This article explores academic and industry perspectives on the use of dialect, slang, and historical language in screenwriting. It offers a chronological overview of major screenwriting manuals' treatment of dialect and slang (or lack thereof) 1946-2020. It then presents survey data of 53 currently-practicing screenwriters' views on working with…

Chooses three "scripts" for experimental films by the Toronto filmmaker Mike Hoolboom, who uses texts in his films in diverse and challenging ways. Describes the role of text and voice in these experimental scripts. Notes that these scripts are used in a screenwriting course. (PA)

Instructs writing students on how to verbally present their ideas. Points out that success in screenwriting depends not only on how well scripts are written but also how well screenwriters sell themselves and their scripts. Adds comments for instructors who want to teach pitching as part of a scriptwriting course. (PD)

Examines similarities and differences between writing short, live-action narrative films and writing feature films. Examines market influence, budget, structure, and story factors. Describes useful procedures for inclusion in a scriptwriting class. (KEH)

Designed to guide students through the process of writing a film script, this book is an analysis of eight classic screenplays and one novel written in cinematic style, which may serve as models for screenwriting. Each chapter in the book, except the last, is devoted to one script emphasizing a certain aspect of screenwriting. The focus is on how…

Suggests a number of helpful resources, including textbooks, published and unpublished screenplays, contemporary critical writing, screenplay competitions, contact with industry professionals, and software programs for the screenwriter. (PD)

Reviews the selection of screenwriting texts as well as other material available to the screenwriter teacher and screenwriter. Focuses on writing materials for film and prime time television only. (KEH)

Describes a production-oriented course designed to give students experience in writing for film and knowledge of screenwriting techniques and film planning activities. (PD)

Defines and analyzes the ideological conditions which motivate a writer to conclude a screenplay with an open ending. Questions whether screenwriting instructors in the 1990s should encourage their students to write nonclassical Hollywood cinema endings. (KEH)

Presents a course in film planning (preproduction made up of the following units: (1) evaluating the concept; (2) preparing the script; (3) budgeting; and (4) financing. Includes readings for each unit. (PD)

Presents a sample of college and university screenwriting programs for writers and directors. Includes opinions of faculty and professionals in the field of writing on the specific objectives of screenwriting courses, as well as methods of teaching. (JMF)

Argues that contemporary screenwriters have much to learn from journalism and from theater, especially in the move away from the linearity of the high-concept film to a richer, more complex screen story. Examines the writing skills and techniques of journalist and playwrights in developing both foreground and background stories. (KEH)

Bound in a slipcover rather than in signatures, this "book" is made up of thirteen separately bound booklets. The first booklet is an introduction to the use of film in the classroom both in teaching the filmic art and in increasing the visual literacy of students on the high school and early college levels. The twelve other booklets each treat a…

Intended as a guide for research in the literature of film, this book lists publications that range from early film writings to books published through mid-1977. Entries are listed alphabetically by author or by title, and are numbered sequentially within the following sections: guides and handbooks, dictionaries and encyclopedias, annuals and…