Script Partners: What Makes Film and TV Writing Teams Work

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Summary: Discover that "third voice" when you co-write a script!
Review: After an enjoyable, inspiring read of "Script Partners", I'm thoroughly convinced that writing with a partner is the better way to write great screenplays that sell. Clear and concise, in a user-friendly format, this enlightening book tells all about such vital issues between co-writers as choosing the right partner, selecting a story project, the creative relationship and motivating each other, the business relationship and much, much more. According to the co-authors, one of the marvelous and mysterious benefits of the collaborative writing process, through the merging of the aesthetic exerience, complementing strengths and talents of the two writers, is the emergence of a "third voice"! Buy two copies of this book; one for you and one for your favorite writer.
--Elizabeth English, Founder and Executive Director
Moondance International Film ...

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Summary: So, could I get a autographed copy?
Review: I read this book from perhaps a different perspective than the previous reviewers. I am a theatre artist (read "actor") who works closely with New Play development and finds the concept of collaboration fascinating and necessary. The tone of the book was refreshing--I felt as if I were in the same room with the authors and their subjects, sharing a glass of wine over interesting conversation. I thought the book was very accessible for non-writers and found a great deal of truth in their observations about working together. Most importantly for me and my work, I felt enlightened about that magical and mystical process of writing. A great read.

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Summary: A True Pleasure!
Review: Let's be honest here. Although I may toy with the idea of writing a great screenplay, the truth is that I probably never will. That being said, I must say that this book was an absolute delight to read! The 'insider' stories were funny and fascinating. I found myself reveling in the anecdotes and in the authors' self-deprecating humor. I thought I'd find the book mildly interesting, since I'm not really and truly in the industry. However, I was pleased to discover that the material was thoroughly engaging and had me laughing out loud on more than one occasion. In the event that I ever decide to get serious about writing, this book will be an invaluable source of information. Thank you Matt and Claudia...for giving us an definitive alternative to sitting in front of a computer screen just waiting for wisdom to spring forth! I am quite sure I will never again underestimate the value of a good kick in the pants (nor the unwavering support) from a 'script partner'!

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Summary: Can't put it down
Review: Often script writing how-to books are intimidating and off putting. They make the reader feel as though writing is impossible and scary whereas Johnson and Stevens make me feel encouraged. This book is written in such a welcoming and conversational tone that as one reviewer put it, I too feel as though I am chatting with the writers, wine in hand, with a warm fire as background music. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is venturing into the world as a writer. If you have a writing partner, you'll be further convinced that the duet is the way to go. If you're writing solo, you'll soon be shopping for a partner.

Rating:
Summary: Can't put it down
Review: Often script writing how-to books are intimidating and off putting. They make the reader feel as though writing is impossible and scary whereas Johnson and Stevens make me feel encouraged. This book is written in such a welcoming and conversational tone that as one reviewer put it, I too feel as though I am chatting with the writers, wine in hand, with a warm fire as background music. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is venturing into the world as a writer. If you have a writing partner, you'll be further convinced that the duet is the way to go. If you're writing solo, you'll soon be shopping for a partner.

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Summary: A great read!
Review: Script Partners by Claudia Johnson and Matt Stevens is like Johnson's Crafting Short Screenplays That Connect, a humanistic approach to dramatic writing. Johnson's paradigm in "Screenplays," to first connect to idea before connecting to form and audience is first-rate. In Script Partners she once again rallies around the idea of connections, this time with a partner and how the demands of screenwriting are eased when shared. Strong partnering skills, as illustrated through the ones shared by the authors, manifest into stronger writing skills on the page. Dickey Nesenger, writer and teacher

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Summary: Making Connections
Review: Script Partners by Claudia Johnson and Matt Stevens is like Johnson's Crafting Short Screenplays That Connect, a humanistic approach to dramatic writing. Johnson's paradigm in "Screenplays," to first connect to idea before connecting to form and audience is first-rate. In Script Partners she once again rallies around the idea of connections, this time with a partner and how the demands of screenwriting are eased when shared. Strong partnering skills, as illustrated through the ones shared by the authors, manifest into stronger writing skills on the page. Dickey Nesenger, writer and teacher

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Summary: "Work marriage"
Review: SCRIPT PARTNERS can easily be expanded to a larger audience. In gathering information from other outstanding writing teams and their own experiences in working together, Claudia & Matt have captured the essence of the creative/collaborative relationship. Within the first few pages of the book, I was transported to an earlier experience in my career with another type of "work marriage"- co-therapy. The parallel between writing teams and co-therapy is quickly apparent. Both assist in the development of their characters/clients; both find themselves caught up in their own issues; both misread their character/client and discover that they are going down the wrong path; both experience the sadness and joy of discovery and human emotion. And (SCRIPT PARTNERS p.1) "we both know on some level that we could do this by ourselves...we both could, but we're better together and prefer it that way."
As a therapist, if you've never experienced the joys of co-therapy or found solutions for the struggles, read this book. Claudia & Matt have given us a map that guides our partnerships through the ups and downs of a "work marriage". Don't miss it, it's an insightful, humorous, and refreshing book.

Rating:
Summary: "Work marriage"
Review: SCRIPT PARTNERS can easily be expanded to a larger audience. In gathering information from other outstanding writing teams and their own experiences in working together, Claudia & Matt have captured the essence of the creative/collaborative relationship. Within the first few pages of the book, I was transported to an earlier experience in my career with another type of "work marriage"- co-therapy. The parallel between writing teams and co-therapy is quickly apparent. Both assist in the development of their characters/clients; both find themselves caught up in their own issues; both misread their character/client and discover that they are going down the wrong path; both experience the sadness and joy of discovery and human emotion. And (SCRIPT PARTNERS p.1) "we both know on some level that we could do this by ourselves...we both could, but we're better together and prefer it that way."
As a therapist, if you've never experienced the joys of co-therapy or found solutions for the struggles, read this book. Claudia & Matt have given us a map that guides our partnerships through the ups and downs of a "work marriage". Don't miss it, it's an insightful, humorous, and refreshing book.

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Summary: Advice & Info For the Team Approach
Review: SCRIPT PARTNERS is aptly written by writing partners who've taken the time to collect the information, advice and anecdotes from writers who've experienced the ups and downs of working with partners. It's a book whose time is long overdue, but will be welcomed with open arms by all writers who've either worked as part of a team or are considering the collaborative process of scribing. Insightful and seasoned with humor for good measure!