Screenplay Story Analysis: The Art and Business

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Book Review By Patricia Fry

Here’s a book for those who want to make money reading screenplays. Asher Garfinkel, founder of Readers Unlimited, a Los Angeles-based screenplay analysis service, offers a practical and comprehensive look at the basic skills and techniques needed to write coverage for screenplays.

If you want to build a career in Hollywood, this book may be just your ticket. As Garfinkel says, "Learning to write coverage (screenplay analysis) is an integral part of working in Hollywood." And it seems as though, with the increase in submissions, there is room for new talent.

While Garfinkel makes it clear that this is not a how-to on screenwriting or even on the business of screenwriting; it is a guide to entering the business of story analysis. Chapters include a description of a screenplay: plot, structure, character and supporting elements. You’ll discover the nuts and bolts of writing story analysis, as well as the business of screenplay analysis. He also provides a vast bibliography, resource list and some examples of coverage. I particularly like the Story Analyst’s Checklist. I think this would be useful for any script or fiction writer.

I’m also happy to report that this book has a useful and complete index.

Whether you’re seeking a career in Hollywood or are a budding screenplay writer, I recommend that you add this book to your library.

–Patricia Fry is President of SPAWN and author of The Right Way to Write, Publish and Sell your Book and How to Write a Successful Book Proposal in 8 Days or Less. Her Web site is http://www.matilijapress.com/.