The Screenwriter's Workbook: Exercises and Step-by-Step Instructions for Creating a Successful Screenplay, Newly Revised and Updated

If you’re serious about writing a properly formatted feature film script that adheres to the classic three-act structure, Syd Field’s "The Screenwriter’s Workbook" is an absolute must-have. I recently used this book to refresh my skills and it was instrumental in helping me craft a well-structured feature screenplay. What sets this book apart is how it breaks down the screenwriting process into manageable, actionable steps. Field walks you through developing and tracking all the essential narrative points with clarity and precision. From character arcs to the inciting incident, every story point is laid out in a way that’s easy to follow and implement. I particularly appreciated how he correlates each major story element to its proper page number—this was a game changer for ensuring my act breaks landed exactly where they should. The workbook format is incredibly practical. It’s not just theory—you’re actively applying what you learn as you go. For example, I found it immensely helpful for mapping out my inciting incident, structuring my act breaks, and organizing my ideas into a cohesive whole. By the time I finished the exercises, I had a fully developed screenplay outline that adhered to the traditional structure without feeling formulaic. What I also loved about this book is that it doesn’t just teach structure—it helps you understand why structure matters and how it enhances your storytelling. Field’s insights on character development and plot pacing were invaluable for making my script not just functional, but engaging. If you’re looking for a step-by-step guide to get your ideas out of your head and onto the page in a professional, industry-standard format, this book is perfect. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned writer looking for a refresher, "The Screenwriter’s Workbook" is an incredible tool to have in your arsenal. Highly recommend to anyone ready to take their screenwriting to the next level!

I had my story and notes nearly complete when I started this and there wasn’t anything totally surprising in his advice. It DID tell me I was on the right track and gave me the motivation to write until I got to The End. A few people, including someone I don’t know, all gave me great reviews so I’m hoping to get it into the right hands so it gets made. I’m working on another script so I might reread it just to make sure I do the best I can with this one too.

I wanted a clear and specific book to learn the steps of writing screenplays, ordered this book and I am so happy with it. Syd Field lays out very clear directions on how to write a screenplay. He gives you exercises to practice and homework such as watching movies to try to break them down into the format he lays out for you. He repeatedly states that you have to really stick to it in order to work through to a finished product, being frank that many people’s good ideas for screenplays aren’t realized primarily because they aren’t determined enough. I like that he lays things out so clearly and emphasizes that it really requires tenacity, preparing you mentally as part of the “how-to” write a screenplay. It is a book you need to read cover to cover, don’t cheat yourself by skipping around thinking you can take bits and pieces. All the instructions you need to write a screenplay are right here, written by someone who has worked in Hollywood and written many great movies.

I had this book before but some oil got spilled on it so I had to order another one. I loved it so much that I needed a replacement. I never finished it, but from what I did read, it does great in letting you be apart of the art that goes into movies. It teaches you the art from movies as examples. Even if you didn't see the movies that are mentioned, the author presents the stories in a way that helps you understand with ease and even may inspire you to watch those films. In this book is tools to help you construct a story of your own that go into clear detail as to make it interesting. For example, he personally uses Astrological Birth Charts to make up character personality traits. I thought that was pretty neat.. I find myself re-reading pages, you don't want to miss any information. I'm a novice so I may get alot more out of this book than more experienced writers, but even then it seems like it would be good to brush up on your skills if you been out of the craft. Gave it four stars because so far so good.. not done yet.

Syd Field has great exercised

El autor y la edición, lo compré muy barato, 6 euros. Me llegó puntual e impecable. En cuanto al autor y el libro es un clásico imperdible. Muy recomendado. Lo uso para mis clases.

Every screenwriter or budding screenwriter needs this book at their side. So helpful in understanding what you’re writing and why …. What to leave in, what to leave out.

O livro é ótimo, atendeu às minhas expectativas O que não é bom são os adiamentos de entrega o que extende a longo prazo a entrega do pedido.

Easy, practical, useful.