Save The Cat! The Last Book on Screenwriting You'll Ever Need by Blake Snyder  (174)  $13.57

Story: Substance, Structure, Style and The Principles of Screenwriting by Robert Mckee  (171)  $22.75

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If you agree that the rules of mainstream Hollywood are made to be broken, you'll also understand that Syd Field does not hold the golden key to selling million-dollar screenplays. As the reigning guru of screenwriting instruction, however, Field has devised a timelessly valuable formula that touches on all the essentials of screenplay preparation, structure, and completion. In order to break these rules or ignore them altogether, you must first learn and master them, and this two-tape instruction video provides a concise yet adequately detailed summation of Field's many books on the subject, most notably the perennial bestseller Screenplay: The Foundations of Screenwriting.

Tape 1 is devoted to preparing your screenplay, from the conception of the idea, definition of structure, creation of characters (including the crucial elements of dramatic need, point of view, attitude, and change), and the writing of a four-page treatment. Field's guidelines for character are particularly useful, and examples from familiar films effectively illustrate his points. Tape 2 covers the preparation and writing of acts 1, 2, and 3, with emphasis on such dramatic principles as "the inciting incident," conflict, confrontation, and resolution, with two "pinches" defined as act 2 elements that propel action forward. Field also covers the purpose and necessity of the rewriting process, from the second "mechanical" draft to the third-draft "polish."

Field's techniques are by no means the definitive or final word on writing a successful screenplay, but aspiring and established screenwriters would be foolish to disregard the lessons offered here. And while Field can be a bit stiff in his presentation, his instruction remains eminently practical, especially for anyone determined to work within the Hollywood studio system. The most gifted writers will recognize the value of Field's approach even as they transcend his formulas and elevate the craft of screenwriting to the level of art. --Jeff Shannon

Product Description
Whether you are working on your first screenplay or are a seasoned professional looking for technical help from the master himself. Syd Field's Screenwriting Workshop is an invaluable writing tool that you will rely upon time and again. Available for the first time on video, this legendary course will help you convert your idea into a properly structured screenplay; one you will feel confident submitting to Film Studios and Production Companies worldwide.

Entertainment industry professionals regard Syd Field as the foremost authority on the craft of screenwriting. For over 25 years he has taught and guided thousands of professional screenwriters, many of who have gone on to become the biggest names in Hollywood. Syd Field's exclusive course is limited to 12 students and is given only a few times a year. This video version takes you on the same educational journey, in the comfort of your own home, at your own time and pace.

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews   3 of 3 people found the following review helpful: Preparation, October 27, 2002 By  Sid (Orlando, Florida United States) - See all my reviews Syd Field's Screenwriting Workshop is a magnificent guideline for the beginner, intermediate and advanced screenwriter. He provides the viewer with critical information that would help to push your screenplay in the right direction. I personally like the paradigm because it helps me to keep structure in writing the beginning, middle and end. Although many screenwriters do not necessarily write with this particular arrangement, it is nevertheless helpful for us less experienced screenwriters. So when the novice writer considers the concept of structure and format to be paramount, he or she is able to read or view other schematics, such as "The Megahit Movies" by Richard Stefanik. I believe that Syd Field's name and product "Syd Field's Screenwriting Workshop" is synonymous to excellent film! His approach is easy to learn and fun to practice. I applaud Mr. Field's efforts on this one and recommend it to all aspiring screenwriters. Kudos!  Comment | Permalink | Was this review helpful to you? (Report this)   8 of 8 people found the following review helpful: Look him up on IMDB.com, July 19, 2001 By A Customer I viewed these tapes recently, and can tell you immediately that the product has been mis-labeled. This is "Screenwriting for Dummies," folks. The extremely basic aphorisms and advice he gives at the beginning make it appear as though he's aiming towards someone who's not only never written a screenplay before, but has never successfully published any written work. He repeats the key points ad nausaeum, until you're sure he thinks you're some clueless yahoo fresh out of college and eager to pound away at the keyboard. Ironically, upon looking him up on the Internet Movie Database, you'll find Mr. Field hasn't produced a single feature film screenplay. He hasn't done anything save for a bit part as "Patient #1" and a role in a very recent indie flick I've never heard of. There's the inevitable question of, "If this guy knows so much, why isn't he making millions?" Well, read on. This is my theory: the man is an excellent researcher and instructor, but not actually creative himself. His theories have revolutionized Hollywood. Particularly his 30-60-30 theory of number of pages for each act. It's based on extensive research he's done...but what he's found is a _pattern_, not a _formula_. Mr. Field implies that this is a formula, that this will help you get your screenplay produced, and it might, but only because almost every producer in Hollywood has adopted his pattern as a formula for deciding which script is yes and which script is no. Kind of a vicious cycle. Kinda prevents innovation. But you're gonna need to know Sid's jargon if and when you pitch your project, because they'll use his words and ideas to sound out your screenplay. Just skim over one of his books and read all the italicized and bolded text, I guess. I recommend Final Draft, however, if you are a professional screenwriter or really serious about becoming one.  Comment | Permalink | Was this review helpful to you? (Report this)   2 of 2 people found the following review helpful: