Books like The elements of screenwriting by Irwin R. Blacker

A candid guide to screenwriting that balances practical advice with real‑world insights, written by veteran scriptwriter Millard Kaufman.

*Film Genre for the Screenwriter* is a practical guide in using genre concepts to construct a screenplay. This book includes an examination of the historical origins of specific film genres, defining genre tropes specific to each genre, explaining how and why these genres are used and enjoyed by audiences, and how the screenwriter can use genre knowledge to create a screenplay. Dr Selbo uses examples from popular films, case studies and exercises to support her methods.

Screenwriting is the art of telling stories dramatically - and it can be learned. Although there is no standard formula for writing a screenplay, there are central principles that all good screenplays share. In The Tools of screenwriting, the authors illuminate the essential elements of cinematic storytelling. These elements are guideposts for the aspiring screenwriter, and they can be used in different ways to accomplish a variety of ends. Questions of dramatic structure, plot, dialogue, character development, setting, imagery, and other crucial topics are discussed as they apply to the special art of filmmaking. The authors demonstrate how the tools of screenwriting work in sixteen notable films, including Citizen Kane, E.T., One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, Rashomon, The Godfather, North by Northwest, Chinatown, and sex, lies, and videotape. in the analyses of these films, the reader will discover the common elements of compelling screen stories. The Tools of Screen writing is an essential book for anyone who wants to write a script that will be filmed.