Screenwriting Fundamentals: The Art and Craft of Visual Writing takes a step-by-step approach to screenwriting, starting with a blank page and working through each element of the craft. Written in an approachable anecdote-infused style that's full of humor, Bauer shows the writer how to put the pieces together, taking the process of screenwriting out of the cerebral and on to the page. Part One of the book covers character, location, time-frame and dialogue, emphasizing the particularity in writing for a visual medium. Part Two of the book focuses on the narrative aspect of screenwriting. Proceeding incrementally from the idea and story outline, through plotting and writing the treatment, the workshop-in-a-book concludes with writing the First Draft. A unique emphasis on the visual elements of storytelling because the camera is always present-the screenplay must act as a guide for the director and the editor. A "workshop in a book" approach that walks the reader step-by-step through a screenplay-focusing on character, location, time frame, visual components, and transitions-with plenty of exercises that generate material for the narrative writing process. A process-oriented approach, combined with a lighthearted tone and approachable style, that allows the reader to ease into the daunting task of writing a First Draft and takes them all the way through to the end- First Draft in hand.

Screenwriting Fundamentals: The Art and Craft of Visual Writing takes a step-by-step approach to screenwriting, starting with a blank page and working through each element of the craft. Written in an approachable anecdote-infused style that’s full of humor, Bauer shows the writer how to put the pieces together, taking the process of screenwriting out of the cerebral and on to the page. Part One of the book covers character, location, time-frame and dialogue, emphasizing the particularity in writing for a visual medium. Part Two of the book focuses on the narrative aspect of screenwriting. Proceeding incrementally from the idea and story outline, through plotting and writing the treatment, the workshop-in-a-book concludes with writing the First Draft.

A unique emphasis on the visual elements of storytelling because the camera is always present—the screenplay must act as a guide for the director and the editor.

A "workshop in a book" approach that walks the reader step-by-step through a screenplay—focusing on character, location, time frame, visual components, and transitions—with plenty of exercises that generate material for the narrative writing process.

A process-oriented approach, combined with a lighthearted tone and approachable style, that allows the reader to ease into the daunting task of writing a First Draft and takes them all the way through to the end— First Draft in hand.

Table of Contents

EDITOR’S NOTE

FOREWORD BY MICHAEL RADFORD

INTRODUCTION—ON BEING A WRITER

PART I - The Gathering Phase

Chapter 1 - Character, Location, Time Frame

The Arbitrary Character

Character Leads to Story

Script Example

Character Bio

Location

Time Frame

Personal History

Student Exercise Examples

Exercise #1

Chapter 2 - Character Out Loud—Dialogue

Sources of Dialogue

Monologue

Script Examples

Student Exercise Examples

The Character’s Own Sweet Song

Exercise #2

Chapter 3 - The Visual Component—I

Film Form—Screenplay Format

Dialogue in Film Form—Second Character

Script Example

Screenwriting—The Recipe

Student Exercise Examples

Exercise #3

Chapter 4 - The Visual Component—II

A Scene without Dialogue

Script Example—1

Script Example—2

Student Exercise Examples

Exercise #4

Chapter 5 - The Transition

The Transition Defined

A Coat of Many Colors

Script Examples

Exercise #5

PART II - The Narrative Arc

Review

Chapter 6 - The Idea

The Background of Film

Narrow Your Focus

The Mechanics of Storytelling

Set Up, Build, Pay Off

Questioning

Student Exercise Examples

Exercise #6

Chapter 7 - Story—Step Outline

What Is Story?

Step Outline Defined

Creating the Skeleton

Student Exercise Examples

Questioning Your Work

Evolution of an Idea

Exercise #7

Chapter 8 - Plotting the Story—I

Flesh on the Skeleton

The Opening Scene

Script Example

The Bridge

The African Queen—Opening Scene

Plot the Opening Scene

Student Exercise Examples

Exercise #8

Chapter 9 - Treatment—Plotting the Story—II

What Is a Treatment?

Connecting the Bridges

Basic Dramatic Elements

Step Back and Question

Questions to Ask Yourself

Student Exercise Examples

Recap—Treatment

Exercise #9

Chapter 10 - First Draft Short Screenplay

Fulfilling the Treatment

The First Draft Screenplay

Student Exercise Examples

Exercise #10

PROTECTING YOUR SCRIPT

NOTES TO MY WRITERS

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

INDEX