Crafting Short Screenplays That Connect, Second Edition

Book Description

The only screenwriting book that includes a DVD that contains performances of the short films and screenplays that are featured in the book!

The beauty and power of any story lies in its ability to connect to the reader, listener, or observer. Crafting Short Screenplays That Connect is the first screenwriting guide to introduce connection as an essential, although essentially overlooked, aspect of creating stories for the screen and of the screenwriting process itself. Written with clarity and humor, this book teaches the craft of writing short screenplays by guiding the student through carefully focused writing exercises of increasing length and complexity. Eight award-winning student screenplays are included for illustration and inspiration.

The text is divided into three parts. Part one focuses on preparing to write by means of exercises designed to help students think more deeply about the screenwriter's purposes; their own unique vision, material and process; and finally about what screenplays are at their simplest and most profound level--a pattern of human change, created from specific moments of change--discoveries and decisions.

Part two teaches students how to craft an effective pattern of human change. It guides them through the writing and re-writing of "Five (Not So Easy) Pieces"--five short screenplays of increasing length and complexity--focusing on a specific principle of dramatic technique: The Discovery, The Decision, The Boxing Match, The Improbable Connection, and The Long Short Screenplay.

Part Three presents the five screenplays used throughout the book to illustrate the dramatic principles that have been discussed, and includes interviews with the screenwriters, a look at where they are now and what they are doing, and brief discussion of how each film evolved.

* Groundbreaking book that stresses human connection as the basis of a good screenplaynot conflict
* The only screenwriting book that includes a DVD that contains performances of the short films and screenplays that are featured in the book
* Ample exercises for practice and inspiration

Customer Reviews:

Great ideas; why don't they work?.......2005-08-05

Ms. Johnson has some terrific, if not-quite-revolutionary, insights and ideas on screenwriting. Her central idea is that connection is more important than conflict, and she eloquently presents and defends this approach. I really appreciated the inclusion of the DVD, which shows the results of her exercises and approach with some good (not great) student films.

On the down side, the good-not-great-ness of these films reveals quite clearly the greatest weakness of her approach. The resulting films are warm and fuzzy and "work" on the level of human connection, but consistently lack exactly those elements of drama that she says aren't important--namely the tension and conflict that make you care what happens next when actually watching a film. Her ideas are so good it saddened me that the films seemed to prove the most obvious and naive argument against her central premise: Won't films that emphasize connection at the expense of what is traditionally called "conflict" come across as BORING and predictable? Sorry to say it, but yes these films are just that and I was left more than a bit skeptical that her approach as presented would really generate films that didn't share the same flaw.

Bottom line: As a filmmaking teacher, I'm very glad I bought this book. It opened my mind to some great new ideas and practical approaches to teaching. On the other hand, I would not show any of the films from this book as examples for my students to emulate and learn from, and I would be very cautious about taking the approach presented in this book too far when writing either student or commercial screenplays.

Buy it despite its limitations--it's really worth a read!

Better for a group than an individual.......2005-08-02

This is an interesting book which offers some fresh thoughts about screenwriting. It suggests that conflict is about a half of what makes a good story, whereas all good stories don't only have conflict but have connection in them, human connection. This is an interesting and thought-provoking approach that can definitely contribute to the process of learning to write well.

However, it has some flaws - first, I think all the excercises are pretty much meaningless unless you do them in a group, with other students and a teacher. And this book is all about the excercises, so I found it unuseful.
Also, this book doesn't really explore all the aspects of screenwriting that are in a way essential to writing a short screenplay. It's more like an introduction with some excercises to get you going.

