Discover Popular Authors Audiobooks in Arts & Entertainment, TV & Film

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Title: We'll Always Have Casablanca

Subtitle: The Life, Legend, and Afterlife of Hollywood's Most Beloved Movie

Author: Noah Isenberg

Narrator: Tom Perkins

Format: Unabridged

Length: 8 hrs and 18 mins

Language: English

Release date: 07-20-17

Publisher: Tantor Audio

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 13 votes

Genres: Arts & Entertainment, TV & Film

Publisher's Summary:

Casablanca was first released in 1942, just two weeks after the city of Casablanca itself surrendered to American troops led by General Patton. Featuring a pitch-perfect screenplay, a classic soundtrack, and unforgettable performances by Humphrey Bogart, Ingrid Bergman, and a deep supporting cast, Casablanca was hailed in the New York Times as "a picture that makes the spine tingle and the heart take a leap".

We'll Always Have Casablanca is celebrated film historian Noah Isenberg's rich account of this most beloved movie's origins. Through extensive research and interviews with filmmakers, film critics, family members of the cast and crew, and diehard fans, Isenberg reveals the myths and realities behind Casablanca's production, exploring the transformation of the unproduced stage play into the classic screenplay, the controversial casting decisions, the battles with Production Code censors, and the effect of the war's progress on the movie's reception.

Finally, Isenberg turns to Casablanca's long afterlife and the reasons it remains so revered. From the Marx Brothers' 1946 spoof hit, A Night in Casablanca, to loving parodies in New Yorker cartoons, Saturday Night Live skits, and Simpsons episodes, Isenberg delves into the ways the movie has lodged itself in the American psyche.

Critic Reviews:

"Whether you're a Casablanca devotee or just a film-history buff, the story of how the iconic movie got made and what the world made of it is downright fascinating, even a kind of narrative nonfiction thriller." (Booklist, starred review)

Members Reviews:

Good for fans, would've liked more insider info

Is there anything you would change about this book?

To be fair, re-reading the summary, it was as advertised. But I would have preferred more of the insider stories about the rivalries over the script, interaction between the actors, and more backstories of the various émigrés in the cast and crew.

How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

More in-depth information about the various scripts and scriptwriters, and a more detailed picture of exactly who provided what to the final screenplay. From the original, if a bit clunky, story from the playwrights Burnett and Alison, the wit of the Epsteins, the political sensibility of Koch, and the romance from Robinson, we're left with mostly broad strokes. Perhaps there's not much more to tell, but it seems an interesting tale if there is.

What do you think the narrator could have done better?

Overall, it was okay, but a viewing of the film might have helped the narrator quote the lines in the manner they were delivered. Not a major problem, but it's just enough to realize that the reader may not be familiar with the film, which is a bit of a distraction.

Was We'll Always Have Casablanca worth the listening time?

If you're a fan of the film, as I am, it'll be worth the time. If you've never seen the film, it'll make you want to see it.

Any additional comments?

Honestly, the book has a lot of filler. I could have done with less of the various homages, satire and talk of remakes and sequels. To the book's credit, there are testimonials that should inspire younger generations to check out the film.

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Title: Serenity Found

Subtitle: More Unauthorized Essays on Joss Whedon's Firefly Universe

Author: Jane Espenson - editor, Leah Wilson, Nathan Fillion, Orson Scott Card, Lani Diane Rich, Loni Peristere, Yvonne Jocks

Narrator: Colby Elliott

Format: Unabridged

Length: 7 hrs and 6 mins

Language: English

Release date: 07-14-17

Publisher: Last Word Audio

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 4 votes

Genres: Arts & Entertainment, TV & Film

Publisher's Summary:

A lot has happened since Finding Serenity. We learned River's secret; Mal took on the Alliance. Our favorite crew became Big Damn Heroes. And the Browncoats proved that hard work, passion, and a little fan coordination can do the impossible. Serenity Found takes the contents of Finding Serenity even further, exploring not just the show but the events of the film as well, to create an anthology that's even more thought-provoking, fascinating, and far-thinking than its predecessor.

