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Review: The Art & Science of Screenwriting Author: Philip Parker Publisher: Intellect Books |
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This is one of the most useful writing books I've ever read. Unlike most of them out there, it's written by a Brit and has a British audience in mind. It offers not just an interesting model for script writing - his "Creative Matrix" - but offers insights into different genres, forms and structures.
He explains the screenwriting terminology in a clear and concise way, so you'll never be confused between an outline and a treatment again. As well as the esoteric sections of the book, choosing a structure, asking active questions and so on, Philip Parker gives you pratical advice. In addition to the mandatory layout guides, but on how and where you go about getting your script read further.
The Art & Science of Screenwriting leads you through the initial processes of finding your themes, plot and characters. Throughout he uses great examples from British TV, such as Boys From the Blackstuff and Edge of Darkness, in addition to the excellent film Twelve Monkeys. His section on rewriting is a real eye-opener for those whose rewriting process consists of spell-checking and changing the odd turn of phrase, (you know who you are).
First published in 1998, an era when the prefix "The Art & Science of" wasn't a total cliche, this has been updated a couple of times since. Whichever version you find, you'll find your writing technique shaken up and all the better (and fluffier) for it. Well recommended.
The Art & Science of Screenwriting can purchased here.
