21st-Century Screenplay: A Comprehensive Guide to Writing Tomorrow's Films

Like I said: Excellent screenwriting guide.

I’ve read a dozen really fantastic screenwriting books in the last year. This one is also pretty good in general. However, where it really stands apart is the incredibly detailed look at nonlinear and multiple protagonist structures, which I have not seen in any other books.I happened across this book when I was googling info because I realized the story I’m working on should be told as an ensemble piece and realizing I didn’t really know how to structure it. This book offers that info and much more. The other structures are not needed for my current project, but I read about them anyway out of curiosity. It really helped me understand some of the movie examples she provides a lot better and see the structure I don’t think I could have figured out on my own. It also inspired me to look back at these structures when I’m looking for new ways to tell a story that may not be working as a classic linear story.

This book is incredibly dry, but if you want your screenplay to have better structure, organization and a reason for flashing back, you'll read it.What this book won't tell you: How to format, how to develop characters, or how to sell your screenplay. What it will do is explain when and how to use structure in various ways to create more interesting stories.After a lengthy explanation of the writer's terminology. the 21st Century Screenplay delves headlong into the art of advanced storytelling for film. Samples of both good and bad uses of complex structure are introduced and analyzed.

After reading tons of reviews of other screenwriting how-to books, I've finally found a book by an author who understands the nuances that make a great story, and offers practical methods to help a writer reach that goal. What really makes Ms. Aronson's book so refreshing is that she seems to have a great respect for ALL types of storytelling, and has taken the time to explain several story structures and how to write each of them in the best way possible. That certainly doesn't mean the task of writing a great screenplay is easy (she makes this point quite clear). Still, with Ms. Aronson's guidance and technical expertise, the finished product and the experience getting there, will be very rewarding.

I've been reading and rereading this for about a month and I can honestly say this is the most complete book on screenwriting I've ever seen. Aronson doesn't pull any punches, doesn't make it seem easy, doesn't overcomplicate things. What she does do is provide an honest, sometimes brutal explanation of what is needed, what is often omitted, what is done wrong, and what you can do to fix it. This is not a book for someone seeking affirmation about their talent, hoping to find a shortcut to success as a screenwriter, or unable to accept criticism. But it is a book for the serious screenwriter to use to polish their craft.

Like the other reviewer, I am shocked that more people have not posted 5 star reviews for this book. It is far and away the best. Just look at her table of contents and read a sample chapter and you'll see for yourself. She does not just provide checklists of what should be in a good screenplay, she provides incisive analyses and examples that help you understand how to write and rewrite your own screenplay. She also devotes many chapters to explaining non-linear plot structures. I discovered her book when I googled this topic. I wish I had discovered this book a lot earlier. I would not have wasted my money on more highly touted, but far less useful books, e.g., Save the Cat, Your Screenplay Sucks, etc. Aronson covers ideas from other good how-to writers, e.g., The Writer's Journey by Chris Vogler. Check out Aronson's website. She is a fantastic teacher!

This fits my new MacAir 2019. It looks good but the corner where we had to touch it wouldn't lay fully flat/adhered to screen by the time the rest of it laid down flat. :/

I've read tons of screenwriting books and have to say this one stands apart. It doesn't cover the same old subjects the same old way. It looks at ways to approach structure and theme with sound examples and really got me over the hump on areas I was stuck. Strongly recommend giving this one a read. It's a big book and one you can bookmark sections and revisit as needed.

Having got a sample on kindle, I quickly perused the pages to see if it was worthy of a full purchase.I am delighted to report that I, personally, think it is. I am aware there are many books of this nature on the market, but to my knowledge, this is one of the few that deals with the modern age. ( I bought my first in the late 70s!)It is a little complex and although this was written in 2010 it is still relevant. I am only 7% through the book but already have a better understanding of my thought processes. For the kindle price it really is a good investment.On the negative side, some of the diagrams are not on the same page as the text that mentions them. (This is a minor quibble. I suspect this can be corrected by adjusting my page format?)Having said that, this is a bargain for those serious about the craft of screenwriting. I may update this review at a later date but for now, I would say, it is indispensable and highly recommended. Nuggets are to be found within its pages.

As a beginner in trying to write a film script, I found the contents of this book most helpful. It showed me where was going wrong and the best way to put it right.

A cracking, detailed & refreshing guide to storytellers in film and elsewhere, and a welcome break from the endless Hero's Quest model. Thoroughly recommended.

Another good read for me. Up there with John Yorke's book Into the Woods as an essential text to guide and give practical information for aspiring and emerging screenwriters.

Linda is a leader in script writing, I read this for my course, and will continue to do so even after graduation. If you are serious as a screen writer, yoj have to get this book!