Managing Ideas, Adapting for Effect
Writing is a task dealing with ideas. When you're like me, ideas come anytime, anywhere. Sometimes when you least expect it.Jolting it down in a special note book is one thing. You still can loose that piece of parchment. Ideas alone, however, does not guarantee that the script would incorporate that idea. In some instances, as you would experience, you may need that guide to organise these ideas.
Realising this, I bought The Screenplay Workbook - The Writing Before the Writing. The authors of this practical book are Jeremy Robinson and Tom Mungovan (published by Lone Eagle). Unlike the typical textbooks on writing, the pages are filled with minimal instructions. What's practical about it is that over half the pages are forms! Very neat!
What's Inside...
Instead of having one copy of each form, you'd get at least ten pages. The forms cover a wide array of elements needed to make that script a marketable one. These tools cover:-
- Concept Creation;
- Character Development;
- Character Relationship;
- Plot Structure;
- Plot points;
- Character Arc;
- Plot Chart; and
- Scene.
What This Book Is Not
Don't get me wrong, this book is not a comprehensive textbook used for exams. Rather, it provides you with tools (read: forms) that you can use and reuse to organise your thoughts and ideas. You might be surprised with what you can achieve.
While students of Screenwriting/Scriptwriting may find this book too simple, those of us who are not on that side of the fence, yet, would reap the benefits. After all, not all screenwriters are lucky to have attended a workshop or course. Sometimes such programmes are inaccessible.
Worth the Investment
Especially if you're not from the creative arts background, this book is for you. As for me, I've only attended one workshop - the one organised by Mr. Martias Mohd. Ali last December. Other than that, a Legal background. Hence, you would appreciate how much I welcome the use of this material.
On Amazon.com, you can get a copy for $16.71 plus free shipping (terms and conditions apply). I bought mine at Kinokuniya Suria KLCC for RM76.21.
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