So Your Mama Loves It, But Is It Ready for the Big Time? The 10 Most Common Mistakes Screenwriters Make (And How You Can Avoid Them)
Everyone wants that coveted career in screenwriting. Everyone sees the big payoff.
The mass of literature tells you it's easy, you can make a quick buck, you can live the good life. But not so long ago writers as great as William Faulkner and John Steinbeck wrestled with the screenplay. It is a difficult and brilliantly compressed form, not simply a template to be "fleshed out" with screenwriting software.
Don't be fooled. There are no shortcuts, but if you're willing to work at it, you can elevate your work to a level where you will open doors and build relationships, the first step to a sale.
So Your Mama Loves it, But is it Ready for the Big Time? is not a simple how-to list or a feel-good tome. It is a state of the union address, full of tips that will help deepen your writing and take it to the next level, and punctuated with difficult but clarifying questions designed to help you assess if your work is ready to enter the gates of Camelot.
Sheila Gallien Table of Contents
- The Bill Broyles Foreword
- Robert McKee - Nothing more need be said
- Scripts on Amazon
- NPR Topics; Movies
- Screenplays, nothing but screenplays
- Sheila Gallien Presents; An RSS Feed
- Sheila Gallien's Favorite Screenplays
- Screenwriting Software on Amazon
- Sheila Gallien Screenwriters Link List
- Are You Ready For Your Big Trip to Hollywood?
- Google Screenwriting News
- Sheila Gallien Supports the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation
- Sheila Gallien Del.icio.us bookmarks
- Hangman Product Featured Lenses
- Miscellaneous Link List
- Printers on Amazon
- Broadcasting Featured Lenses
- Entertainment Link List
- Financial and Marketing Featured Lenses
- Financial and Real Estate Link List
- Sheila Gallien would love some Reader Feedback
- Make Sure You Visit Feedcat
The Bill Broyles Foreword
"This book is simply the single best resource on screenwriting you can get." - Bill Broyles
This book is simply the best single resource on screenwriting available. I had the benefit of Sheila Gallien's insights on every script I wrote for six years: from Apollo 13 to Cast Away, with four or five others thrown in for good measure.Her advice was always clear, direct, and to the point. It was always grounded in rock-solid principles of story-telling. She helped me see what I had done wrong, and how to make what I had done right even better. That is a rare gift.
Other books have been written on the how-to's of screenwriting. None give the writer such an insider's view on how to trouble-shoot your own script. It's like being given the best toolbox in the business.
Above all, it's specific. Dip into it any time you know you can make your screenplay better and you're not quite sure how.
Or better yet, browse through it when you're stuck and in the depths of writer's despair. It's so shrewd and pointed and wise in the ways not only of screenwriting, but life itself, that at the very least it will make you laugh. And I wager it will send you back to your script inspired, with renewed determination.
Having this book is the next best thing to having Sheila reading over your shoulder. And it doesn't get any better than that.
--William Broyles, 2004
William Broyles, Jr. credits; Screenwriter Apollo 13, Cast Away, Unfaithful, Jarhead, Flags of our Fathers.
Robert McKee - Nothing more need be said
Story: Substance, Structure, Style and The Principles of Screenwriting
Release Date: 11/25/1997
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Story: Substance, Structure, Style and the Principles of Screenwriting
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Adaptation: The Shooting Script (Newmarket Shooting Script Series)
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Scripts on Amazon
Lost in Translation Movie Script Screenplay
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How to Write: A Screenplay, 2nd Edition
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ANNIE HALL MOVIE SCRIPT SCREENPLAY
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Forrest Gump Movie Script Screenplay
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Scarface: Official Movie Script Book
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NPR Topics; Movies
Fetching RSS feed... please stand byScreenplays, nothing but screenplays
Little Miss Sunshine: The Shooting Script (Newmarket Shooting Scripts Series)
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William Goldman: Five Screenplays (Applause Screenplay)
Release Date: 06/15/2002
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Chinatown and the Last Detail: Two Screenplays
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Three Screenplays: To Kill a Mockingbird, Tender Mercies and The Trip to Bountiful (Foote, Horton)
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Casablanca: Script and Legend: The 50th Anniversary Edition
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Sheila Gallien Presents; An RSS Feed
Movie News from the LA Times
Fetching RSS feed... please stand bySheila Gallien's Favorite Screenplays
Hi everyone, these are my favorite scripts feel free to vote on them or add your own. Many, many thanks for stopping by.
