Writing The Romantic Comedy: From Cute Meet to Joyous Defeat-How to Write Screenplays That Sell - Softcover

Mernit, Billy

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0060935030 ISBN 13: 9780060935030

Publisher: Harper Perennial, 2001

Synopsis

"Writing the Romantic Comedy is so much fun to read it could pop a champagne cork."--Alexa Junge, writer and producer of Friends

Revised and expanded to celebrate a new generation of romantic comedies, Billy Mernit's insightful look into the mechanics of writing Hollywood's most enduring genre features case studies that reveal the screenwriting secrets behind classics new and old.

Whether you're a first-time screenwriter, an intermediate marooned in the rewriting process, or a professional wanting to explore the latest genre trends, this thoroughly charming and insightful guide to the basics of crafting a winning and innovative script will take you step by step from "meet cute" all the way to "joyous defeat." You'll learn the screenwriting secrets behind some of the funniest scenes ever written; how to create characters and dialogue that getsparks flying; why some bedroom scenes sizzle and others fall flat; and much more.

Written in a refreshingly accessible style and updated and expanded to recognize the contributions of a fresh generation of romantic comedies, this newly revised 20th Anniversary edition of Writing the Romantic Comedy features case studies drawn from beloved romantic classics such as When Harry Met Sally, Annie Hall, Tootsie, and The Lady Eve to modern-day favorites including Hitch, (500) Days of Summer, Bridesmaids, and Silver Linings Playbook. Field-tested writing exercises are also included, guaranteed to short-circuit potential mistakes and ensure inspiration.

About this title

Product Description:

Paperback. Pub Date: 2001 07 Pages: 304 in Publisher: Harper Collins From the slapstick shenanigans are of Hepburn and Grant in inging Up Baby to the sexy repartee of Shakespeare in Love romantic comedies have much delighted to filmgoers - and challenged screenwriters - Operating since Hollywood's Golden Age. Whether you're a first time screenwriter. or an intermediate marooned in the rewriting process. this thoroughly charming and insightful guide to the basics of crafting a winning script will take you step by step from cute meet all the way to joyous defeat. You'll learn the screenwriting secrets behind some of the funniest scenes ever written; how to create characters and dialogue that set the sparks flying; why some bedroom scenes sizzle and others fall flat; and much more. Writing the Romantic Comedy features case studies drawn from beloved romantic comedies such as Wh...

Review:

"Writing the Romantic Comedy is so much fun to read it could pop a champagne cork."--Alexa Junge, writer/producer of Friends

"Moving well beyond generic pronouncements and 'rules', Billy Mernit's specific, well-tested exercises guide writers to create real, personal, credible characters and plots that speak to the romantic in all of us."--Linda Venis, Director, UCLA Extension Writers' Program

"Insightful, thorough, and easy to use, this step-by-step guide expertly balances the craft and the art of writing the romantic comedy. Billy Mernit really knows his stuff, and after reading this book, you will too."--Stephen Mazur, co-writer of Liar, Liar and The Little Rascals

Mernit's screenwriting knowledge shines through this highly readable volume. This is no "formula" book but an essential guide to finding your own voice.--Denver Rocky Mountain News

About this edition

• Publisher: Harper Perennial
• Publication date: 2001
• ISBN 10: 0060935030
• ISBN 13: 9780060935030
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 308