WRITE SCREENPLAYS THAT SELL

I've had the pleasure of taking a screenwriting course with Professor Ackerman at UCLA, and his book, like Ackerman himself, is full of insight, humor and encouragement. If you're looking for a guidepost to help you get started with your own screenwriting, I can't recommend Ackerman's book enough.Indeed, I'd also recommend Richard Walter's book on screenwriting (I've also had class with Professor Walter and recommend him and his book highly as well). Each offers a different perspective, and combined will give you a good picture of where and how to start in the craft.For me, some of the highlights are in the lessons on word economy, trying to say as much as possible with as few words as possible, and on being courageous in your writing. "Take Vienna!" Professor Ackerman says, quoting Napoleon Bonaparte, and he's right: you're telling a story, don't be afraid to tell it, even if that means offending some people. Let the story be what it needs to be, and therein find truth.With all this said, don't limit yourself to just one or two peoples' books on screenwriting and/or storytelling. You should also spend some time with Aristotle's Poetics (or just as well, "Aristotle's Poetics for Screenwriters" by Michael Tierno) and Joseph Campbell's Hero With a Thousand Faces. You may not follow their forms precisely, but knowing those classic forms will help you even if your intent is to deviate from them.

I actually purchased this book in 2017. Yes, it's been on my shelf for over 3 years. I probably glanced through it but didn't read it, which happens with some of my books. I should have read it sooner. My screenplays would have been better. I read the book in two days. I learned a LOT and I highly recommend it. Getting ready to re-read all the highlighted areas!! Yeah, buy it!

This is one of the very best books I have ever read about screenwriting. It is perfect for a beginner and a professional alike. The material is so rich and insightful it takes more than one reading to grasp it in just part. I use it as my bible before, during and after creating a screenplay -- And as all great books are, it is a truly easy read. Give it a shot -- It just might launch your career or change your career - whichever path you are currently. Thank you Mr Ackerman for sharing your brilliant insights!

This is the best screenwriting book ! It reads like a graduate level UCLA course. Duh, Hal Ackerman is the Head of the UCLA Screenwriting Department. I worked through his book, did every homework assignment, and wrote my first feature movie by the time I finished reading it.Absolutely inspirational. Highly recommend.I would also recommend: Movie Outline, Contour, Final Draft 8, the Screenwriter's Bible by Trottier to complete your toolbox.I am an award-winning independent filmmaker, always willing to assist others.gary at dreamcraftpictures dot com

UCLA attracts teaching talent, and Ackerman is one of the best. Most screenwriting books cover similar topics, but Ackerman adds his own insight to the basics. His credits include a long list of successful students. I especially enjoyed his approach to scene writing. His insights into genre and plot points offer unique perspective. By the end of this book I was dancing the Wadoogee. You want to buy this one. It's a lot cheaper than going to UCLA!

This book is entertaining and instructive at the same time. It asks you some very serious questions about your dedication to writing and it's basic line is "I can help you if you try to help yourself to become a good writer". This is in my eyes much better than the message of many other books on scriptwriting where the pitch is more like: "Use the strategy contained in this book and you'll write great screenplays."

A wonderful approach to writing screen plays. I was really struggling with mine when I bought this. Now I just need time to finish it; not a miracle. Definitively a must read.

I won't bother you with my bona fides. Just take my word for it.Obviously, you start with Aristotle's poetics. Syd Field's Screenplay. The Screenwriter's Bible. Save the Cat (God rest his soul). Mckee's Story. But you need to read this. It's generous and brilliant. I've read 200 books on screenplay. I've taught screenplay at the college level, had a screenplay turned into a half-billion dollar franchise. This is, easily, in the top five. Hmmm, I guess I just listed the top five, didn't I?I'd have the book tattooed on my body, but I'm a tiny person.To quote "Fast Times," Get it. Know it. Live it.

Brilliant screenwriting book, strengthened by the fact that many of Ackerman's former students have gone on to write Hollywood movies (e.g. The Terminal). His Scenogram is a godsend to writers. I've read many 'how to' books on screenwriting, and I have found many paradigms to be useful (Blake Snyder's Save The Cat Beat Sheet, for one; Vogler's Writer's Journey; Gulino's The Sequence Approach). But Ackerman's 'fence-post' system is excellent, and can be adapted for use by novelists, too.