Raindance Writers' Lab, Second Edition
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This is an invaluable manual for the first-time screenwriter. A guide that takes in every aspect of the screenwriting process.
--Ayub Khan-Din, Writer for East is East
An authoritative guide full of wit and wisdom, through which Grove's personality shines.
--Justin Bowyer, Total Film
--Ayub Khan-Din, Writer for East is East
An authoritative guide full of wit and wisdom, through which Grove's personality shines.
--Justin Bowyer, Total Film
Justin Bower, Total Film
'An authoritative guide full of wit and wisdom, through which Grove's personality shines.'
--This text refers to an alternate
Paperback
edition.
Inside This Book
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First Sentence
I DIDN'T GO to film school. Read the first page Browse Sample Pages
Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Index
I DIDN'T GO to film school. Read the first page Browse Sample Pages
Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Index
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
41 of 45 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This book has many reviews on Amazon, which give it five stars across the board. What gives? I'll tell you - page one offers a free Raindance DVD worth £15 for everyone that puts up a positive review on Amazon, and asks you to send them the link with your address!!!
It's the most appallingly written piece of trash I've ever come across that was non fiction. It's so bad, I don't even know where to start. There are typos on just about every paragraph, he's talking nonsense from start to finish, it's laid out for little kids with boxes to be filled in, etc. He frequently forgets the difference between a movie and a screenplay after spending the intro telling you that the writer must appreciate that they are not the same. I only read the first 12 or so pages and couldn't believe my eyes. He tells an anecdote about a DJ who performs at 3am every morning, and in the next paragraph he talks about no one listening to his show 'that evening'. An anecdote about Mozart shows that Mr Grove doesn't even know the composer's name! And my favourite: 'Every screenplay starts with a script.' It's that bad.
I leafed through the rest of it and found another corker that tells you everything you need to know about this guy. He has a page showing the writers guild minimums for scripts, then across from it tells you that he's actually a producer, not a writer (surprise, surprise), and he'll always try to get away with paying less. 'Am I exploiting writers? You must answer this question. If you don't like the deal, you can always walk away.' In other words, I will rip you off, and if you don't like it go **** yourself.
I normally wouldn't bother posting comments on Amazon. But given the fact that people are buying this for all the wrong reasons (reviews written for a free DVD), I feel I have to.
It's the most appallingly written piece of trash I've ever come across that was non fiction. It's so bad, I don't even know where to start. There are typos on just about every paragraph, he's talking nonsense from start to finish, it's laid out for little kids with boxes to be filled in, etc. He frequently forgets the difference between a movie and a screenplay after spending the intro telling you that the writer must appreciate that they are not the same. I only read the first 12 or so pages and couldn't believe my eyes. He tells an anecdote about a DJ who performs at 3am every morning, and in the next paragraph he talks about no one listening to his show 'that evening'. An anecdote about Mozart shows that Mr Grove doesn't even know the composer's name! And my favourite: 'Every screenplay starts with a script.' It's that bad.
I leafed through the rest of it and found another corker that tells you everything you need to know about this guy. He has a page showing the writers guild minimums for scripts, then across from it tells you that he's actually a producer, not a writer (surprise, surprise), and he'll always try to get away with paying less. 'Am I exploiting writers? You must answer this question. If you don't like the deal, you can always walk away.' In other words, I will rip you off, and if you don't like it go **** yourself.
I normally wouldn't bother posting comments on Amazon. But given the fact that people are buying this for all the wrong reasons (reviews written for a free DVD), I feel I have to.
11 of 14 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I've read quite a few books over the years and I've never found one so practical. The tools and exercises are great in helping you build that hot script, and it doesn't stop there. Lots of tips and tools to help you in selling your script in the business. There's also a software package based on the book that extends it (called DreamaScript) so that you can build your screenplay interactively, and even get online feedback from Elliot! I've used this to successfully pitch an idea, get a development deal and write a screenplay. I wouldn't even attempt to start another without the software and book. You can get the software at the Dreamascript or Raindance websites. If you want to complete that script, get these!
18 of 23 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I stumbled upon this book by chance. A friend of mine had bought Raindance Writers Lab and had left it in the rain. Although the CD Rom was working, the binding was soaked and she was going to throw it out. I salvaged the damp thing and took it home and carefully dried it out.
When I could, I started reading it, and to my amazement, it totally cleared the fogginess away from the writing I was doing.
In my case, I had developed a basic storyline and outlined a few characters. With Raindance Writers Lab, I was able to sort out the second act, and clarify the ending to the point where my agent says that this is the best work I have done for years!
The business tools, although somewhat elementary for me (I have been living off my writing for nearly thirty years) they still provided me with some new marketing ideas, and some interesting insights on how the screenplay market really works.
I can't reccomend this book enough: either for a starting writer, or for someone, like myself, a veteran.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Excellent book for aspiring screenwriters
I have just read the last review for this book and have had to double-check twice that it is the same book as the one I have just read. Read more
Published 8 months ago by SimonPG
Very Good, TOP 3 books on the screenplay and biz
I have only read it once and I love it. I must say there are three books on writing screenplays that I love and this is one of them. Read more
Published 13 months ago by rob carter
Raindance Writers Lab
This is a brilliant book and packed full of what you need to know about screenwriting and how to get into this highly competitive field. Well worth its money.
Published 14 months ago by Penny Devon
Fantastic Book
I've read numerous book on screenwriting over the years and three I consider my current favourites (at least until something better comes along)
"Story" by Robert... Read more
"Story" by Robert... Read more
Published 20 months ago by Aj
The Ultimate Kickstart to Write a Screenplay
I haven't read much of this yet but, based on the first few chapters, I just know Elliot Grove is writing from a position of experience, skill and passion. Read more
Published 21 months ago by Mr. Adrian W. Gaydon
Practical advice for scriptwriting
An excellent book that offers so much advice on the industry as well as on the practical side of actually writing your script. Read more
Published on 5 May 2010 by Adrian Hill
Practical, in-depth and full of insight.
I first saw Elliot Grove at a screenwriting Seminar in London by John Truby. Raindance had arranged the seminar and so Mr Grove provided introductions to Truby and to Raindance. Read more
Published on 2 May 2010 by AB
A must for all aspiring writers!
Bought this book to help me through an ' intro to screenwriting 'course. Found it to be invaluable, especialy the section on re-writes. Read more
Published on 17 April 2010 by Beach Buff
Good quick read for starting screenwriting
I found this book helpful in terms of understanding how to get your ideas down in a format that you can refer back to when your writing. Read more
Published on 9 Jan 2010 by Ms. Katherine E. Wild
Great Book
For an amateur writer like me, this book is the Bible.
I am only half-way through, but I am already so inspired and charged to write my script.
I am only half-way through, but I am already so inspired and charged to write my script.
Published on 29 Dec 2009 by Amitda
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