The only real advantage here is the DVD with the short films and their scripts that are included in the book. It is interesting and can certainly give you a direction of writing, but again it's very limited. All these films are pretty much the same, there isn't a variety of short films that can really give you a view of the infinite possibilities.

the rosetta stone for a new writer.......2003-10-04

there are hundreds if not thousands of books which claim that they are the one key to unlocking the door to becoming a successful screenwriter. as a wannabe myself, i have purchased and read far too many of these books. ms. johnson's book is the real mccoy. i gained so many insights into the process in each chapter. following her suggestions, i realized that i was making the act of putting ideas on to paper much more complicated than it needed to be. the upshot being that i was finally able to finish several projects that were graying with age and these projects are now sitting with the people who can turn my words from my pages and put them up on to the screen. thank you ms. johnson

What a Great Screenwriting Coach!.......2001-11-17

This wonderful little book is for you, the student of screenwriting. How do I know? I had the good fortune of being in Dr. Claudia Hunter Johnson's screenwriting class at Florida State University. We used the methods described in her book and they work! If you are disciplined enough to follow her process, you will amaze yourself. You will begin with Le Menu (your very own personal autobiography) and finish with a well-crafted script. Although you will not have her direct feedback, you will have the benefit of a script coach who has helped launch a thousand careers. Tom.

This book is a real gem........2000-09-22

I stumbled on it recently when I was at the Samuel French bookstore on Sunset Blvd. In the heart of Hell-A (oops, scratch that - L.A. has no heart!) Anyway, there are tons of screenwriting books in that store. Tons. But I happened to pick this one up and start reading the Introduction. Very insightful. So I bought it (should've bought it here, though - it's cheaper), and I ended up devouring it pretty damn quickly. The writing is terrific - very conversational, accessible, smart, and at times bust-a-gut funny. But most impressive, the author sheds light on the importance of "connection" in the storytelling process. It made me think back about how many times in writing classes CONFLICT CONFLICT CONFLICT had been shoved down my throat. Okay, okay, I got it already! But, she points out, it's only half the story (the yin to the yang, or ya know, vice-versa...) - as she goes on to wonderfully illustrate and illuminate. Also, the sample student scripts are great additions. I especially got a big laugh out of "The Making of 'Killer Kite.'" I may have to spring for the companion video just to see how that film turned out.

Yeah, yeah, the book has "short screenplays" in the title, but the points she makes are applicable to scripts of any length. You can bet that even this jaded L.A. feature film writer will be incorporating a lot of her insights in his own creative process.

I'm looking forward to any follow-ups from this author, because she's finally brought something new - and important -- to the endless discussions (and how-to books) on screenwriting.

Average customer rating:
Crafting Short Screenplays That Connect
Claudia H. Johnson
Manufacturer: Focal Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OPU1FK

Average customer rating:
Crafting Short Screenplays That Connect
Claudia H Johnson
Manufacturer: Focal Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OPUW72

Book Description

The latest addition to our popular JAM WITH SONGBOOKS series contains six tunes representing the best in alternative rock. These four integrated songbooks for guitar, bass, drums, and keyboards are correlated to the immensely successful ULTIMATE BEGINNER SERIES BASICS books. Learn each main riff and lick, then jam along with our band on the included CD play-along tracks. Titles in this book are: I Will Buy You a New Life (Everclear) * One Headlight (The Wallflowers) * Sex and Candy (Marcy Playground) * Time of Your Life (Good Riddance)(Green Day) * Walking on the Sun (Smash Mouth) * The Down Town (Days of the New).

Classic Rock Keyboard: Jam With Songbook (The Ultimate Beginner Series)

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Classic Rock Keyboard: Jam With Songbook (The Ultimate Beginner Series)

Manufacturer: Alfred Publishing Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Music | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

Book Description

This songbook is correlated to the immensely successful ULTIMATE BEGINNER SERIES BASICS books. Learn each main riff and lick, then jam with our band on the included play-along tracks. Matching songbooks are available for guitar, bass, and drums. Titles in this are Proud Mary * Hotel California * Tush * Riders on the Storm * Refugee * Europa.

High Voltage Rock: A-B-C Music for Beginners (Music for All Electronic Keyboards)

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High Voltage Rock: A-B-C Music for Beginners (Music for All Electronic Keyboards)

Manufacturer: Sight & Sound
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: 0887041450

Product Description

Music by Glenn Fry, Billy Idol, Don Henley, Sheena Easton, Whitesnake,Duran Duran, Beach Boys, Motley Crue, Foreigner and more.

