Story Maps: How to Write a GREAT Screenplay

by Daniel P. Calvisi

Learn the secrets to writing a GREAT screenplay from a major movie studio Story Analyst who will show you how to BLOW AWAY THE READER! Master the structure and principles used by 95% of commercial movies by studying detailed breakdowns, or "Story Maps," of several recent hit movies in all different genres, including The Dark Knight, The Wrestler, How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, Drag Me To Hell and the classics As Good As It Gets and Sunset Boulevard.brbrThe book cites examples from hundreds of films, several television series and includes samples from actual scripts to show you HOW TO DO IT. The author provides detailed lessons on format, capturing voice and tone on the script page and developing great characters with powerful dialogue.brbrAlso includes exclusive insights from major industry professionals that interacted with the author at events in Los Angeles and New York City, including Robert Zemeckis, the screenwriters of Final Destination, Limitless and Blade Runner, Louis C.K. and the President of Production of Columbia Pictures.brbrPraised by SCRIPT magazine, "Story Maps#58; How to Write a GREAT Screenplay" is NOT a formula or just another structure paradigm -- it is the view from behind the desk of the people evaluating your screenplay, what they want to read and what they will buy. With all the competition in the Hollywood marketplace, your script can't just be good, it must be GREAT.

Genres: Writing, Nonfiction

Nook

First published June 22, 2011

Reviews

[Hugh Long · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent book on plotting for screenwriters or novelists. Calvisi distills a ton of information into concise chunks, and explains the beats of successful commercial fiction. I'm always on the lookout for plotting books, as it's an area that interests me and continues to confound me. What I loved most in the book was his story map, both simple and detailed. By using this as a guide when planning a story, it really helps keep you focused, and ensures you've got a cohesive and cogent story. Excellent book and highly recommended.

[Daniel P. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my book. I'm not sure why the cover image is not showing as it shows on all of the other sites that sell the ebook. See my profile for more information.

[Anna · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have read many books on plotting lately. This was one of the weaker ones. I recommend reading more widely to explore the many different plotting systems out there, many of which also claim to have figured out exactly what all the successful Hollywood movies do, and some of which provide much more insight.
Calvisi cannot even distinguish between the inner goal (e.g. no longer feeling so alone) and the tool/vehicle to achieve that inner goal (e.g. getting into a relationship with X). Few of the log lines he presented as perfect examples would not have hooked me into watching the movie, let alone making it.
I recommend the Nutshell Technique by Jill Chamberlain as a better alternative.

[Trent · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good read even if you aren't a screenwriter. It's neat to see what all it takes to make your favorite sitcom, RomCom or movie work. Hats off to those already in the field and those to come.

[Brendon O'Brien · Rating 4 out of 5]

Insightful for a young writer!

After having done one of Mr. Calvisi's workshops, I immediately bought his book and didn't regret it for a minute! He shares a practical roadmap for writing, as well as lots of tips about how to break into the industry.

[Constance · Rating 5 out of 5]

great book

I learned so much..I would recommend this book to every writer...He gives you the blue print of how to get started.

[Colin Sinclair · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clear and detailed instruction manual on how to come up with a movie idea, create interesting characters and prepare an outline for your script.

[Gestalt Media · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read full of great advice.

[Jason Stokes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read full of great advice.

[Kath · Rating 5 out of 5]

AMAZING!!! I finally get it! The workings of my mss, or non workings! I get what should be there and when!
I've bought so many 'how to write' books that I've started leaving them on the library's doorstep with notes attached asking them to adopt them.
But if I had to pare down to only five books on writing, this would be on top of the list!!
The exotica of Acts and Beats became crystal clear with Calvisi's amazing ability to teach and the examples he cites from films I know.

I GET IT!!!


Oh, I almost forgot. While this book is an amazing teaching tool for writing film scripts, I'm using it for writing novels!

[Candee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been collecting writing books since I'm a bit older and getting into the field. This one was a part of a Graduate level Children's Writing course that I took. Although the book is on writing screenplays and not novels you can certainly use if for any medium. This book helps you stay on form and make sure all the plot and character developments occur. I'm currently using the form presented (modified) to help with a collection of short stories I am working on. It really helps to make sure whatever you write is interesting and readable.

[Alison McMahan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A new system for looking at screenplays, complete with numerous example analyses. Great to have for newbies and pros alike.