The Princess Bride by William Goldman
"Hello, my name is Inigo Montoya, you killed more...0 points
Unfaithful by Alvin Sargent and William Broyles
I was lucky enough to watch this story transform d more...0 points
Cinema Paradiso by Giuseppe Tornatore and Vanna Paoli
This is the movie that made me love movies. In te more...0 points
The Godfather by Mario Puzo and Francis Ford Coppola
Not a wasted nanosecond. For me, it's the moment M more...0 points
Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown by Pedro Almodovar
The perfect blend of angst and humor. Burning bed more...0 points
Screenwriting Software on Amazon
Sheila does not endorse any particular screenwriting product.
Movie Magic Screenwriter 6 with ScreenStyle Bonus DVD and Screenwriter's Bible
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John Truby Blockbuster (Writing and Screenwriting Software)
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![Final Draft 7 Professional Scriptwriting [OLD VERSION]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/5145HC6P2SL._SL75_.jpg)
Final Draft 7 Professional Scriptwriting [OLD VERSION]
Release Date: 04/01/2004
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Final Draft 7/Syd Field's Screenwriting Workshop DVD Bundle
Release Date: 04/18/2004
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Write Brothers Dramatica Pro 4 (Win/Mac)
Release Date: 06/17/2000
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Sheila Gallien Screenwriters Link List
- Creative Screenwriting Magazine
- Creative Screenwriting was named "the best magazine about screenwriting" by the Los Angeles Times and the Washington Post. Sign up for CS Weekly for free.
- Screenwriting Expo
- The largest event in the world for screenwriters, Screenwriting Expo 6 features hundreds of seminars on every aspect of writing imaginable as well as numerous A-list guests of honor.
- CS Web
- This portal to the screenwriting world includes more than 1,000,000 words of advice to help you make the transition from aspiring to professional screenwriter
- Drew's Script-O-Rama
- Drew's is always a great place to find scripts.
- Screenwriting Expo DVDs
- Creative Screenwriting magazine brings you the best A-list speakers and seminars from the Expo on DVD. Beginning at only $14.95, these DVDs are a huge value.
- TV Screenwriting
- Veteran TV writer and producer Catherine Clinch presents her method for writing a TV screenplay from concept to production, discusses how the networks and studios work, the rules of writing two, four, and seven-act scripts, and how to approach writing a spec for an existing show.
- Screenwriting Message Boards
- The best place on the net to seek advice from fellow writers or to check out the job board and build your career.
- litscene.com
- Litscene.com is the portal for writers and authors. There are 3750 sites in the directory. Get more exposure by adding your site or project to the directory, or if you're looking for a resource, use our site search.
- Fortress Entertainment
- Launched in early 2004 by founders Patrick Rizzotti and Brett Forbes, Fortress Features is a fully self-financed feature film and television development and production company. Backed by the American Film Capital II, LLC private equity investment fund managed by the co-founders and Tighe Curran, Fortress specializes in early stage financing of commercial film and television properties maximizing creative control and financial return.
- Scriptfly
- We have thousands of screenplays to choose from. New movie scripts and older classic movies. All scripts are in their original screenplay format for your script writing education and collection. If you don't see it, please ask.
- Robert McKee's Story Seminar
- For over 15 years, Robert McKee's Story Seminar has been the world's ultimate writing class for over 50,000 screenwriters, filmmakers, TV writers, novelists, industry executives, actors, producers, directors and playwrights.
- Write Brothers Software
- Since 1982, Write Brothers Inc. (formerly called Screenplay Systems) has been the world leader in film and television production software. Our software is sold worldwide and has been used in the development of most of your favorite films and television shows.
Rather than stifle creativity, Write Brothers believes that the computer has given people unprecedented freedom to create, develop, and implement new ideas and inspirations. Since 1990, over 80% of the Academy Award® nominations and 95% of the Emmy® awards went to companies that used Write Brothers/ Screenplay Systems' software. - Absolute Write for Screenwriters
- This is a great resource for screenwriters including; links, articles, interviews and message boards.
