There is no prescribed reading for the module. Guidance on books and other resources will be offered as appropriate by the module leader.
A Professional Approach to Screenwriting and Filmmaking by
This is a manual for screenwriters and filmmakers in the form of notes. These provide a step-by-step, common sense guide, with suggestions on how writers can best present themselves to the industry. This book does not explain how to write a screenplay. Instead, it provides insider confidences from established industry players and peers on how to have a professional approach to writing. A revelation for all would-be screenwriters, this is a guide to living the screenwriter's life: the habits, creative processes and writing atmosphere.
The Screenplay Business by
The development of a film screenplay is a complex and collaborative process, beginning with an initial story and continuing through drafting and financing to the start of the shoot. And yet the best ways of understanding and managing this process have never been properly studied. The Screenplay Businessis the first book to do exactly that, addressing such questions as: How do film scripts get written, and what are the tensions between creativity and business? How can the team of the writer, producer, director and development executive work together most effectively? The Screenplay Businesspresents a theoretical and practical framework for understanding the business of independent script development, and encompasses ideas about creativity, motivation, managing creative people, value chains, and MBA leadership theories. This book will help producers and writers to nurture their stories through the long development process to the screen. It explains the international film business, and contains new research and extensive interviews with leading industry figures, including practical advice on how to run script meetings and handle notes; how to build a sustainable business; and how to understand what reallyhappens when a script is written. The Screenplay Businessis a new key text for academics and students researching film and media, and indispensable reading for anyone working in film screenplay development today.
The UK Scriptwriters Survival Handbook by
CONTENTS: How to get into TV 6 writing jobs you've probably overlooked Writing for radio, games, theatre, TV, film and other media Hidden opportunities that are out there right now How to successfully pitch... yourself! Making your own content, today - don't wait from a green light, make it happen How and where to network What to charge (yes, the money question tackled head on) How to get an agent - or not ABOUT THE BOOK To make it as a script writer, a working writer, a writer who gets paid, you need to have the right attitude and approach. This guide is going to break down practical and proactive techniques to help you get started, and show you how to maintain a career once you're up and running.It's a guide that's less about the craft of screenplay writing and more about being a working script writer. There are lots of books about rare occurrences of someone "selling it big". This book is about being part of the hard-working majority, not a one-off fluke. If you picked up a book about investing your money, you'd be rightly disappointed if the advice inside was "win the lottery". There'll be no "sell a script for a million dollars on your first go" nonsense here. This book is about long-term success through graft. How do you survive as a writer? FOREWORD BY TONY JORDAN - "Tim and Danny have put together some great tips for surviving the (writing) process. "What a great book, I wish there'd been something like this around five years ago."Michelle Lipton (Hollyoaks, Rocket Island) "This is awesome. I'm so glad I have it!"Sophie Petzal (Wolfblood, Danger Mouse) Illustrations by Emily Gilbert
Screenwriting by
Screenwriting: Creative Labor and Professional Practiceanalyzes the histories, practices, identities and subjects which form and shape the daily working lives of screenwriters. Author Bridget Conor considers the ways in which contemporary screenwriters navigate and make sense of the labor markets in which they are immersed. Chapters explore areas including: Screenwriting histories and myths of the profession Screenwriting as creative labor Screenwriters' working lives Screenwriting work and the how-to genre Screenwriting work and inequalities Drawing on historical and critical perspectives of mainstream screenwriting in the USA and UK, as well as valuable interviews with working screenwriters, this book presents a highly original and multi-faceted study of screenwriting as creative labor and professional practice.
Make Money Screenwriting: Vol 1 - Creative Strategies by 
Adventures in the Screen Trade by
William Goldman, screenwriter of such films as "All the President's Men," "The Right Stuff," and "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid," discusses his experiences in Hollywood, and his craft
Which Lie Did I Tell? : More Adventures in the Screen Trade by
Goldman has even more secrets to tell. He shares behind-the-scenes anecdotes from the sets of such movies as The Princess Bride, Misery, Maverick and Absolute Power. He fills us in on what it's like to work with Mel Gibson, Michael Douglas, Clint Eastwood, and many other Hollywood players. He tells us what does and doesn't work on film and why, conducting a virtual writer's clinic on classic moments in great screenplays, among them the crop-dusting scene in North By Northwest and the zipper scene in There's Something About Mary. Finally, Goldman brings together some of today's top screenwriters to analyse and doctor a screenplay he created specifically for this book.
The Art of Script Editing by
Very little has been written about the contribution that script editors make to the industry, yet they are an essential part of film and television script development. The Art of Script Editing provides a comprehensive overview of this vital role, examining its responsibilities and functions during all stages of the development process, both in film and television. A valuable resource for anyone developing a script no matter where they are in the process.
