WRITER RESOURCES

[Book] Considered by many a sacred tome on screenwriting, Syd Field kicks it old school to show us how it's done. While his III-Act approach may turn off art-house writers - it's crucial to embrace story arc & resolution, in order to deviate. Great for all Writers, Actors, & Directors.
[Book] Blake Snyder is the Dr. Robert Langdon of the screenwriting world, 'cause it seems he's cracked "The Da Vinci Code". He's the Jay-Z with money-making blueprints. You wanna sell your script or reinvent genres? Start with his emotional, primal backbone & let 'er rip.
[Book] Viki King holds your hand while you birth your screenplay in 21 days. Seriously - it's doable. Did I finish my first script in 21 days? Uh, no. Try a year. No worries; this book will help you set goals & show you how to defeat your worst enemy - yourself.
[Book] William Akers holds your script for hostage - at gunpoint. Don't worry, he means well! This may be the best bootcamp you can put your script through. If you follow his lead - your work will smell like roses (or at least not suck as much.)
[Book] Denny Martin Flinn wants you to learn from 1000's of chumps. He's seen it all and splays out amateur foibles for your benefit and delight. His advice accompanies snippets of fantastic and horrible scripts to drive it home. Do it.
[Book] This l'il ditty is an accessible jaunt into great principles. Alexis Niki gives you 101 taut screenwriting tips around 2 pages each so you can finish it at your leisure. These brisk maxims keep your story on track - for the new & seasoned writer alike.
[Book] Madeline Dimaggio has sold over 40 hours of scripts for teleplay, so you'd better listen up. We cruise an overview of structures, but it's strongest when exposing the expected demands of each medium (sitcom, 1 Hr. Drama, etc.) Great advice for breaking into TV.
[Book] While Judaic or Protestant theology may not be your 'bag', the influence of spirituality upon Hollywood projects cannot be denied. This ripe history lesson also doubles as a pragmatic approach to exploring the wondrous cosmos without drowning in sap.
[Book] Kathie Fong Yoneda gives clear, concise instructions on the aftermath of finishing your script. Do I need an agent? Manager? Attorney? How does one catch these elusive creatures? Helpful tips abound, especially etiquette during conferences & pitching to execs...
[Book] EVERY - ARTIST - SHALL - READ - THINE - TEXT. Don't screw yourself over. Peter Jason Riley does a fine job explaining common tax write-offs for artists using laymans terms, and keeps things light. Once you start making money - you'll need this book.
[Book] Ah - the nebulous art of film funding... Where does it come from? Why should I bother? I'm a just a dark & mysterious artist - why trouble myself with business matters? Well, if you're going to film it yourself, you BECOME a business - that's why.
[Book] Donald Miller frames apologetics & life lessons using tropes of screenwriting. While you may not agree with his theology, his real-life examples of embracing conflict will help you manifest better stories, & may just inspire positive changes in your own life...
[Blog] Julie Gray puts some positive pep in your screenwriting step. She's in charge of the venerable Script Department Script Consultation & Silver Screenwriting Competition, and you can watch her blog for helpful hints, or even participate in mini-contests to hone your skill.
[Blog] Legendary Screenwriter John August (Corpse Bride, Big Fish, Charlie & The Chocolate Factory) is kind enough to air out his thoughts in blog form, for the benefit of all mankind. You would be wise to read every morsel he has to say, because he's been there - done that.
[Film] Full of sardonic wit & sharp performances - this gem of a feature is (according to Director Jake Kasdan) an accurate portrayal of the chaos of pilot season, & the true colors of network television. Required viewing for any Writer, Director or Actor...
[Film] Not only prescient when predicting the "shock jock" news circus to hound TVs in the coming decades - this film is a brilliant piece of screenwriting chock full of moving performances. If you have an ounce of curiosity about the inner-workings of television - it's a must see.
[Film] Michel Gondry + Charlie Kaufman = Dy-no-mite! Who else can assemble a love story about couples erasing memories of each other? The bliss here is the memory loss is not a gimmick - it truly does alter, guide & influence the plot. I'm smitten.
[Film] Ready for a mind$%#@? If the terrific ensemble cast doesn't reel you in, the self-aware story within-a-story will leave your mind chewing the limits of sanity & scriptwriting structure for days... Soak it up & let it simmer - if you're a kiddie, look elsewhere...
[Blog] "Learn How To F&#@ing Spell" by Paddy Donnelly is a hilarious & poignant way of learning the building blocks of grammar for screenwriters. Raw, unflinching & beautifully rendered, you can't go wrong. Back to the basics, baby!
[Podcast] Creative Screenwriting Magazine is priceless - literally! It's free! You have no reason NOT to listen to it! You'll learn volumes listening to published writers: how they broke in, their writing process, their battles - it's wonderful.
[Podcast] Apple's "Set-To-Screen" series is a well-produced overview of the key members of a film production, and details precisely what those people get paid for. Baz Luhrmann walks us through movie magic; highly recommended, especially for those new to film sets.
[Software] Montage is the reigning champ to help you compose your opus. Need to minimize distractions? Try the 'Full Screen' mode. How about smart searches based on custom tags? This little Macintosh gem keeps it simple and elegant - get it!
[Software] The Hit List for Mac by Potion Factory is my preferred method for outlining. Why? Because I can easily type in scenes, drag to rearrange, & add check boxes (I use it for proofreading checklists as well!) Gravy on top? It syncs with the iPhone. I know. It's frickin' amazing.
[Software] "Screenplay" for iPhone is a sweet little app for working out scripts on the go. You can import documents, or export wirelessly in simple text or Final Cut format to their server or your own. Now you really have no excuse not to write... right?
[Software] Trip Cubby is an amazing mileage-tracking application for an iPhone / iPod Touch. As most artists know, mileage is usually one of biggest deductions we can claim for taxes, & this great little log replaces that crappy paper stuffed in your glove box. Get it!
[Software] The partner iPhone app for the Blue "Mikey" Mic, "FiRe - Field Recording" gives you pro-level control of your sound bytes on the go. After recording, you can wirelessly upload all high-fidelity formats to a custom FTP or Soundcloud. Incredible.
[Hardware] The "Mikey" Microphone for the iPhone is the perfect field mic to use with the "Field Recorder" app. Need to record a screenplay thoughts in your car? Done. Capture dialogue from a script read? Cake. Blue is a leader in affordable tech + sound innovation - dig it.
[Film Seminar] Michael Ray Brown has a ton of film credits under his belt; allow him to spackle your screenplay's holes through this seminar. My favorite part about the DVD is that he gives you principles, & backs each recommendation up with a real example. True that.
[Book] On deck...
[Magazine] On deck...