- Muse Ink
- Award-winning screenwriter and bestselling author Ami Hendrickson is the founder of Muse Ink - inspiring writers and helping them put their vision into words.
Are You Ready For Your Big Trip to Hollywood?
Your script is done and now you're ready to hang with the stars. Just two small problems. The other one is how to get there. Orbitz! can help.
Google Screenwriting News
- Festival Round-Up: Wins for Irish screenwriter in LA, 'Nothing Personal' in ...
- The jury was chaired by Iranian director, screenwriter and producer Abbas Kiarostami (writer, Taste...
- Sundance Announces Screenwriters Lab Projects
- Sundance Institute has selected twelve projects for the annual January Screenwriters Lab, to be held...
- Docu on screenwriting headed for theaters
- Hanson's project includes a companion book, "Tales From the Script: 50 Hollywood Screenwrit...
- Inside the Black List
- I've worked several screenwriting contests before, but no $25000 prize can really match the pres...
Sheila Gallien Supports the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation
The Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation seeks to prevent pediatric HIV infection and to eradicate pediatric AIDS through research, advocacy, and prevention and treatment programs.
Sheila Gallien Del.icio.us bookmarks
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Miscellaneous Link List
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- Arts & Crafts Industries Ltd. - Furniture
- Where do you find the finest Arts & Crafts furniture in the world? Arts & Crafts Industries, Ltd. designs and builds superb furniture based on the uniquely American Arts & Crafts movement.
- Katie Elise Lambert Foundation - Protecting Children from furniture tipovers.
- The purpose of the foundation is to educate the public on the potential hazard of falling furniture and furniture tip-overs. We also work to help ensure and promote child safety and furniture safety. We encourage everyone to consider childproofing a home and to use child safety products including anti-tip kits.
- Robb Auspitz Online Stores help enrich your life.
- The RA-Stores Blog educates the consumer about the different products and services sold by my online stores. Additionally, I feature products and services from various associates.
We sell a wide variety of quality products including, but not limited to: Hangman Products picture hanging hardware, eeFuel, Dr. Peter T. Pugliese's Vitage and pherAdore and many other great products.
The list of stores, products and services will continue to expand as we continue to find different ways we can help you enrich your life. Stop in and spend some time with us. We always appreciate your time and business. - The Hangman Products Blog - Picture Hanging Magic
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- Custom Stained Glass, New Jersey Stained Glass - The Glass Crafter.
- The Glass Crafter is a full service stained glass studio located in New Jersey and established in 1979. The Glass Crafter creates and produces custom stained glass designs including: windows, sidelites, transoms, cabinet inserts, hanging decorative panels, table lamps, light fixtures, signs and other stained glass pieces. The Glass Crafter repairs damaged stained glass. Additionally, we provide full restoration services to restore damaged and broken stained glass pieces to their original condition.
The Glass Crafter provides stained glass expertise and services in the Philadelphia, New York and New Jersey area. The creation of custom stained glass pieces is preceded by on site visits for measurements, consultations and the final installation. We never charge for preliminary visits, consultations and estimates. When applicable, installation is always included in the price. - Microfiber towels, cleaning cloths - great pricing and service - A&B Wiper Supply.
- A & B Wiper Supply is a national distributor of retail and wholesale wiping rags and textile products including; microfiber cleaning cloths, knit rags, shop towels, oil absorbents, institutional sheets and many other items.
Printers on Amazon
You need to output those great scripts. Here are some choices.
HP LaserJet P1006 Printer
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HP LaserJet P2015 Printer (CB366A#ABA)
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HP Officejet J6480 All-in-One Printer
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HP Color Laserjet CP1215 Printer
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HP Color LaserJet 2605dn Printer (Q7822A#ABA)
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Broadcasting Featured Lenses
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Broadcast Coach, Sports Anchor, Careers in Television Broadcasting - Marc Zumoff
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Entertainment Link List
- Sheila Gallien Screenplay Consultant
- Sheila Gallien is a top screenplay consultant who helps screenwriters improve their story and script. Sheila will upgrade your screenwriting skills and your script's marketability.
- Marc Zumoff, broadcast coaching for news and sports. Work with the best in the broadcasting industry.
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Sheila Gallien would love some Reader Feedback
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