Tales from Development Hell by
A compulsively readable journey into the area of movie-making where all writers, directors and stars fear to tread: Development Hell, the place where scripts are written, actors hired and sets designed... but the movies rarely actually get made! Whatever happened to Darren Aronofsky's Batman movie starring Clint Eastwood? Why were there so many scripts written over the years for Steven Spielberg and George Lucas's fourth Indiana Jones movie? Why was Lara Croft's journey to the big screen so tortuous, and what prevented Paul Verhoeven from filming what he calls "one of the greatest scripts ever written"? Why did Ridley Scott's Crisis in the Hot Zone collapse days away from filming, and were the Beatles really set to star in Lord of the Rings? What does Neil Gaiman think of the attempts to adapt his comic book series The Sandman? All these lost projects, and more, are covered in this major book, which features many exclusive interviews with the writers and directors involved.
Reading Screenplays by
Script readers are crucial to the film industry, often responsible for determining whether a script is even looked at by a producer or development executive, yet those accountable for reading can be on the first rung of the industry ladder and have had little or no training for the task. This user-friendly 'how-to' guide, written by one of the UK's leading script analysis specialists, lays bare the process of analysing film scripts. It also includes a full resource section listing useful print and online publications, organisations and associations.
Script Partners by
Some of the greatest movies and television series have been written by script partners. Script Partners, Second Editionbrings together the experience, knowledge, and winning techniques of Hollywood's most productive partnerships--including Lucy Alibar & Benh Zeitlin (Beasts of the Southern Wild), Craig Borten & Melisa Wallack (Dallas Buyers Club), and Andrew Reich & Ted Cohen (Friends). Established and aspiring screenwriters will learn how to pick the right partner and the right project, co-create character and story structure, co-draft and revise a script, collaborate in film school and in the film industry, and manage both the creative and business sides of partnerships.
The Insider's Guide to Film Finance by
Financing an independent feature film production is a highly complex process. This book demystifies the legal and commercial implications of a film from start to finish. It provides a detailed survey of each of the processes and players involved, and analyses of the legal and commercial issues faced by all of the participants in a film financing transaction. Packed with legal advice and straight forward explanations this is an essential reference for filmmakers worldwide. With contributions from leading professionals around the world, and an up-to-date international approach, this is an invaluable tool for producers, and others involved in the film industry. Includes: Case studies, Sample Recoupment Schedules, Alternative Financing Models, Glossary of Film Financing and Banking Terms Philip Alberstat is a media finance and production lawyer specialising in film, television and broadcasting. He has worked on films such as The 51st State, Goodbye Mr Steadman, Tooth and numerous television programmes and series. He is on the editorial board of Entertainment Law Review and is the author of The Independent Producers Guide to Film and TV Contracts (2000), and Law and the Media (2002). Philip is involved in raising finance for film and television productions and negotiating and structuring film and television deals. He undertakes corporate and commercial work and handles the intellectual property aspects of broadcasting and finance transactions. He has also executive produced numerous film and television productions. He won an Emmy Award in 2004 as an Executive Producer of the Film, "The Incredible Mrs. Ritchie". Philip joined Osborne Clarke as a partner in February 2002. Prior to that he was Head of Legal and Business Affairs with one of the largest independent TV production companies in the UK. He was previously Head of Media at Baker & McKenzie and began his career at Olswang. He was winner of the Lawyer/Hifal Award for Solicitor of the year in 1997 and is listed in Legal Experts in the area of Film Finance/Media.
Reflective Practice: writing and professional development. 5th edn. (Print copy) by
Reflecting thoughtfully on your work is vital for improving your own self-awareness, effectiveness and professional development. This newly updated fifth edition of Gillie Bolton's bestselling book explores reflective writing as a creative and dynamic process for this critical enquiry. New to this edition: An expanded range of exercises and activities A new emphasis on using e-portfolios Further guidance on reflective writing assignments Enhanced discussion of reflection as a key employability skill Additional online resources This popular book has been used worldwide in various disciplines including education, social work, business and management, medicine and healthcare and is essential reading for students and professionals seeking to enhance their reflective writing skills and to examine their own practice in greater critical depth.
Jumpstart Your Awesome Film Production Company by
Firsthand knowledge and advice on every aspect of forming a film production company can be found in this one source. Film production company owners, entertainment attorneys, accountants, and distributors answer the most commonly asked questions on forming and running a successful film production company. They provide proven tips for setting up shop, following a financial plan, working with investors, forming a marketing strategy, getting a film distributed, and more. Real-life anecdotes from a wide range of professionals from the production company trenches are both informing and entertaining.* For aspiring filmmakers, producers, writers and directors * Based on detailed interviews with a wide range of successful film professionals Allworth Press, an imprint of Skyhorse Publishing, publishes a broad range of books on the visual and performing arts, with emphasis on the business of art. Our titles cover subjects such as graphic design, theater, branding, fine art, photography, interior design, writing, acting, film, how to start careers, business and legal forms, business practices, and more. While we don't aspire to publish a New York Times bestseller or a national bestseller, we are deeply committed to quality books that help creative professionals succeed and thrive. We often publish in areas overlooked by other publishers and welcome the author whose expertise can help our audience of readers.
