Screenwriting is Rewriting: The Art and Craft of Professional Revision

Screenwriting may often start with a flash of inspiration, but it’s the meticulous art of revision that truly transforms a good script into a great one. In Screenwriting is Rewriting: The Art and Craft of Professional Revision, Jack Epps, Jr. opens the door to the often-overlooked yet crucial phase of rewriting—revelatory to both aspiring and seasoned writers alike. As the talent behind iconic films like Top Gun and Dick Tracy, Epps brings a wealth of hands-on experience to guide you through every layer of the rewriting process. His practical, step-by-step approach demystifies the intricate dance of refining story, character, and plot, making your script not just polished, but professionally compelling. Dive into this essential guide and elevate your screenwriting prowess with insider tips, exclusive interviews, and invaluable examples from cinematic legends. Embrace the rewrite, and let your script soar to new heights.

Screenwriting is Rewriting: The Art and Craft of Professional Revision


The Divine Intervention of Screenwriting Revision

Oh, the agony of screenwriting—the endless drafts, the sleepless nights pondering over characters who refuse to behave, and the plotlines that meander into an abyss of confusion. Been there, done that, have the crumpled scripts to prove it. But worry not, fellow scribes in distress, because Jack Epps, Jr., with his book Screenwriting is Rewriting: The Art and Craft of Professional Revision, is here to turn your chaotic first drafts into cinematic gold! I, too, was once drowning in a sea of unpolished scripts, but this book came to my rescue with the efficiency of a lifeboat.

Who Needs This? Everyone with a Screen in Their Future

Are you an aspiring screenwriter or even a seasoned one who’s hit a creative wall? Dreaming of your name rolling in the credits but currently rolling down the steep slope of writer’s block? Then this book is for you! If you’ve ever penned a script – whether it’s for your film studies class project or your next Sundance contender – rewriting will be your constant (yet often exasperating) companion. Epps’ comprehensive guide is your ticket to mastering the art that separates the pros from the, well, not-so-pros.

The Glittering Pros & The Few Cons

What makes Screenwriting is Rewriting sparkle? Let’s dive in:

  • Pros:
  • Practical Guidance Galore: Epps isn’t just throwing theory at you. He provides practical tools like sample notes, game plans, and beat sheets, drawn from his own work on big names like Sister Act and Turner and Hooch. It’s like getting your hands on a map while stumbling through a dense, plot-twisty forest.
  • Exclusive Wisdom: The book features interviews with Oscar® crowned royalty including Robert Towne (Chinatown) and Frank Pierson (Dog Day Afternoon). It’s like having a cozy fireside chat with the Mount Olympus of screenwriting.
  • Layered Approach: Epps walks you through rewriting with a structured, layered methodology – tackling everything from story to structure, ensuring you don’t lose your sanity in the process.
  • Cons:
  • Information Overload: For newbies, the sheer volume of insights might feel a tad overwhelming. It’s like being handed a symphony when you’re still figuring out Twinkle Twinkle Little Star on the piano.
  • Time Consumption: The depth and layer-by-layer approach Epps advocates mean spending a good chunk of time on each draft, which might not suit those in a rush to get to the filming stage.

Right Alternatives for the Curious Cat

If Screenwriting is Rewriting piqued your interest, but you want to browse the bookshelf a bit more, here are some noteworthy alternatives:

  • Story by Robert McKee: Another cornerstone for those serious about screenwriting, McKee explores storytelling elements extensively.
  • The Anatomy of Story by John Truby: For writers wanting a deep dive into narrative structure, Truby’s guide shares practical techniques to build compelling stories.
  • Save the Cat by Blake Snyder: A more digestible foray into screenwriting, Snyder’s book breaks down the mechanics of writing a hit screenplay.

This book will transform your screenwriting misery into mastery. So, dear struggling screenwriters, it’s time to grab your pen, or rather, your well-worn keyboard, and let Jack Epps, Jr. guide you through the beautiful chaos that is rewriting. Rejoice, for your writing savior has arrived!


Screenwriting is Rewriting: The Art and Craft of Professional Revision

Discover the transformative power of rewrites with Jack Epps, Jr.’s unparalleled guide, Screenwriting is Rewriting: The Art and Craft of Professional Revision. This essential resource demystifies the revision process, showcasing practical strategies and insider insights from Hollywood legends. Whether you’re an aspiring writer or a seasoned professional, Epps’ roadmap to successful rewriting will elevate your scripts to new heights. Don’t miss out on your chance to master the art of rewriting—click the link below and start refining your storytelling skills today!

Screenwriting is Rewriting: The Art and Craft of Professional Revision

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