Write a great script & get it into the hands of the Hollywood players! So you want to be a screenwriter? Whether you want to write a feature film or a TV script or adapt your favorite book this friendly guide gives you expert advice in everything from creating your story & developing memorable characters to formatting your script & selling it to the studios. You get savvy industry tips & strategies for getting your screenplay noticed! * The screenwriting process from A to Z -- from developing a concept & thinking visually to plotline conflicts pacing & the conclusion * Craft living breathing characters -- from creating the backstory to letting your characters speak to balancing dialogue with action * Turn your story into a script -- from developing an outline & getting over writer's block to formatting your screenplay & handling rewrites * Prepare for Hollywood -- from understanding the players & setting your expectations to polishing your copy & protecting your work * Sell your script to the industry -- from preparing your pitch & finding an agent to meeting with executives & making a deal Open the book & find: * The latest on the biz from entertainment blogs to top agents to box office jargon * New story examples from recently released films * Tips on character development a story's time clock dramatic structure & dialogue * New details on developing the nontraditional screenplay -- from musicals to animation to high dramatic style * Expanded information on adaptation & collaboration with examples from successful screenwriting duos