The Pocket Lawyer for Filmmakers by
* How can you use a state's film tax credits to fund your film? SEE PAGE 63. * You have an idea you want to pitch to a production company; how do you safeguard your concept? SEE PAGE 77. * How can you fund your production with product placement? SEE PAGE 157. * How do you get a script to popular Hollywood actors and deal with their agents? SEE PAGE 222. Find quick answers to these and hundreds of other questions in this new edition of The Pocket Lawyer for Filmmakers. This no-nonsense reference provides fast answers in plain English-no law degree required! Arm yourself with the practical advice of author Thomas Crowell, a TV-producer-turned-entertainment-lawyer. This new edition features: * New sections on product placement, film tax credits and production incentive financing, Letters of Intent, and DIY distribution (four-walling, YouTube, Download-to-own, Amazon.com, iTunes, and Netflix) * Updated case law * Even more charts and graphics to help you find the information you need even more quickly. This book is the next best thing to having an entertainment attorney on retainer! DIY distribution (four-walling, YouTube, Download-to-own, Amazon.com, iTunes, and Netflix) * Updated case law * Even more charts and graphics to help you find the information you need even more quickly. This book is the next best thing to having an entertainment attorney on retainer!
Who's Your City?: : How the Creative Economy is Making Where to Live the Most Important Decision of Your Life by
From the best-selling author of "The Rise of the Creative Class" comes a brilliant new book on the surprising importance of place, with advice on how to find the right place for you. It's a mantra of the age of globalization that where we live doesn't matter. We can innovate just as easily from a ski chalet in the Alps or a cottage in Provence as in the office of a Silicon Valley start-up. According to Richard Florida, this is wrong. Globalization is not flattening the world; in fact, place is increasingly relevant to the global economy and our individual lives. Where we live determines the jobs and careers we have access to, the people we meet and the 'mating markets' in which we participate. And everything we think we know about cities and their economic roles is up for grabs."Who's Your City?" is the first book to report on the growing body of research on what qualities of cities and towns actually make people happy in their lives. Choosing a place to live is as important as choosing a spouse or career, but until now, no one has rigorously explored this powerful component of subjective well-being to uncover what people want, need, and get out of the places they live. London to Paris to Cape Town to Sydney, this book will be the essential guide to how people choose where to live, and what those choices mean to their lives and their communities.
Guerrilla Marketing on the Internet by
The Father of Guerrilla Marketing, Jay Conrad Levinson, changed marketing forever when he unleashed his original arsenal of marketing tactics for surviving the advertising jungle on a shoestring budget. And now, Levinson and online marketing masters Mitch Meyerson and Mary Eule Scarborough once again show you how to beat the odds by combining the unconventional, take-no-prisoners Guerrilla Marketing approach with today's ultimate marketing weapon--the Internet. Learn how to use the internet Guerrilla style. Level the playing field, and achieve greater online visibility. Boost traffic to your website. Convert visitors into paying clients. Capture and keep your market share, and create multiple income streams--all while saving time and money! This complete Guerrilla Marketing online guide includes: * The 10 most effective Guerrilla strategies * Case studies of the five greatest online Guerrilla Marketing campaigns * How to create a high-impact website on a budget * Low-cost tactics for maximizing traffic * The 12 biggest internet marketing mistakes and how to avoid them * Creative tactics and cutting-edge tools that inspire customers to take action * Essential information on cutting-edge technology
Filmmakers and Financing by
In this new and updated ultimate filmmaker's guide, Louise Levison gives you easy-to-use steps for writing an investor-winning business plan for a feature film, including: A comprehensive explanations for each of the eight sections of a plan Full financial section with text and tables A sample business plan A companion website with additional information for various chapters and detailed financial instructions ― advanced math not needed An explanation on how feature documentary, animated and large-format films differ A guide to pitching to investors: who they are, what they want and what to tell them Words of advice: Filmmakers share their experiences raising money from equity investors
The Film Finance Handbook by
From low budget short film schemes to multi-million dollar international co-productions, this is a vital reference guide for producers, filmmakers, financiers, and their advisors, now fully updated by 40 experts from across the globe. The practice of raising finance is addressed from the basic details to broader concepts and approaches, and information on the incentives and tax breaks offered by 50 countries is included. This resource is packed with invaluable information including details on more than 1,000 funding awards, a glossary of 400 entry film business terms, and a table of co-production treaties. Dozens of original case studies are provided as examples of successful fundraising approaches, as are interviews with such noted film personnel as Oscar-winning producer Jeremy Thomas, Paul Haggis--writer for Crash and Million Dollar Baby--and Jim Gilliam, who raised $300,000 via the web. Packed with valuable contacts, helpful ideas, and decades of experience, this is the complete guide to funding your next big hit.