The Screenwriter's Bible: A Complete Guide to Writing, Formatting, and Selling Your Script

Much of Trottier's advice is common sense: "Don't write anything that cannot appear on the screen"; to keep casting options open, don't make your physical descriptions too specific; "don't say Ron Howard is looking at the project if he is not." But there are things to know about Hollywood that are, well, quirkier. Don't write the title of your script on the front cover or side binding; present action sequences using the "stacking action" style; in query letters and scripts alike, avoid "big blocks of black ink." Trottier's guidance--from character development and revision to queries and pitches--is invaluable. Getting in the door can seem impossible, but it's not, necessarily. "If you write a script that features a character who has a clear and specific goal," says Trottier, "where there is strong opposition to that goal leading to a crisis and an emotionally satisfying ending, your script will automatically find itself in the upper five percent."

(By the way, MOS is said to have "originated with German director Eric von Stroheim, who would tell his crew, 'Ve'll shoot dis mid out sound'"). --Jane Steinberg

The writing primer section presents all of the sreenwriting fundamentals. It's perfect for novices and a good review for professionals. The workbook asks hundreds of questions that I use to keep me on track. I love the Character/Action Grid--an excellent revision tool. The formatting guide is easy to understand--I like it much better than Cole and Haag's classic. The marketing plan is what's helping me the most right now; it's very focused. Obviously the author knows the business. The resources section includes all the contests, script consultants, software, etc.

It's not the last word on s! ! creenwriting, especially for old pros; but it guides you in every aspect of screenwriting in clear, concise language. And it covers the basics. The book is jam-packed with info you can use.


An Invaluable Reference Tool for Screenwriters   November 6, 2001
119 out of 121 found this review helpful

Want to know the difference between "O.S." (off-screen) and "V.O." (voiceover), and when to use each? How about that between "Intercut" and "Match Cut?" Then you want to buy "The Screenwriters Bible," script consultant David Trottier's encyclopedic reference on creating memorable characters, on storytelling, and especially on formatting. I am an optioned writer, who has written several scripts (and TV sitcoms), yet I find Trottier's work an invaluable reference.

"The Screenwriter's Bible" is also useful as a marketing tool, especially his sample project plan and action plan, which all writers will find useful as a template. Remember, your great spec script is a business proposal as much as anything else, for a project which will run well into 8 figures, in most cases. Approach it with the same care and attention to detail that you would if you were trying to sell your garage software development firm to Microsoft.

Unlike many "How-to" screenwriting books, Trottier's sample query letters are actually quite entertaining. If I were a Hollywood suit, I'd bite at the sample "Wizard of Oz" example.

This book won't tell you how to write a great story (that's something that really can't be taught), but it will help you get the mechanics of the trade down. There are many terrible scripts which have been made into movies, but virtually all of them (even those starring Pauly Shore) get the details correct.

In summation, if I had to pick just one screenwriting book, this would be my first choice.


FINALLY!   February 21, 2000
Stephen L. Priori (Trenton, NJ)
34 out of 36 found this review helpful

The only reason I gave this book 5 stars is because, frankly, I couldn't give it 6 stars. As a beginning screenwriter, I became very discouraged when I could not find any reference manuals on spec scripts. Many were formal production script manuals that gave you everything you didn't need to know for getting a spec script formated properly. I began thinking anyone interested in screen writing is already working for the production company who already buys scripts for production (There must be a "spec script fairly" out there somewhere). Before this book, there were actually times when I put my writing off for the simple fact that I would have a fear of getting stuck trying to figure out what to include and what not to format-wise and have it interfere with the creative process.

But know thanks to this "Bible," it gives every answer to every to every question asked by a beginning screen writer trying to get his or her spec script in the proper format to get into the market. And that's just for formatting. I haven't even started to look at the last two books of the Screenwriter's Bible on marketing and references and if it's anything like the previous ones, I should be able to find every avenue available for getting my script at least read.

The Screenwriter's Bible is sectioned off into different parts for the different processes of the getting your screenplay off the ground and does a great job doing it. Can't think of anything that was missed. Thank you David Trotteir! I only wish that Hollywood will be as fair as you are.


Tremendously useful but phenomenally disorganized!   December 23, 2005
R. Barbir
23 out of 25 found this review helpful

That's right, i took away 2 whole stars because of the author's lack of organization in the book. To be fair though, i also took some points away because his writing examples (using his own spec scripts) are so incredibly bad, they had me getting pissed off at the end of the book. So it's not just the organizational problem i'm upset about.

The book is really pretty useful and filled with valuable information about how to structure your story (using many examples of movies past) how to format your script (this time using the author's own writing as a reference) and finally, how to land an agent or sell a script on your own. All of those are really very informative and the author's style works well in getting his point across. I didn't have any trouble understanding the concepts he was presenting from the first page to the last. That's very good.

My problem was, like i've already said, with the lack of organization. Someone else mentionned this in another review but i'd like to say it again. The author has you constantly jumping from one page to the next and back. It's that way throughout the book! You start your read with the first few pages and already, you see things like "i suggest you jump ahead and take a look at this or that". Well, Mr. Trottier, maybe you should have prepared the book in such a way that i could just read it like any other book? Why the hell do i have to keep jumping back and forth because he refused to take the time to get the order right in the first place?? Maybe my next script should involve me indicating to the reader that they should jump to page 64 or they won't understand the plot. Or maybe not.

Second, anyone who actually believes the examples of the author's own writing are good probably don't have a shred of hope of ever becoming a writer. I'm no genius but it doesn't take one to figure out that his script samples reek of crap. The only thing they do effectively is get his point across.

I would suggest that those interested in starting to write buy this book, just don't make it your only book. Whatever you pick up from reading it will be incredibly hard to go back to because the whole thing is so disorganized. I've often found myself wanting to re-read something i knew he had written somewhere, but couldn't find it.


A Lot to Digest   June 5, 2000
yarden (portland, or)
26 out of 29 found this review helpful

Trottier's hook for The Screenwriter's Bible is that it's actually six books in one. Not bad for less than $20. Pretty much, this book includes everything you need to know about the screenwriting business -- especially if you're a rookie.

With six completely different books, it's easy to find the information you need to start on the road to screenwriting stardom. The sections cross-reference, so the book can be a tad bit repetitive at times, but this is useful as it grounds important facts into your brain.

One of the things I appreciated about this book was the information on writing for TV as well as the Silver Screen. I also appreciated the detailed treatment of that oh-so-important detail, STRUCTURE of your script.

Because of the price and the sheer amount of information included, I give this book five stars: good value, good information, pleasant writing -- a winner!