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Rock Keyboard for Beginners
Robert Brown
Manufacturer: Alfred Publishing Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Music | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

All 4-for-3 Deals | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
ASIN: 0882849239

Rock Piano (Progressive Young Beginners)

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Sin quere ayuda

Rock Piano (Progressive Young Beginners)
Andrew Scott
Manufacturer: Progressive
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Music | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

Customer Reviews:

Sin quere ayuda.......2000-10-10

Se espera mucho de un libro y yo espere mucho de este, sin esperar mucho de mí. Buscaba un poco mas lo avanzado del libro sin ver lo principiante, buscaba la complejidad sin querer lo sencillo.

Es un buen libro pero su inclinación es un poco a lo principiante y a pesar de esto no se convierte en malo. Hay ejercicios simples y otros no tanto y todo esto hace que se aprenda sin querer.

Average customer rating:
Steve Winwood, Robert Palmer, Phil Collins (Superstar Series, Vol. 3: Pop/Rock)

Manufacturer: Warner Bros Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: 0887042287

Product Description

Easy piano. Easy Keyboard edition for the beginner. Pop and Rock hits to learn.

Book Description

Intricate, absorbing study based on research and card collections from around the world tells the story of playing cards and their manufacture, plus provides a fascinating overview of heraldry, geography, history, and the social and political activities of man over the past six centuries. Includes an enormous annotated bibliography of more than 900 items on playing cards and games, and over 1,400 illustrations. Praised by The New York Times as "the most authoritative and complete treatment of its kind."

Customer Reviews:

A little heady, but a good book on the subject.......2004-04-02

I'd been looking around for a fairly comprehensive work on Playng Card history, and found this a pretty good choice. A bit wordy and heady at times, but covers things well.

informative but dry.......2002-01-31

First, an important note: There seems to be 2 versions of this book floating around. One with 16 color plates and one that is all B&W. I learned this when I received mine and found that it was all B&W. Be sure you know which you are getting.
Also, many of the b&w images appear to be poor photocopies, either far too light or too dark.

This book is no doubt the authority. It is very well researched. But the way it is organized is rather dull. Each chapter basically lists and briefly discusses all the cards that were found from that particular country. It might have been more interesting if there was more discussion of how the different suites evolved or how the countries influenced each other.

Playing Cards Historically.......2000-03-29

This book is a well-researched, thorough and informative guide to the history of playing cards. I was especially interested in the medieval information, but found the entire work clear and easy to follow, while keeping up high standards of academic quality. I would recommend this work to anyone seriously interested in the history of the field. The Plates were also very helpful in illustrating the development and styles of cards through the centuries.

A History of Playing Cards and a Bibliography of Cards and Gaming

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A History of Playing Cards and a Bibliography of Cards and Gaming
Catherine Perry Hargrave
Manufacturer: Dover Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000OMGDJQ

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A History of Playing Cards and A Bibliography of Cards and Gaming
Catherine Perry Hargrave
Manufacturer: Dover
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding
ASIN: B0000CN9E7

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History of Playing Cards and a Bibliography of Cards and Gaming
Catherine Perry Hargrave
Manufacturer: Houghton Mifflin Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000GKPZKE

History of playing cards and a bibliography of cards and gaming: Compiled and illustrated from the old cards and books in the collection of the United States Playing Card Company in Cincinnati

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History of playing cards and a bibliography of cards and gaming: Compiled and illustrated from the old cards and books in the collection of the United States Playing Card Company in Cincinnati
Catherine Perry Hargrave
Manufacturer: Dover
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

General | Sports | Subjects | Books
ASIN: B0007I5UHS

Amazon.com

As it becomes increasingly associated with impressive corporate gains realized in recent years by companies ranging from FedEx and Rolex to Starbucks and Volvo, "branding" has developed into one of the marketing world's hottest concepts. And for good reason, contend well-known strategist Al Ries and his daughter Laura Ries in The 22 Immutable Laws of Branding: How to Build a Product or Service into a World-Class Brand.

