|
|
||
 |
Reader Survey
Take our Reader Survey and see your suggestions in future issues of Script magazine.Start here
| The Script Selling Game |
|
 The Script Selling Game by Sable Jak Imagine you have an idea for a screenplay. You've read all the top books onformat, act structure and character arc so it's easy to sit down and bang out your screenplay's first draft. As you work, your mind ambles ahead to which producer, director or studio might jump at the chance to read, buy and finally produce your story. It's a delicious feeling. But, before you let that imagination of yours get too far ahead of you, check out story analyst/development specialist Kathie Fong Yoneda's The Script Selling Game.
I've read and reviewed a great many writing books over the past year for scr(i)pt's ezine. Sometimes it feels as if I've read just about everything there is on how to write, revise, pitch and sell a screenplay. However, I haven't read anything about getting through the Hollywood system from the view of a script analyst. It is a unique view. Yoneda's book doesn't need screaming hype. It provides grounded, solid advice that leads you from the beginning of scriptwriting – the idea – and follows through to continuing to work after your first sale. From what to avoid to what to do, this is a great primer on playing the Hollywood game, and winning. You'll get pointers on how to avoid common writing potholes and even to how to dress and act when you're "taking a meeting." (Do leave the artsy-fartsy clothing at home!) I'm particularly fond of chapter 8: Beware of The Big 8 – 8 Most Common Reasons Why a Script Can Be Rejected. It's information that bears repeating, mantra style. Then, of course, there's Chapter 9: Walking the Walk – Creating Opportunities for Yourself. I know too many writers who think that the moment they get an agent they don't have to work at selling anymore. Yoneda gives you all the reasons why you should work harder. I usually don't mention an author's writing style when I review a book, but I must mention Yoneda's. She writes in a pleasant, easy style that makes you feel as if you're learning through osmosis rather than studying. The book is full of facts and examples presented economically and leaving no room for misunderstanding. I received the galleys for the book and you can bet I've bent page corners, highlighted passages and circled paragraphs. I'm fairly confident you'll do the same when you get your copy. Enjoy it, I know I did. About This Author: Sable Jak is an ex-actress and dancer and has, like so many other writers been writing ever since she can remember. She's a columnist with Absolute Write and has radio mysteries running on Virtually American. She's also a charter member of The Screenplayers (http:/www.screenplayers.net)
Set as favorite
Bookmark
Email This
Hits: 756 Comments (0)
 Write comment
|
||||
Subscribe to this comment's feed
| |
Script magazine is published by
 |