Expert: Beth - 7/27/2009

Question
am going to write a screenplay for the first time , i read about
( the 10 day screenplay system )

but before i buy it i wanted to know
will i really finish in 10 days?
is it good for beginners?

if not what is the best book to teach beginners?

thank you...

Answer
Dear Ahmad,

I had never heard of this book before, so I checked into it a little.  I think the first thing to note is that the writer has no credits on IMDB as an author or screenwriter, so I'd be a little suspicious of it right there.

And generally speaking, some of the fastest writers I have ever heard of still take at least a month to crank out a screenplay.  Most people I know take several months to a year before they have a draft they are happy with.  

My recommendation to new writers is usually this:  watch your favorite movies with a critical eye and figure out what about them was most interesting to you.  Grab yourself some books on screenplay writing from the bookstore or the library.  One that I like is dirt cheap used on amazon called crafty screenwriting by Alex Epstein.  

http://www.amazon.com/Crafty-Screenwriting-Writing-Movies-That/dp/0805069925

And here's a site I like that has all sorts of interviews, book recommendations, and general support for screenwriters:

http://www.screenwritersutopia.com/

Check that out, and try to find writing classes, or a writer's group.  Education and support from other writers is invaluable.  

I hope this helps!
Beth