Title: Writing Movies for Fun and Profit: How We Made a Billion Dollars at the Box Office and You Can, Too!
Author: Robert Ben Garant
First published July 5, 2011
336 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9781439186763 (ISBN10: 1439186766)
Rating: 3.96
Overview
In Marion Zimmer Bradley’s The Forbidden Tower, four unlikely heroes come together to challenge the matrix guardians, a group of fanatics who seek to maintain their planet’s independence from the materialistic Terrans. Among the four are Damon Ridenow, a member of the ruling caste, and Andrew Carr, an Earthman who has fought his way into the clan.
But it is the two women, Kyria and Jaelle, who prove to be the greatest assets in their quest for freedom. Together, the four must confront the guardians’ terrifying power and unite their strengths in a bid to save their planet from certain destruction.
Editoral Review
In “Writing Movies for Fun and Profit: How We Made a Billion Dollars at the Box Office and You Can, Too!” Robert Ben Garant takes readers on a fascinating journey into the world of screenwriting. Garant, best known for co-creating and starring in the Comedy Central series “Reno 911!” and for his work on hit movies like “Night at the Museum” and “The Pacifier,” shares his insights and experiences in this entertaining and informative guide.
In this book, Garant covers all aspects of screenwriting, from the basics of storytelling and character development to the mechanics of pitching and selling a screenplay. Along the way, he injects plenty of humor and personal anecdotes to keep readers engaged.
The book is full of practical advice, such as how to focus on the core elements of a story and how to create compelling dialogue. Garant also provides valuable insights into the business side of the movie industry, from negotiating contracts to dealing with difficult producers.
He doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities of Hollywood, and his honesty and humor make this book an enjoyable read even for those not interested in screenwriting. Despite the book’s irreverent tone, Garant takes his craft seriously, emphasizing the importance of hard work and dedication.
He encourages aspiring writers to keep writing no matter what, and to learn from their failures as well as their successes. However, the book is not without its weaknesses.
Some readers may find that Garant’s approach is overly formulaic, and that he relies too heavily on cliches and tired plot devices. Furthermore, the book is focused almost exclusively on the comedy genre, so aspiring writers in other genres may find it less helpful.
Despite these limitations, “Writing Movies for Fun and Profit” is a worthwhile read for anyone interested in the art and business of screenwriting. Garant’s humor and expertise make this an engaging and informative guide, and his advice is applicable to writers in any genre.
Overall, I would give this book a solid 4 out of 5 stars.