[Book] Considered by many a sacred tome on screenwriting, Syd Field kicks it old school to show us how it's done. While his III-Act approach may turn off art-house writers - it's crucial to embrace story arc & resolution, in order to deviate. Great for all Writers, Actors, & Directors.

[Book] Blake Snyder is the Dr. Robert Langdon of the screenwriting world, 'cause it seems he's cracked "The Da Vinci Code". He's the Jay-Z with money-making blueprints. You wanna sell your script or reinvent genres? Start with his emotional, primal backbone & let 'er rip.

[Book] Viki King holds your hand while you birth your screenplay in 21 days. Seriously - it's doable. Did I finish my first script in 21 days? Uh, no. Try a year. No worries; this book will help you set goals & show you how to defeat your worst enemy - yourself.

[Book] William Akers holds your script for hostage - at gunpoint. Don't worry, he means well! This may be the best bootcamp you can put your script through. If you follow his lead - your work will smell like roses (or at least not suck as much.)

[Book] Denny Martin Flinn wants you to learn from 1000's of chumps. He's seen it all and splays out amateur foibles for your benefit and delight. His advice accompanies snippets of fantastic and horrible scripts to drive it home. Do it.

[Book] This l'il ditty is an accessible jaunt into great principles. Alexis Niki gives you 101 taut screenwriting tips around 2 pages each so you can finish it at your leisure. These brisk maxims keep your story on track - for the new & seasoned writer alike.

[Book] Madeline Dimaggio has sold over 40 hours of scripts for teleplay, so you'd better listen up. We cruise an overview of structures, but it's strongest when exposing the expected demands of each medium (sitcom, 1 Hr. Drama, etc.) Great advice for breaking into TV.

[Book] While Judaic or Protestant theology may not be your 'bag', the influence of spirituality upon Hollywood projects cannot be denied. This ripe history lesson also doubles as a pragmatic approach to exploring the wondrous cosmos without drowning in sap.

[Book] Kathie Fong Yoneda gives clear, concise instructions on the aftermath of finishing your script. Do I need an agent? Manager? Attorney? How does one catch these elusive creatures? Helpful tips abound, especially etiquette during conferences & pitching to execs...

