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  • The Craft of Scene Writing

  • Beat by Beat to a Better Script
  • By: Jim Mercurio
  • Narrated by: Stephen Bowlby
  • Length: 11 hrs and 49 mins
  • 4.8 out of 5 stars (19 ratings)
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The Craft of Scene Writing

By: Jim Mercurio
Narrated by: Stephen Bowlby
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Summary

A professional screenwriter's master class in writing the most critical and challenging script element - the individual scene.

No one comes out of a movie talking about structure. What audiences love and remember about a movie are great scenes. Marlon Brando in the back seat in On the Waterfront giving his "I could'a been a contender" speech. Meg Ryan's fake orgasm in Katz's Deli in When Harry Met Sally with the climactic punch line: "I'll have what she's having." In Superbad, Jonah Hill professing "I love you" to his friend Michael Cera by touching his nose with a "boop".  

Great scenes will elevate your script from ho-hum to extraordinary-and from the slush pile to sellable. In The Craft of Scene Writing, accomplished screenwriter and master writing teacher Jim Mercurio analyzes and systematizes the beats, conflicts, character moments, action, dialogue, and structure that create powerful scenes. Citing examples from scripts old and new, The Craft of Scene Writing breaks down how great scenes reveal character, advance the story, and emotionally connect with audiences, plus demonstrates how to use these techniques in your own scripts. This incredibly detailed exploration of screenwriting technique will help beginning writers to write great scripts and experienced writers to gain a more complete mastery of their craft.

©2019 Jim Mercurio (P)2020 Tantor

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excellent piece of works

amazing one. I've learned a lot more with this even after reading Blake Sunders Cat

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Invaluable

Easily the most valuable reference book on screen writing from which, as a rookie screen writer, I learnt the most.

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A must read for any aspiring scriptwriter

Absolutely loved this audiobook. Excellent tips for writing great scenes with brilliant examples, making it easy to understand.

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Comprehensive, easy to follow guide.

Great reference book that I regularly come back to. The chapter descriptions make it easy to quickly refresh your memory on specific issues.

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5 Star 🌟

This is an excellent intro to the craft of scene writing and would benefit writers at all levels. Full of insights backed up by examples of great movies

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brilliant book

fantastic so glad I bought this, nice to finally find a book dedicated to writing scenes as opposed to overall structure. recommended.

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