The Coffee Break Screenwriter: Writing Your Script Ten Minutes at a Time

(Paperback, 2nd Edition)

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Description

The writer receives guidance and tips at every stage of the often intimidating writing process with a relaxed, "ten minutes at a time" method that focuses the writer and pushes him or her forward. At each step, writers are encouraged to "Take Ten" and tackle an element of their script using the templates and tools provided. "What You've Accomplished" sections help writers review their progress. And "Ten-Minute Lectures" distill and demystify old school theory, allowing the writer to unblock and get writing.

Reviews

Praise for Pilar Alessandra and The Coffee Break Screenwriter

"This book teaches you how to turn a brilliant idea into a tangible product. Whenever I sit down to write something substantial, I refer to my crumpled-up, old Pilar notes."

--Ben Mekler, head writer, Nerdist Industries

"Pilar Alessandra's screenwriting techniques are among the most valuable I've ever come across. She takes a systematic approach to every step of the process, carefully guiding the writer from concept to final draft."

--Chris Sparling, writer, Buried

"Writing a screenplay can be like waging a war. It's you versus the blank page. This book is like a strategic field guide about the art of war, so keep it handy the next time you type FADE IN."

--Jeff Portnoy, literary manager, Bellevue Productions; former head of story at Resolution Talent Agency and staff reader at Creative Artists Agency

Author Bio

Pilar Alessandra is the director of the writing program On the Page(R), host of the popular On the Page Podcast, and author of "The Coffee Break Screenwriter." Pilar started her career as Senior Story Ana-lyst at DreamWorks SKG and, in 2001, opened the On the Page Writers' Studio in Los Angeles. Her students and clients have written for The Walking Dead, Lost, House of Lies, Nip/Tuck, and Family Guy. They've sold features and pitches to Warner Bros., DreamWorks, Disney, and Sony, and have won the prestigious Nicholl Fellowship, Austin Screenwriting Competition, and Warner Bros. TV Writ-ing Workshop. Pilar has trained writers at ABC/Disney and CBS and traveled the world, teaching in London, Beijing, Warsaw, Lisbon, and South Africa. www.OnThePage.tv