Film Studies Resource Guide

The practice of screenwriting and the standardization of screenwriting rules developed rapidly and stabilized almost as quickly. In less than twenty years—from 1896 to 1914—when feature films had become an established format, the screenplay evolved from a few written lines describing the action and characters involved in the story to become a lengthy script of fifteen pages or more per reel of film.

The screenwriter is the author of the screenplay. Today the quality of the script is considered vital to the success of a film, and screenwriters are often recognized—and paid handsomely—for their work. This was not always the case, however. During Hollywood's golden age—roughly from the advent of the sound era at the end of the 1920s into the early 1960s—writers were under contract to the studios, and often as many as 10 writers contributed to a single script.

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Includes books, e-books, articles, and videos.

Includes articles from several databases.

Includes e-books and articles.

This series consists of behind-the-scenes interviews with regional, national and international filmmakers, editors, directors, writers, cinematographers, producers and many others who work in the film industry. (Includes screenwriters)

This three-part video series features script consultant and screenwriting coach Dr. Linda Seger who offers advice to help screenwriters elevate their craft. She outlines how to add depth to the three-act structure, how best to express the central theme, and how to develop interesting characters. 3-part series, 21–29 minutes each.

In this how-to video veteran scriptwriter Ken Rotcop takes beginning and intermediate screenwriters from idea to completed screenplay, sharing answers to the most asked questions from his workshops, seminars, and private consultations.

In this reality-based program, five people with five big ideas express their passions and frustrations as they spend a week with Ken Rotcop to polish their presentations-and then two precious minutes with the decision-makers who could transform their scripts into box office bonanzas. Rotcop, Pitchmart's founder, is an award-winning screenwriter and author of the best-selling The Perfect Pitch. An honest and insightful scrutiny of parlaying a script into a movie deal.

Includes books and e-books.

Missouri residents can request books from MOBIUS.