the context of the storytelling tradition, arguing through literary and cultural analysis that all great stories revolve around a strong central character. He then suggests specific techniques and concepts to help any writer - whether new or experienced - build more vivid characters and screenplays.Centering his discussion around four film examples - including "Thelma and Louise" and "The Silence of the Lambs" - and the television series, "Northern Exposure", he takes the reader step-by-step through the screenwriting process, starting with the development of multi-dimensional characters and continuing through to rewrite. Finally, he includes a wealth of information about contests, fellowships, and film festivals. Espousing a new, character-based approach to screenwriting, this engaging, insightful work will prove an essential guide to all of those involved in the writing and development of film scripts.

Codice articolo LU-9780520221659

Dati bibliografici

• Titolo: Writing the Character-Centered Screenplay, Updated and Expanded edition
• Editore: University of California Press, US
• Data di pubblicazione: 2000
• Lingua: Inglese
• ISBN 10: 0520221656
• ISBN 13: 9780520221659
• Rilegatura: Paperback
• Condizione: New
• Peso: 363 grammi

Descrizione articolo

Riassunto

"We need good screenwriters who understand character." Everywhere Andrew Horton traveled in researching this bookfrom Hollywood to Hungaryhe heard the same refrain. Yet most of the standard how-to books on screenwriting follow the film industry's earlier lead in focusing almost exclusively on plot and formulaic structures.

With this book, Horton, a film scholar and successful screenwriter, provides the definitive work on the character-based screenplay. Exceptionally wide-rangingcovering American, international, mainstream, and "off-Hollywood" films, as well as televisionthe book offers creative strategies and essential practical information.

Horton begins by placing screenwriting in the context of the storytelling tradition, arguing through literary and cultural analysis that all great stories revolve around a strong central character. He then suggests specific techniques and concepts to help any writerwhether new or experiencedbuild more vivid characters and screenplays. Centering his discussion around four film examplesincluding Thelma & Louise and The Silence of the Lambsand the television series, Northern Exposure, he takes the reader step-by-step through the screenwriting process, starting with the development of multi-dimensional characters and continuing through to rewrite. Finally, he includes a wealth of information about contests, fellowships, and film festivals.

Espousing a new, character-based approach to screenwriting, this engaging, insightful work will prove an essential guide to all of those involved in the writing and development of film scripts.

Dal risvolto di copertina interno

"I have been searching for a book such as Horton's for yearsand finally it has arrived. Horton's penetrating analysis and graceful writing style open up the key topic of characterization as no other book has. . . . I recommend it highly."Paul Lucey, University of Southern California