Screenwriting is Filmmaking: The Theory and Practice of Writing for the Screen

by Brian Dunnigan

Overview

To write for the unique medium of the screen, you need to be as engaged with the theory and practice of film as you are with words. Screenwriting is Filmmaking provides a wealth of insights for new and experienced writers alike on the historical, theoretical and practical essentials of screenwriting. With clear analyses drawn from a wide range of classical and contemporary films, alongside case studies and practical exercises, this book encourages the development of craft skills and a personal voice through the writing of short and feature screenplays. You will learn how to develop your screenplay from idea to final draft; apply the techniques of narrative, structure and visual language; build rounded and convincing characters; craft compelling scenes through dialogue and sub-text and maintain a meaningful and lasting creative practice. Brian Dunnigan draws on over thirty years' experience of writing, teaching and making films, to provide a practical guide on how to become an effective screenwriter as well as giving a fascinating insight into visual storytelling and the place of the screenplay in the collaborative process of filmmaking. Develop your screenplay from idea to final draft. Apply the techniques of narrative, structure and visual language. Build rounded and convincing characters. Craft compelling scenes through dialogue and sub-text. Move forward in personal and professional development. Maintain a meaningful and lasting creative practice.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781785006098
Publisher:	Crowood Press, The
Publication date:	09/05/2019
Pages:	168
Product dimensions:	7.40(w) x 9.70(h) x (d)

About the Author

Brian Dunnigan is an award-winning filmmaker and commissioned writer of feature screenplays. As Head of Screenwriting at the London Film School he created and ran the highly rated MA Screenwriting (MAS) programme for over a decade. Graduate students included BAFTA, Cannes and 'scar winners, and several hundred students who have successfully entered the screen and creative industries around the world. He lives and works in London, and runs workshops internationally.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements 6

Introduction 7

1 Story 9

2 Creativity 24

3 Language of Cinema 33

4 Character 50

5 Structure 68

6 The Feature Film 89

7 Classical and Alternative Strategies 101

8 Scene Writing And Dialogue 118

9 Development 133

10 The Collaborative Process 149

Endnotes 156

Glossary 157

Bibliography 160

Filmography 162

Further Resources 164

Index 165

Editorial Reviews

"In the beginning was The Word. Brian Dunnigan has brilliantly encapsulated the profound dependency all filmmaking has on the ideas that arise from a well written screenplay. Screenwriting is Filmmaking is an invaluable resource for anyone facing the task of making a film. I cannot recommend it enough." —Iain Smith, producer, Mad Max: Fury Road


"Brian Dunnigan offers a wealth of experience and knowledge in the field of screenwriting." —Robyn Slovo, producer, Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy


"Often a screenplay is thought of as an ends to a means. It is neither an image nor is it a piece of literature. Yet it is imperative to the success of a flm. In Screenwriting is Filmmaking, Brian Dunnigan helps shed light on the symbiotic relationship between the two. Brian has a profound understanding of the craft, and his emphasis on story and character is essential reading for anyone wanting to uncover the beating heart of their own screenplay." —Gonzalo Maza, writer, A Fantastic Woman

From the Publisher