How to Write a Movie in 21 Days: The Inner Movie Method
by Viki King
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Book Reviews of How to Write a Movie in 21 Days: The Inner Movie Method
Book Review: How to Write a ROUGH DRAFT of a Movie in 21 Days
Summary: 4 Stars
I've used this book not only to write screenplays (one of which I sold for a very nice sum) but also to write a novel. This book contains a lot of information, and you honestly don't need to (and shouldn't) follow all of it. But, if you need something to get you started and to at least get you to that point where you have a rough, tangible manuscipt in your hands, this is a good book to get you there.
Following the regimen this book prescribes, you WILL write yourself a rough draft of a screenplay in twenty-one days. But then, you'll probably need to spend months, maybe even years, working on it some more.
You should know that, but that's not to say you shouldn't use this book. You should. It will help you get started, and it will give you good advice. Don't take it as unbreakable law though, because ultimately it's just some experienced person's opinion. I recommend buying it though, and I recommend using it with "Elements of Style for Screenwriting" by Paul Argentini, which is just a good, alphebetized, glossary of screenplay terms; the good, old-fashioned "Elements of Style" by Strunk and White (especially their notes on using the active voice); and a stack of actual screenplays. Between all of these, you have the chance to write something great.
Book Review: Don't be in such a rush!
Summary: 3 Stars
I owe this book a debt in that it got me off ground zero in writing a script that is finally (many years later) starting to get some real exposure in the film business. It is a very motivational book and breaks the process down into easy to understand steps.But...think more like 21 weeks, or even 21 months, or more, to produce a quality script. It takes that long, especially if you are new to the process, to really let the subject percolate and allow for objectivity and careful re-drafting. And if your subject is very complex and requires a great deal of research, as mine did, add even more time.
Where the book is entirely unrealistic is in suggesting that one will be successful right away in the film business with scripts cranked out in a mere 21 says, so therefore should treat one's "day job" as simply a means to an end, even to the point of using one's employer's resources to further that end. The author even claims that that's wise. Don't do that! You'll probably need that job a lot longer than you think. Remember that your employer owns your time while you are there and the job's resources, and could get very ugly if you don't honor that.
I found Syd Field's books on the subject to be more helpful and realistic, as well as motivational.
Book Review: THIS BOOK IS A MUST!
Summary: 5 Stars
This book is brilliant! I just finished my first screenplay (currently rewriting it) and I can honestly say that everything she says in this book is TRUE! This book is more a confidence builder and motivator than anything else -- it tells you to get up off your ass and JUST DO IT! She also tells you to use your day job to write your script--which is what I did, I actually wrote my script in my free time on the job! That way you can use your job to better yourself and pay your bills at the same time! (she advises you to use your company's Xerox machine to copy scripts--it gives you a reason for being on a job you hate!) I started out writing a page a day--the point of the story is, you DO have time to write--you just have to use spare minutes within your day to do it. She also helps you understand that self-doubt is normal, especially on the first script, so she recommends that you surround yourself with supportive friends and family--I couldn't have gotten through my first script without the support of a few friends who believed in me.She's been there and done that, and it's amazing how good she is at shoring up your self-confidence.
Book Review: 21 Days and a finished script... Well...
Summary: 3 Stars
Years ago when I first became interested in screenwriting I walked in a small bookstore in town and picked up this book. This happen to have been quite some time ago, like I said. Since then I have written several spec scripts and for them to be worth anything, I needed to have taken serious time developing the arc for the story and the protagonist. This time surpassed 21 days, I wrote the first draft, rewrote several drafts then ended in a final draft. This all took several months.
It might be possible to get your "Vomit Draft" out in 21 days but a "Final Draft" is quite unrealistic. Everyone has their own way of developing and writing their stories. Some have outlines, some jump right into the software package Final Draft and write the script. Everyone is different, either way it's a process that takes longer than 21 days.
At best, in my opinion, this book a fun look at screenwriting for a beginner or that novice who wants a guide for that first attempt at writing a script.
It's not a bad buy, but I could find other books that I would place in front of this one.
Book Review: Makes the task doable
Summary: 5 Stars
How do you write a script in 21 days, while you're reading the book on how to do it? King gives exercises to find your inner story and get it down before your inner critic has a chance to sabotage the project. She shares tips on recognizing how your life issues play into your themes, the mechanics of script writing, how to deal with writers block, and life issues for being a screenwriter and living with one, or how to be pleasant while you're wresting your life story to paper. It isn't intended to be the comprehensive manual. Instead it takes the mortal fear out of getting the job done, so you can get on with being an artist. King presents the material in a light approach that never gets in the way. You can actually read the book while completing your script within several weeks. I did it, and never felt pressure or creative agony (I did cheat, adapting a book I wanted to get to screenplay). The first time is the hardest; after that it's only as agonizing as having your toenails removed via pliers. Have fun.