ISBN 9781138618107
472 Pages - 109 B/W Illustrations
Scriptwriting for Film, Television and New Media
By Alan C. Hueth
What are the foundations of scriptwriting? Why do some scripts gain more prestige than others? How do you write a script and get it noticed? Scriptwriting for Film, Television and New Media answers these questions and more, offering a comprehensive introduction to writing scripts for film, television, the Internet, and interactive multimedia.
Author Alan C. Hueth explains not just how to write, but how to think and apply the fundamental principles of screenwriting to multiple platforms and genres. This includes chapters on numerous script formats, including drama and comedy in film and TV, short films, commercials and PSAs, news and sports, interview shows, documentaries, reality shows, and corporate and educational media, including interactive multimedia. This book also addresses legal and ethical issues, how to become a professional scriptwriter, and a section on production language that provides helpful explanations of how camera, locations, visual and audio effects combine on screen to engage and sustain viewer attention, and, consequently, how to improve scriptwriting technique.
The book features numerous case studies and detailed examples, including chapter by chapter exercises, plot diagrams, quick-look and learn tables that assist readers to quickly understand genre related script elements, and in-depth script close-ups to examine precisely how writers utilize the principles and elements of drama to create a successful script. It is also supported by a comprehensive companion website with further case studies, assignments, video clips, and examples of films and programs discussed in the book. Scriptwriting for Film, Television, and New Media is ideal for aspiring scriptwriters and anyone wanting to broaden their understanding of how successful scripts are created.
Table of Contents
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
PREFACE
INTRODUCTION
SECTION 1: FOUNDATIONS: PREPPING AND PACKING FOR THE JOURNEY
Chapter 1 – Principles and Elements of Outstanding Scriptwriting
Chapter 2 – Vision and Language of Scriptwriting
Chapter 3 – The Vision: Creativity and the Process of Scriptwriting
Chapter 4: The Vision - Scriptwriting Formats
SECTION 2: HITTING THE ROAD: EXPLORING PROGRAM TYPES
Chapter 5: Film and Television Drama
Chapter 6: Film and Television Comedy
Chapter 7: Short Films
Chapter 8: Commercials, Public Service Announcements (PSAs) and Promos
Chapter 9: News and Sports
Chapter 10: Interview Shows
Chapter 11: Documentary
Chapter 12: Reality Shows
Chapter 13: Corporate & Educational Media: Linear & Interactive
SECTION 3: THE RULES OF THE ROAD: ETHICS, LAW, AND GETTING A PROFESSIONAL START
Chapter 14: Ethics and Law
Chapter 15: Getting Started, Opportunities and Resources
Index
About the Author:
Alan C. Hueth is Professor of Communication at Point Loma Nazarene University. He has worked as a consultant, writer, producer, director, editor, and/or shooter on over 300 contract, cablecast, and broadcast programs. His portfolio includes corporate videos, documentaries, news, sports production, interview shows, and short films. He is also the winner of two Tellys, a BEA award, and several cable television awards.
Book Reviews:
‘A very well written, insightful, and interesting book on scriptwriting. This book will be an invaluable tool for Filmmakers, whether they are just starting out or are established professionals.’
-Philip Ferrari, President, Ferrari Productions
‘Hueth has put together what has to be the most comprehensive book about writing TV ever written. Most books focus on only one television format; Hueth examines them all. He not only addresses the "how" of TV writing but also the "What does it do?" (in terms of entertainment’s effect on the audience) and the "Should we do it?" (that is, the responsibility of the artistic creator to those who watch what has been created). It’s a great how-to book that’s also a great conversation – and education – starter.’
-Dean Batali, TV Writer, That 70s Show, Buffy, the Vampire Slayer
‘A very deep and perceptive understanding of a deceptively simple subject. Hueth's approach lays a critical foundation for understanding how to write all TV-film programs.’
-Mike Longhurst, Senior Vice President, McCann-Erickson Advertising
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