| ‘SCREENWRITING The Craft and the Career‘
‘A practical and empowering cut-to-the-chase overview from someone who’s given countless British screenwriters (including me!) their break’
Chris Chibnall (Broadchurch, Doctor Who)
This authoritative, practical guide lays out everything you need to be a successful screenwriter for film and television.
Written by one of the UK’s leading script editors, consultants and producers with over thirty years’ experience – including founding and running Channel 4’s acclaimed 4Screenwriting course – it provides essential tips and insider advice on:
• Generating compelling story ideas – and finding your own voice as a writer
• Understanding the fundamental principles and elements of good storytelling for the screen – and how to apply them in your script
• Creating engaging characters – and why they need to drive your story
• Crafting distinctive and memorable dialogue – and how less can be more
• Presenting your script on the page effectively – with tips on both formatting and language
• Building and sustaining your career – including how to break into the industry and successfully promote yourself and your work
• Collaborating with key people – including producers, agents and script editors
There are detailed analyses of scenes from a wide range of screen dramas, hands-on exercises to help you put it all into practice, and case studies of key contemporary writers such as Russell T Davies, Sally Wainwright, Jimmy McGovern, Abi Morgan, James Graham and Jed Mercurio.
Ideal for all aspiring and emerging screenwriters, this inspiring book will equip you with the tools you need to write the scripts that only you can write, and turn your talent and passion into a professional career.
’Thorough, insightful, inspiring. Very few people know as much about screenwriting as Philip.’ DAVID NICHOLLS (One Day, Us, Starter For Ten)
“This brilliant, highly informative guide to screenwriting demonstrates, step-by-step, how to create a dramatic story from scratch as well as the key components that are needed to then make a script both original and compelling. Drawing on his own vast experience of working with writers, Philip Shelley illustrates in real detail how to radically improve screenwriting craft and build a successful career in the industry. I wish it had been published when I was starting out.” ANNA SYMON (Joan, The Essex Serpent, Mrs Wilson)
‘Getting a place on Philip Shelley’s 4Screenwriting course was one of the most important things to ever happen to me. It taught me so much, and gave me a great start in the industry. Phil’s knowledge and guidance is unparalleled: this book is wise, practical, and brilliantly helpful.’ CHARLIE COVELL (Kaos, The End of The F***ing World)
‘For writers and script editors looking for help and guidance, there is no better resource than Philip Shelley and this book!’ NATHANIEL PRICE (Mr Loverman)
‘This brilliantly executed, comprehensive book is the definitive guide to screenwriting. Packed with invaluable information, personal insights, practical tasks, and references from across the TV landscape, it is essential reading for newcomers to the art-form, as well as anyone who wants to work with screenwriters.’ GRACE OFORI-ATTAH (Malpractice)
‘This is an indispensable book for anyone who writes TV, who’s thinking of writing TV, or is simply interested in how creativity works. Philip writes with passion, knowledge and sensitivity. Buy It‘ LAURENCE BOWEN, CEO Dancing Ledge Productions. (The Responder, Big Mood, The Salisbury Poisonings)
https://www.nickhernbooks.co.uk/screenwriting |
