Successful Scriptwriting: How to Write and Pitch Winning Scripts for Movies, Sitcoms, Soaps, Serials and Variety Shows

SUCCESSFUL SCRIPTWRITINGLet's start with "The End." The credits roll - we see "Screenplay by " and there's your name. The show's a hit! It's Emmy/Oscar night, and you're seated up front. The nominations are revealed; your name is called. Your acceptance speech is memorable, an inspiration to the new writers "breaking in." Variety says your "future looks very bright." Hooray for Hollywood! But how did you get here? With talent, determination, and the help of this comprehensive guide, you'll have the wherewithal to move your dream from your mind onto the page and to succeed in this fiercely competitive, highly selective field. Starting with a basic course in scriptwriting, Jurgen Wolff and Kerry Cox teach you the fundamental skills of writing the feature film script, from original idea to finished screenplay. Then you'll learn how to apply your new-found skills to every type of television and film script: movies-of-the week, episodic television, situation comedies and soap operas. You'll also find helpful insight from the greats in the business, like Colin Higgins (Harold and Maude, Foul Play, 9 to 5), Larry Gelbart (Oh, God!, Tootsie, "M*A*S*H"), William Bickley ("Perfect Strangers," "Happy Days"), and Steven Bochco ("Doogie Howser, M.D.," "L.A. Law"). And you'll find answers to these essential questions: What fundamental skills and essential ingredients do I need to write a feature film script? By what criteria do producers and studios evaluate scripts or ideas presented to them? When should I write an outline or a treatment for my script, and what are the formats? How do I go about protecting my work? Is there a cut-and-dried technique for pitching my ideas? Every part of this book reflects the needs and realities of today's TV and film industry, providing you with insight as well as practical knowledge. With this book as your guide, you can start at the beginning and follow a well-defined path to successful scriptwriting."

About the Author :
Jurgen Wolff has taught scriptwriting in both the Film Production and Filmic Writing departments of the University of Southern California, and privately teaches popular sitcom and pitching workshops.His television credits include episodes of "Family Ties," "Benson," "The Love Boat," "Jennifer Slept Here," and "Too Close for Comfort." Other credits include an original sitcom series concept; comedy material for HBO and the Disney Channel; three television Movies-of-the-Week; numerous short films for Walt Disney Productions; plays produced in London and Los Angeles; as well as two non-fiction books and numerous published articles and short stories.

Review :
"For those who want to write scripts, this book has more and better answers than you have questions." --Stan Margulies, producer, Roots, The Thorn Birds A clear, concise, accessible and entertaining book on the craft and business of screenwriting . . . an important resource book in the area of scriptwriting." --Linda Seger, script consultant for "The Script Doctor," and The Hollywood Scriptwriter "For those who want to write scripts, this book has more and better answers than you have questions." --Stan Margulies, producer, "Roots, The Thorn Birds" A clear, concise, accessible and entertaining book on the craft and business of screenwriting . . . an important resource book in the area of scriptwriting." --Linda Seger, script consultant for "The Script Doctor," and "The Hollywood Scriptwriter"