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Screenwriting gurus and so-called experts

Episode - 15

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December 6, 2011 Books, Scriptnotes, Transcribed, Videogames

Craig and John look at why the books and seminars purporting to teach screenwriting are generally terrible, trying to reduce the hard work of the craft to a series of formulas and templates.

It’s a rare podcast in which I sway Craig’s opinion whatsoever, but if you listen really carefully, I think he leaves the show just slightly less negative about screenwriting books than he started. It’s all about degrees with Craig.

Plus, we get a visit from the LAPD, follow-up on residuals, and a bit more about unionizing videogame writers.

LINKS:

  • Crime rates in Los Angeles (Wolfram-Alpha)
  • Syd Field’s classic book Screenplay.
  • Christopher Volger’s The Writer’s Journey
  • Stuart’s review of Vogler’s book
  • Linda Seger’s Making a Good Script Great

(Note that none of the books listed above are actually recommended. But we talk about them, so it feels fair to provide links.)

  • Intro: Jem and the Holograms
  • Outro: Exquisite Corpse by Casey Spooner

You can download the episode here: AAC.

UPDATE 12-13-11: The transcript of this episode can be found here.

Related Posts

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  2. Those who can’t write, teach seminars
  3. Book before the script?

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