I Liked It, Didn't Love It: Screenplay Development From the Inside Out

I think this is the most useful resource I have ever read that explains the development process and how studio works. The book shows actual examples of coverage, development notes, and step by step guidance on pitching an idea. Reading Robert McKee, Syd Field, and Blake Snyder is good to actually write the story but it doesn't teach you how to position and actually sell your script but this book does. A very well written book and HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for screenwriters and people who want to become creative executives at production companies and studios.

As a writer who has yet to sell a script, I've been told snippets of the information in this book by my agent and manager, but I never had the whole picture of what happens when my script leaves my hands. It was both sobering and comforting to get what sounds like a very accurate description. I also see now what I did--both right and wrong--the time a script of mine, a romantic comedy, went out and didn't sell but got me meetings. There is a useful diagram of the Hollywood food chain, descriptions of the different players and what makes each tick, and on a bonus creative note, a seemingly simplistic but ultimately quite useful template for finding and fleshing out new story ideas. I have a lot of books about scrrenwriting, but none explains the business as well as this one. It was also an entertaining read. Thanks Rona!Lisa Rothstein[...]

As a screenwriting and film instructor and a former development executive, I Liked It, I Didn't Love It has been required reading for my students for the last few years. It succinctly breaks down the development process for film and television, and demystifies the role of the studio executive. For my screenwriting students, I use this book as part of my "Next Steps" lecture to help them understand the path a script travels when it gets optioned or sold. I also use it to teach students interested in creative development or producing to give an overview of the roles of the key players and the routes projects travel on the road to production and distribution. It is the best road map of the business I know of. Anyone starting out as an intern or assistant in Hollywood must read this book.

This book is marvelous in that it clearly shows new writers what will happen to their material once it is ready for Hollywood. There's movie history and present day information. Edwards & Skerbelis really know their stuff and share it with you in a very readable and understandable way. All screenwriters need to have this knowledge to work in the Hollywood system. Finding out how the "development" of your screenplay will happen is fascinating and eye-opening. This book belongs in your arsenal! Michele Wallerstein, Author, screenplay & novel consultant Mind Your Business: A Hollywood Literary Agent's Guide To Your Writing Career

This book is, beyond a doubt, one of the most comprehensive and revealing books on the business of film that has ever been written. If you must "know thy enemy" in order to triumph, then you need to purchase, read, and re-read this book.The bookshelves and internet are overflowing with "How-To's" instructing the aspiring writer on how to conceive, write, and perfect their screenplay, but not many tell you what will happen to it once it is submitted and considered. This book does just that.Thank you to Ms. Edwards and Ms. Skerbelis for lifting the veil on a subject that has stayed so mysterious for far too long.

Can't imagine a book that had a more appropriate title...

I could be wrong, but I think this may be one of the only books that focuses on development. Well written. The authors are extremely knowledgeable. I recommend this book to all of my screenwriting students.

kind of fun, behind the scenes view of the biz. it gets lost a bit in the weeds, however. but an enjoyable read.

A lot more general view - including a chapter on the history of screenwriting - than the title makes it out to be, 'I Liked It, Didn't Love It' nevertheless have some pages that make it worth reading, like the breakdown of the studio script reading process. The book is quite short, and if you shook the redundant pages off you would be left with half of the book with some relevance when it comes to the title. Those pages are good, although not as groundbreaking material than the back blurb makes it out to be. I liked it, didn't love it.

Books on all aspects on script writing, directing and producing are abundant but this is THE book on development. If you are serious about the film business you need to own this book. Reading it will give you a detailed insight into what happens from the initial idea to a screenplay is greenlit by a studio. That there is so little information out there about development is striking considering a great screenplay is a pre-requisite for a great film.What is so great about this book is that works on a very practical level. It doesn't just talk around the concepts it shows you what it looks like. And for that reason you will end up using this book in your day to day work. My copy looks like it has been run over by an armoured vehicle...that's a sign of quality!Outside LA development resources are very limited so reading this book will give you an edge and the tools you need to feel comfortable about running your own development process.Further it is a very enjoyable and quick read.The bottom line is the value of this book far outstrips the cost....it is a no brainer!