“Like every other industry on the planet, Hollywood has its standards…”
Does it now?
This is one of the books that was recommended at the Terrel Seltzer screenwriting workshop that I attended earlier this year.
I give it two thumbs up. 500 Ways to Beat the Hollywood Script Reader was written by a reader from an uber successful talent agency.
The book is not for beginners. It’s short and to the point. Which is what makes it great. 500 quick things you can do to improve your screenplay.
It doesn’t dwell on three-act structure like most beginning screenwriting books. Sure it’s addressed but in a way someone who was unfamiliar with it wouldn’t understand.
This book would be a great read after your “first attempt” at a screenplay. It will show you everything you’re doing wrong in a way that you will understand after gaining some experience.
Not for beginners, but if you’re stuck in some project, or need inspiration, this book attacks screenwriting in a way that you just can’t find anywhere else. It gets two thumbs up.
-J Roland Kelly
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