You're trying to finish a screenplay, but there's a voice in your ear whispering, “You should know more about how cinema story works.” Perhaps you've heard how many successful screenwriters deconstruct or “break down” films and study them. You'd like to try this method but ask yourself, “How do I start?” Semiotics for Screenwriters can help you with this daunting task by taking you on a unique journey through 3 classic films - It's a Wonderful Life, Lost in Translation, and Get Out - that shows you the hidden universal language of plot, character, and theme at work in them. This method will reveal the mechanics of cinema story, then show you how to apply this knowledge to your own screenwriting.Semiotics is a powerful system of analysis applied in many fields, including literature and psychology. In this book you'll learn to deploy this method to break down classic films then apply it to writing, developing and correcting your own screenplays.
Michael Tierno Livres




An insightful how-to guide for writing screenplays that uses Aristotle's great work as a guide.Long considered the bible for storytellers, Aristotle's Poetics is a fixture of college courses on everything from fiction writing to dramatic theory. Now Michael Tierno shows how this great work can be an invaluable resource to screenwriters or anyone interested in studying plot structure. In carefully organized chapters, Tierno breaks down the fundamentals of screenwriting, highlighting particular aspects of Aristotle's work. Then, using examples from some of the best movies ever made, he demonstrates how to apply these ancient insights to modern-day screenwriting. This user-friendly guide covers a multitude of topics, from plotting and subplotting to dialogue and dramatic unity. Writing in a highly readable, informal tone, Tierno makes Aristotle's monumental work accessible to beginners and pros alike in areas such as screenwriting, film theory, fiction, and playwriting.
Location and Postproduction Sound for Low-Budget Filmmakers
- 214pages
- 8 heures de lecture
Focusing on the essentials of location sound recording and postproduction, this guide provides practical insights for mastering sound techniques on any budget. It outlines best practices while also addressing common pitfalls, ensuring that readers can achieve high-quality sound easily and effectively. Engaging and informative, it makes sound mastery accessible to everyone, regardless of their experience level.
Semiotics for Screenwriters
Break Down Your Favorite Movies Then Write Your Own
- 408pages
- 15 heures de lecture
Exploring the intricacies of cinema storytelling, this guide takes you through three classic films to uncover the universal language of plot, character, and theme. By deconstructing these films, you'll gain insights into the mechanics of storytelling that can enhance your screenwriting skills. The book offers a practical approach, helping you apply semiotic principles to your own work, making the process of learning about cinema both engaging and applicable.