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

(Paperback)

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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. 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 Oscar 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. SELLING POINTS: . A practical guide on how to become an effective screenwriter. . Of great interest to screenwriters, especially new/aspiring ones; and all those with an interest in the filmmaking world. . Provides insights into the historical, theoretical and practical essentials of screenwriting. . Gives advice on developing your screenplay from idea to final draft; applying the techniques of narrative, structure and visual language; building rounded and convincing characters and much, much more. 17 colour and 17 b/w photographs

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 of Mad Max: Fury Road and Local Hero
Screenwriting is Filmmaking is the book I have been looking for! Uniquely tracing the origins of screenwriting up to present day, it gives an unsurpassed context for contemporary film writing. Whether a skilled professional or aspiring student, you will find this an invaluable tool in developing your script writing skills and turning your ideas into a screenplay. -- Sandy Lieberson, former President of Production, 20th Century Fox
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 film. 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, Oscar-winning screenwriter of Fantastic Women.

Author Bio

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 Oscar 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.