Resources to Help Develop and Write Your Screenplay

In our reviews of screenwriting software, we took a look at the apps for Windows and Mac users to help make writing a screenplay much easier. They included tools to help develop, rewrite, share, collaborate and more. However, there are resources available to teach screenwriting. Software goes a long way, but great instruction will help make you a better screenwriter.

Syd Field

If you’re a budding or established screenwriter, you’ve probably heard the name Syd Field before. He’s perhaps the best, most well-known screenwriting guru in the field, and his books, training videos, seminars, classes and websites have taught a countless number of people to write scripts. We’ve read other books on screenwriting, but Syd’s are the best.

Of the many books he’s written, we recommend starting off with “Screenplay: The Foundations of Screenwriting,” revised and re-released in 2005. This will teach you how to develop and write your story, characters and screenplay. This will serve as a foundation on which to build using screenwriting software.

His new edition of “The Screenwriter’s Workbook” (2006) will walk you through literally step-by-step as you write the screenplay, from the first 10 pages to the plot points, the three acts to the ending. If you ever felt lost while writing a screenplay, the “Workbook” will help you navigate through it, especially the second act.

His other books are worth a read, including “Four Screenplays,” where he reviews 4 key scripts (including “Terminator 2”) and interviews the writers; “Selling a Screenplay,” where he provides help to get that script sold and made; “The Screenwriter’s Problem Solver,” which is a valuable tool to help get over certain common and vexing issues that might pop up; and “Going to the Movies,” Syd’s journey through four decades of film.

Though it’s out of print, try to find a DVD or VHS copy of “Syd Field’s Screenwriting Workshop,” which is just like attending one of his classes or seminars. Make sure you visit his website for more information on all his teaching tools, blog and those classes and seminars.

StoryWeaver

StoryWeaver is an affordable screenwriting software app for both Mac and Windows users, developed by Melanie Anne Phillips, who wrote “The Story Mind” and co-created the writing software Dramatica.

StoryWeaver screenwriting software allows all types of creative writers to develop their ideas, stories, characters and more, to help you write your screenplay or even a novel. You interact with the software, writing down your ideas and developing your characters, till you can work out the story into a solid narrative. It also helps you solve some potential character and plot problems that may emerge while you’re working.

The screenwriting software is extremely affordable at $29.95, and it’s helped me develop some scripts. You can get a lot of the same development tools by reading Syd Field’s books, but StoryWeaver is pretty comprehensive. Sometimes it can be a little overwhelming when you’re spending a lot of time on just a few cards, and there’s 200 to go through. But overall, it’s a great tool to work on your story.

Websites

In addition to Syd Field’s website, other great online resources include major screenwriter John August’s website. He wrote “Go,” “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” and others. Not only does he give great advice on writing, but he also offers tips on things like how to get your foot in the door and how to budget yourself if you get the big advance from a studio.

Another website to check out is Wordplayer.com, run by Ted Elliot and Terry Rossio, the writers behind the “Pirates of the Caribbean” movies. Their site features essays on screenwriting and user forums to interact with other writers. Francis Ford Coppola’s Zoetrope is another great site where you can get reviews from other screenwriters. It also features a wealth of other filmmaking information and resources.

You should also be visiting the Writers Guild of America, West and East websites. The WGA is the official union for screenwriters and TV writers – and even if you aren’t eligible for membership yet, you can register your screenplay for protection. They also provide a wealth of information, links, lists of good agents and more. It’s definitely a place you should visit often.

Lastly, even if you have WGA protection, you may want to copyright the project through the U.S. Copyright Office. This will provide even more protection for your screenplay.

Other

There are other books, such as those by Robert McKee, though we have enjoyed Syd Field’s the best. Screenwriting magazines are another great resource, featuring interviews with major and indie film writers. These include Creative Screenwriting and Script. There are other websites to check out, along with film festivals and contests to enter your screenplay to possibly win money and other prizes.

There are services out there that claim to help you get your script to an agent or a major Hollywood studio or producer. Be careful of these, because many of them don’t guarantee anything, but you pay a fee nonetheless.

This is only the tip of the iceberg for screenwriting resources in print, online and video. As we said above, the screenwriting software helps with the formatting, writing, rewriting and sharing your screenplay, but these tools will help instruct you in understanding the script and the craft of screenwriting.

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