[Book] EVERY - ARTIST - SHALL - READ - THINE - TEXT. Don't screw yourself over. Peter Jason Riley does a fine job explaining common tax write-offs for artists using laymans terms, and keeps things light. Once you start making money - you'll need this book.

[Book] Ah - the nebulous art of film funding... Where does it come from? Why should I bother? I'm a just a dark & mysterious artist - why trouble myself with business matters? Well, if you're going to film it yourself, you BECOME a business - that's why.

[Book] Donald Miller frames apologetics & life lessons using tropes of screenwriting. While you may not agree with his theology, his real-life examples of embracing conflict will help you manifest better stories, & may just inspire positive changes in your own life...

[Blog] Julie Gray puts some positive pep in your screenwriting step. She's in charge of the venerable Script Department Script Consultation & Silver Screenwriting Competition, and you can watch her blog for helpful hints, or even participate in mini-contests to hone your skill.

[Blog] Legendary Screenwriter John August (Corpse Bride, Big Fish, Charlie & The Chocolate Factory) is kind enough to air out his thoughts in blog form, for the benefit of all mankind. You would be wise to read every morsel he has to say, because he's been there - done that.

[Film] Full of sardonic wit & sharp performances - this gem of a feature is (according to Director Jake Kasdan) an accurate portrayal of the chaos of pilot season, & the true colors of network television. Required viewing for any Writer, Director or Actor...

[Film] Not only prescient when predicting the "shock jock" news circus to hound TVs in the coming decades - this film is a brilliant piece of screenwriting chock full of moving performances. If you have an ounce of curiosity about the inner-workings of television - it's a must see.

[Film] Michel Gondry + Charlie Kaufman = Dy-no-mite! Who else can assemble a love story about couples erasing memories of each other? The bliss here is the memory loss is not a gimmick - it truly does alter, guide & influence the plot. I'm smitten.

[Film] Ready for a mind$%#@? If the terrific ensemble cast doesn't reel you in, the self-aware story within-a-story will leave your mind chewing the limits of sanity & scriptwriting structure for days... Soak it up & let it simmer - if you're a kiddie, look elsewhere...

[Blog] "Learn How To F&#@ing Spell" by Paddy Donnelly is a hilarious & poignant way of learning the building blocks of grammar for screenwriters. Raw, unflinching & beautifully rendered, you can't go wrong. Back to the basics, baby!

[Podcast] Creative Screenwriting Magazine is priceless - literally! It's free! You have no reason NOT to listen to it! You'll learn volumes listening to published writers: how they broke in, their writing process, their battles - it's wonderful.

[Podcast] Apple's "Set-To-Screen" series is a well-produced overview of the key members of a film production, and details precisely what those people get paid for. Baz Luhrmann walks us through movie magic; highly recommended, especially for those new to film sets.

[Software] Montage is the reigning champ to help you compose your opus. Need to minimize distractions? Try the 'Full Screen' mode. How about smart searches based on custom tags? This little Macintosh gem keeps it simple and elegant - get it!

[Software] The Hit List for Mac by Potion Factory is my preferred method for outlining. Why? Because I can easily type in scenes, drag to rearrange, & add check boxes (I use it for proofreading checklists as well!) Gravy on top? It syncs with the iPhone. I know. It's frickin' amazing.

[Software] "Screenplay" for iPhone is a sweet little app for working out scripts on the go. You can import documents, or export wirelessly in simple text or Final Cut format to their server or your own. Now you really have no excuse not to write... right?

[Software] Trip Cubby is an amazing mileage-tracking application for an iPhone / iPod Touch. As most artists know, mileage is usually one of biggest deductions we can claim for taxes, & this great little log replaces that crappy paper stuffed in your glove box. Get it!

[Software] The partner iPhone app for the Blue "Mikey" Mic, "FiRe - Field Recording" gives you pro-level control of your sound bytes on the go. After recording, you can wirelessly upload all high-fidelity formats to a custom FTP or Soundcloud. Incredible.

[Hardware] The "Mikey" Microphone for the iPhone is the perfect field mic to use with the "Field Recorder" app. Need to record a screenplay thoughts in your car? Done. Capture dialogue from a script read? Cake. Blue is a leader in affordable tech + sound innovation - dig it.

[Film Seminar] Michael Ray Brown has a ton of film credits under his belt; allow him to spackle your screenplay's holes through this seminar. My favorite part about the DVD is that he gives you principles, & backs each recommendation up with a real example. True that.

[Book] On deck...

[Magazine] On deck...