Praise for Why Does the Screenwriter Cross the Road?
“Why Does the Screenwriter Cross the Road? is both smart and smartass. It takes an unusual long-range approach to screenwriting that is irresistible.”
—Charlie Rubin, writer: Law & Order: Criminal Intent, Seinfeld, In Living Color; professor: NYU Department of Dramatic Writing
“Why Does the Screenwriter Cross the Road? is the most complete and honest book about the process of screenwriting I’ve ever read. It will inspire you, guide you, and galvanize you to write the screenplay you’ve always wanted to write.”
—Michael Pressman, Emmy-winning director and showrunner: Chicago Hope, Picket Fences, Blue Bloods, Justified, Law & Order
“If you are writing, thinking about writing, or rewriting a script, buy this wonderful book. It will help you write your best movie.”
—Jacquelyn Reingold, writer/producer: In Treatment, Smash, Grace & Frankie
“A unique, insightful guide not only to writing a screenplay, but to your own creative process as well!”
— Chad Gervich, writer/producer: After Lately, Cupcake Wars, Dog With a Blog, Wipeout; author: How To Manage Your Agent; Small Screen, Big Picture
“It is brilliantly organized, splendidly written, and essential to read. This book is written with the savvy that accrues from years of writing and teaching experience and with the compassion and generosity that comes from remembering how it was to have only hopes and dreams.”
—Hal Ackerman, author: Write Screenplays That Sell: The Ackerman Way; UCLA screenwriting professor and department chair
“This book is like having a pal along on the journey, a pal who can offer lots of great practical advice while helping you avoid the traps and pitfalls. Joe Gilford possesses an uncanny ability to condense the complexities of dramatic writing into simple truths.”
—John Tintori, award-nominated director and film editor; professor, NYU graduate film department
“In a world overflowing with screenwriting books, Gilford opens up new doors to both experienced and new screenwriters. He will make you smarter when it comes to crafting your screenplays.”
—DB Gilles, author: Writers Rehab: A 12-Step for Screenwriters . . . ; screenwriting professor: NYU
“Don’t cross the road without this book. Gilford is a talented writer, a great teacher, and a very funny man. The proof is on every page of this highly enjoyable and very practical guide to the art and craft of the screenwriting trade.”
—Paul Thompson, screenwriting professor: NYU
“Whether you’re a seasoned pro or an anxious beginner, prepare yourself to be entertained and enlightened by one of the best in the biz.”
—Tim Albaugh, director: MFA Screenwriting & TV program, Hollins University; UCLA screenwriting professor
“Gilford’s book is packed full of insights that will have you reevaluating exactly what writing a screenplay is.”
—Tom Farr, editor: tomfarrwriter.blogspot.com
“Joe Gilford takes you on a journey across the road, showing you all the screenwriting sites in the process. It’s definitely a journey worth taking.”
—Matthew Terry, screenwriter, filmmaker, teacher
“Joe Gilford gives you all the tools you need to create a powerhouse script. Think of this book as a basic recipe for a delicious screenplay. Each chapter describes an ingredient and why you need to use it. Exercises along the way are where you get to taste what you have created so far. Once you reach the end you will have learned how to serve up a savory story that will leave people wanting more. Grab a copy of this book now and start cookin’ on your screenplay!”
—Forris Day Jr., ScaredStiffReviews.com
WHY DOES THE
Screenwriter Cross the Road?
+ OTHER SCREENWRITING SECRETS
JOE GILFORD
Published by Michael Wiese Productions
12400 Ventura Blvd. #1111
Studio City, CA 91604
(818) 379-8799, (818) 986-3408 (Fax)
www.mwp.com Manufactured in the United States of America
Copyright © 2015 Joe Gilford
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any means without permission in writing from the publisher, except for the inclusion of brief quotations in a review.
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Gilford, Joe, 1952–
Why does the screenwriter cross the road? . . . and other screenwriting secrets / Joe Gilford.
pages cm
ISBN 978-1-61593-223-8
1. Motion picture authorship. 2. Motion picture authorship--Vocational guidance. I. Title.
PN1996.G415 2015
808.2’3—dc23
2014037944
Cover design by Johnny Ink. johnnyink.com Interior design by Debbie Berne Copyediting by Gary Sunshine
HOW TO USE THIS BOOK
• If you’ve been gazing at the same unfinished script for more than one year, then this book will help you start over without throwing everything away. This is an easy way to get back in the saddle.
• If you’re a film student — DIVE IN. Although this is a distillation of teaching young filmmakers at NYU since 1999, it is a nonacademic and highly practical guide to getting started, staying with it, and finishing your script, regardless of length.
• If you are a first-time screenwriter, this book is a basic guide to the fundamentals of writing a professional screenplay. Read the whole book and combine it with your overall learning experience.
• If you teach screenwriting, this book will be a good text for second-, third-, and fourth-year undergrads or any level MFA fellows. Use chapters 1 through 6 primarily. However, the entire book contains an insightful overview of practical methods of developing a strong screen story.
• If you’ve been a screenwriter for some time, you can use this book to refresh your knowledge of why you started doing it in the first place. Rediscover what it is that makes your work unique. Pay special attention to chapters 2 through 6.
• If you are a script analyst, a reader, or a development professional, the entire book can be useful in revealing ideas about screenwriting and storytelling other than simple salability. Here is a different way of understanding the successful screen or television story beyond commercial viability. Pay special attention to chapters 2 through 6.
CONTENTS