Discover what to expect within the film industry and how it has evolved. Look behind the scenes at iconic films using a classic structure of screenwriting, along with experimental films from innovative writers that have transcended the rules and paved their own way to the silver screen. Then, get to the exciting part—writing—using a dozen tried-and-true rules of the trade. Each chapter is accompanied with an In the Writer’s Room creative exercise, such as formatting your script, mapping sequences, and creating rich dialogue and characters, to deepen your understanding of what brings a screenplay to life.

This screenwriting guide includes:

Filmmaker’s dozen—From loglines to creating a compelling character to root for, you’ll find 12 fundamental but flexible steps to help you craft a powerful, creative screenplay.
Topline terminology—Navigate the film biz like a pro with need-to-know Hollywood jargon, plus troubleshooting tips for any screenwriting hiccups along the way.
Film archive—From William Goldman’s The Princess Bride to Taika Waititi’s Jojo Rabbit, discover emerging and timeless screenwriting techniques used in Hollywood blockbusters, micro-budget films, and more.

Take your story from creative conception to complete script with this modern, 12-step approach to screenwriting.