Mastering Screenplay Form and Style shows you how professional screenwriters actually write scripts. This reference manual explores all aspects of the form, from essential format requirements to the expressive, literary qualities of screenplay language. Organized in three parts, this book systematically reveals the full essence of the screenwriter’s craft.
The Ground Rules: Take a deep dive into the fundamental rhetorical concepts for dramatizing a story for the screen - the craft and style concepts that underpin everything working screenwriters use. The Industry Standards: Master the professional norms for script formatting and language, including the function and correct use of the six screenplay elements for common, advanced, and challenging narrative situations. Learn methods for indelible character introductions, and managing story and screen time on the page. Expressive Screenwriting: Understand how precise visual writing can infuse your scripts with cinematic energy, dramatic tone, POV, and narrative flow. You will also learn when, why, and how screenwriters bend and even break screenwriting conventions for dramatic impact.
Mastering Screenplay Form and Style is the ideal text to guide screenwriting students and aspiring professional screenwriters to move beyond technically “correct” scripts, to truly captivate readers through compelling screenplays with a distinctive style and voice.
By:
Mick Hurbis-Cherrier (Hunter College City University of New York USA)
Imprint: Routledge
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions:
Height: 280mm,
Width: 210mm,
Weight: 690g
ISBN: 9781138666412
ISBN 10: 1138666416
Pages: 268
Publication Date: 29 May 2025
Audience:
Professional and scholarly
,
General/trade
,
Undergraduate
,
ELT Advanced
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Active
INTRODUCTION; PART I; Chapter 1: Writing the Dramatic Story; Chapter 2: Screenplay Language, Ground Rules; PART II; Chapter 3: Screenplay Format Basics; Chapter 4: Scene Headings and Secondary Headings; Chapter 5: Scene Transitions; Chapter 6: Scene Directions; Chapter 7: Character Cues (and Extensions); Chapter 8: Dialogue; Chapter 9: Personal Directions (Parentheticals); Chapter 10: Beginning and Ending Your Script; Chapter 11: Multiple Action Areas; Chapter 12: Character Names and Introductions; Chapter 13: Managing Time on the Page; Chapter 14: Written and Screen Content; Chapter 15: Script Delivery Details; Chapter 16: Why These Rules?; Chapter 17: Sample Spec Script; Chapter 18: Establishing POV on the page; Chapter 19: Writing With Style I: Within the Conventions; Chapter 20: Writing With Style II: Bending and Breaking the Conventions; Chapter 21: Common Pitfalls, Gaffes, and Rookie Blunders
Mick Hurbis-Cherrier teaches screenwriting, story analysis, and film production at Hunter College in New York City. Professionally, he has worked as a screenwriter, script consultant, director, cinematographer, and editor. His films have garnered prizes at many festivals. He is the co-author of Directing: Film Techniques and Aesthetics (2020), now in its sixth edition, and Voice & Vision: A Creative Approach to Narrative Filmmaking (2025), now in its fourth edition.
Reviews for Mastering Screenplay Form and Style
Mick is an expert of the first order. I can attest to that personally — as can the many other writers he has mentored over the years. Whether I’m writing a feature or a TV series, I discuss every project with Mick to get his insights. And now he’s created this excellent style manual that fully reveals how screenplays are written today. Mastering Screenplay Form and Style explains not just the how-to, but the when-to and why-to. From the novice to the professional, screenwriters of all levels will undoubtedly benefit from having this book on their desk. William H. Collage, Screenwriter (Emancipation, Assassin’s Creed, Allegiant) Finally, a screenwriter’s style manual that reflects how professionals write. Mick Hurbis-Cherrier understands the careful balance a screenplay must strike between practical function and creative expression. If you have the story, this book will take you the rest of the way. Gabrielle Mahon, Producer (Succession, Ben is Back)