"Marketing is building a brand in the mind of the prospect," they write. "If you can build a powerful brand you will have a powerful marketing program. If you can't, then all the advertising, fancy packaging, sales promotion and public relations in the world won't help you achieve your objective." A no-holds-barred look at a diverse collection of successful--and not-so-successful--branding efforts undertaken by these and other high-profile firms, their book distills the most critical principles involved into a series of clear rules with straightforward titles such as The Law of Expansion, The Law of Contraction, The Law of Consistency, and The Law of Mortality. While some of their suggestions may at first seem counterintuitive, together they compose a logical blueprint for success in today's ever-more-competitive environment. --Howard Rothman

Amazon.com Audiobook Review

When you call a book The 22 Immutable Laws of Branding, you're pretty much ruling out Oprah's Book Club as potential buyers. (Not that Oprah herself isn't a terrific brand.) This is an audiobook for a narrow demographic: entrepreneurs, top managers, and public-relations directors. Coauthor Al Ries comes off like the eccentric genius that most of these managers keep in a basement office, only listening to when necessary. When he says, "The power of a brand is inversely proportional to its scope," and hectors managers with the idea that "customers want brands that are narrow in scope," you know he's right (he backs himself up with dozens of examples), and you know it's the last thing powerful, expansion-minded businesspeople want to hear. Coauthor Laura Ries, his daughter and marketing-firm partner, also reads sections. (Running time: 1.5 hours, one cassette) --Lou Schuler

Book Description

How to build a product or service into a world–class brand.

In today's competitive world, it is no longer enough to have a superior product or even a great advertising campaign. Today's consumers are more savvy than ever, and ample competition has allowed them to become more choosy. The only way to stand out in today's, and tomorrow's 埣luttered marketplace is to build your product or service into a brand. 22 Immutable Laws of Branding is the definitive work on brands and branding. In the tradition of 22 Immutable Laws of Marketing, this book is illustrated with anecdotes from some of the best brands in the world and explains how any product or service can be built into a brand.

Customer Reviews:

What a Book!.......2007-09-22

I never read a book more packed with incredible insights that this one. My company, Astonish Results (www.astonishresults.com) provides consulting to mortgage companies. I will recommend this book to every company we consult.

must have for business owners.......2007-09-11

As a small business owner and someone who was new to the business side of running a business I have found this book an absolute necessity in my daily business life.

Something to think about.......2007-08-11

I read this book with pleasure. It contains a lot of common sense and showed how people are influenced in their choice of branding features by what others have done and not what makes sense. I hope to use much of the information in my firm for our software branding.

Steven Calkins
Cross Media Solutions
Würzburg, Germany

Excellent work.......2007-05-26

I must say I have become somewhat of a Ries groupie. Al & Laura Ries along with Jack Trout have created some of the most thought filled pieces within the Branding, Marketing and communications world today. This one lives up the all the hype. The 22 Immutable Laws of Branding is a masterpiece to say the least. I began seeking out new books on the topic and thought why not hear from the gurus of the field. I had read The 22 Immutable Laws of Marketing first and it lead me to this great piece. I am a marketing student not just in the classroom but for life. It is what I do, therefore learning more is what I must do.

Once you began your journey for more knowlege on Branding and relating fields you will side with this book. Branding lives with the perpection that is placed int he mind of the consumer. In all my many marketing classes have I not discussed the many issues that come up in this book. To be a great marketer or branding strategiest you must seek out information from all levels of the field and then rethink those thoughts in regards to your position and situation. This book places you in the right mindset to do that and much more. So begin the process...

The one thing I learned from this book.......2007-05-24

This is a quick read and I actually found myself picking it up to read even when I WANTED to put it down. It has an easy flow and is written in layman's terms so anyone can understand. And while all of that is wonderful for a book, there is one thing that stood out the most to me-BRANDING IS MADE THROUGH PUBLICITY, NOT ADVERTISING. I swear I thought it was the other way around. I thought if you advertise your product enough then the media would pick up on your product and give you the publicity. That advice right there was worth the price of the book. If you are an entrepreneur, author or any type of businessperson, this book should be part of your library. Refer to it often.

Average customer rating:

The 22 Immutable laws of Branding -
Al Ries -
Manufacturer: HarperCollins Publishing -
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000P0WZJO

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The 22 Immutable Laws of Branding
Ries, Al, Laura Ries
Manufacturer: audible.com
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio Download
ASIN: B000AMPWLU

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