Rating: 
Summary: It's Where I Started
Review: A good start or nice refresher for all interested in screenwriting. Instructive and entertaining at the same time. Hunter proves his teaching abilities. Very inspirational if you've hit a block.
Rating: 
Summary: Please don't buy this book...I beg you not to!
Review: All Lew Hunter wants us to know is how great he is. All the way through he directs us to look at his silly, bad screenplay. Not surprised he's a teacher. If he really was that good, and his scripts really were worth reading, how come I'm not paying my eight bucks to see them. Exactly. The man can only write a flimsy, forgettable story that sticks rigidly to his made-up form. He actually believes screenwriters aren't entitled to say whether it's morning or evening! It's DAY or NIGHT, nothing else. Give me a break, man. Reading this book has made me realize the UCLA course has gotta be overrated. Get Robert McKee's book, Syd Field, Lajos Egri, Aristotle, but not Lew Hunter's. Reason: it really isn't much help. That's all.
Rating:
Summary: An excellent starting point for the first time screenwriter
Review: As a first time screenwriter, I was looking for one book that could help get me started. The market is inundated with these types of books and after much research and hours of browsing I chose Lew Hunter's Screenwriting 434. It guides you through the process in a concise and clear manner. It doesn't overwhelm with a flood of information - it is just a blue-print. As Lew says, "the most important thing if you want to write is to write," and that it did help me to do.
Rating: 
Summary: Best Bet for anyone wanting to write screenplays
Review: As a writing teacher I had access to as many free books on screenplays and writing in general as I'd ever want. I went over the samples carefully,because I'd be married to the book(s) I'd selected for courses for a long time. Screenwriting 434 rose above them all. I taught with it course after course. Why? Lew's book is an inspiration to writers. It includes everything you need to know, along with a sample screenplay that makes many students believe you they can do better. If you've ever read ON BECOMING A NOVELIST you know what it's like to read a writing book that makes you feel you'd never be able to please the author. Lew just makes you want to get out there and do it, and he takes you by the hand and shows what needs to be done. There is no other book like it. I've noticed many negative reviews on this book by "a reader". Lew is a teacher and I suspect from the simliar sound of the negative reviews that he may have annoyed some "one." Don't let that stop you from at least looking at this wonderful guide. An argument that someone does not like a sample "story" has nothing at all to do with a writing book's teaching ability. And picking on a screenplay that actually got made is stupidity! Everyone can learn from a screenplay that sold and that students can actually watch. My students used this book for both fiction writing and screenplays, and they've had success in both areas.
Rating:
Summary: A Must-Purchase!
Review: Based on his legendary UCLA's graduate course, Lew Hunter's Screenwriting 434 is a comprehensive and winningly-instructive guide into the joys, nuances, and complexities of screenwriting.This classic work is not to be missed.
Rating: 
Summary: Decent book; shows screenwriting from a conventional angle
Review: Book is OK. Sometimes formulaic and pedantic. As always, there is no substitute for actually putting pen to paper(Hunter also says that!). Breaks up a script into three acts: Setup situation, introduce complications, and come to conclusion. Explains how to write each part. Read this book to get another angle on screenwriting.
Rating:
Summary: The best book of its kind.
Review: Clarity and simplicity mark this excellent introduction to the process of screenwriting. While the book is a wonderful resource, it leaves this reader wishing he could take "Screenwriting 434" in person...
Rating:
Summary: Average resource with practical information
Review: For starters, most people I know recommend "Screenplay" by Syd Field. OK, so maybe Lew Hunter's book is not the end all and be all of screenwriting books, but for the beginner there is some helpful information here. Hunter's book offers a beginner's primer on the do's and dont's of screenplay writing. He presents the typical Hollywood formula, 3-act structure, length, and style. If a screenplay writer doesn't keep his or her screenplay to the expected formula and technical standards it will never even get read. Hunter also provides a screenplay of his own complete with commentary so that readers can follow along with him. It's not a good screenplay, mind you, but it is helpful. I'm not saying this book is the best screenwriting book on the market, but it did offer helpful information to someone who knows absolutely nothing about writing screenplays.
Rating:
Summary: A big disappointment
Review: For starters, most people I know recommend "Screenplay" by Syd Field. OK, so maybe Lew Hunter's book is not the end all and be all of screenwriting books, but for the beginner there is some helpful information here. Hunter's book offers a beginner's primer on the do's and dont's of screenplay writing. He presents the typical Hollywood formula, 3-act structure, length, and style. If a screenplay writer doesn't keep his or her screenplay to the expected formula and technical standards it will never even get read. Hunter also provides a screenplay of his own complete with commentary so that readers can follow along with him. It's not a good screenplay, mind you, but it is helpful. I'm not saying this book is the best screenwriting book on the market, but it did offer helpful information to someone who knows absolutely nothing about writing screenplays.
Rating:
Summary: Average resource with practical information
Review: For starters, most people I know recommend "Screenplay" by Syd Field. OK, so maybe Lew Hunter's book is not the end all and be all of screenwriting books, but for the beginner there is some helpful information here. Hunter's book offers a beginner's primer on the do's and dont's of screenplay writing. He presents the typical Hollywood formula, 3-act structure, length, and style. If a screenplay writer doesn't keep his or her screenplay to the expected formula and technical standards it will never even get read. Hunter also provides a screenplay of his own complete with commentary so that readers can follow along with him. It's not a good screenplay, mind you, but it is helpful. I'm not saying this book is the best screenwriting book on the market, but it did offer helpful information to someone who knows absolutely nothing about writing screenplays.
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