Critic Reviews:

"Lots of fun, lots of new insights, even some new facts a diehard Browncoat like me hadnt heard yet." (SerenityStuff.com)

Members Reviews:

still searching for Serenity

I love collections of essays about pop culture phenomena, and Serenity/Firefly is one of the greatest sci-fi cult phenomena since the original Star Trek. Moreover, Serenity Found offers readers a wide variety. Some of the essays explore philosophical themes in the show. Others focus on character development. We also essays from writers, special effects artists, and actors involved in the show sharing their experiences, including Nathan Fillion himself. Overall, there's something for everybody here.

Personally, I thought the essays that explored the characters were the most interesting. They provide interesting insights about the crew of the Serenity. Of those, the essay about Shepherd Book and faith is fascinating and even provides hints about Shepherd's past.

That said, I think the collection would have benefitted from a bit more editorial control. Some of the essays are sloppy. Orson Scott Card's essay is particularly bad, all praise without any sort of analysis or insight. Card trashes all other sci-fi but doesn't really explain why Serenity/Firefly is better. As I tell my students, it's crucial to address strong counterarguments and make a focused point. Some of the other essays seem like they were written hastily without much thought (the Libertarian essay goes to such absurd extremes I laughed out loud).

Overall, this book is definitely worthwhile for Serenity/Firefly fans who want to think more about the series. Especially for the current Kindle price, which is less than a bag of chips at an airport.

Mixed Bag of Essays Covering Classic Sci-Fi Show

"Serenity Found" is a mixed bag of essays looking at "Firefly," a space-western television series that was unveiled a decade ago and lasted a half-season, and "Serenity," the film sequel to the tv series. While the show was axed a decade ago, it retains a very loyal following due to its well-written scripts, original settings and some excellent characters. While "Firefly" does not rank as one of Joss Whedon's more commercially successful outings, the fact that there remain intense fans of the show a decade later reveals its worth.

These essays will appeal to fans of the show but readers outside that sub-group should not bother with it. There are some interesting pieces from fans of the show and crew members who worked on it. There is a fun essay by actor Nathan Fillion who played the role of the lead character.

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Title: Game of Thrones: Secret Love Affairs

Subtitle: Game of Thrones Mysteries and Lore, Book 3

Author: CraftWrite Publishing

Narrator: Johnny Robinson

Format: Unabridged

Length: 57 mins

Language: English

Release date: 07-12-17

Publisher: CraftWrite Publishing

Ratings: 5 of 5 out of 5 votes

Genres: Arts & Entertainment, TV & Film

Publisher's Summary:

Full of daring theories and fascinating tales from the world of Ice and Fire, Game of Thrones: Secret Love Affairs delves deep into the most riveting stories of covert romances between characters of Westeros, Essos, and beyond. While R+L=J is quickly becoming common knowledge among the fandom and the characters themselves (excluding Jon Snow, who, of course, knows nothing) - that's just scratching the surface of the hidden desires and secret love that have filled up the annals of the Seven Kingdoms. Exploring fan theories, rumors, and hypotheses built on substantial evidence abound on throughout the long history of A Song of Ice and Fire, this book will provide you with a wholly changed perspective on the events that shaped the politics and culture of Westeros and Essos. A perfect gift for fans of the TV show as well as the book series, Game of Thrones: Secret Love Affairs serves as both an introduction and an accompaniment to the existing media. If you want to find out how the World of Ice and Fire came to be or what might happen next, this is the place to start!

Members Reviews:

Five Stars

Great book :)

This book is wonderful.

Epic story. Love the books, love the show. Love the graphic novels too. The illustrations are very good. Everything in this collection was wonderful- the storyline, the character development and expression, the artwork, the coloring, the flow and a lot more. You can tell how much planning and work went into the creation of this series. Excellent quality and would recommend to any fan of GOT

One Star

Horrible

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Title: Game of Thrones: Prophecies and Dreams

Subtitle: Game of Thrones Mysteries and Lore, Volume 2

Author: CraftWrite Publishing

Narrator: Leanne Yau

Format: Unabridged

Length: 1 hr and 14 mins

Language: English

Release date: 07-04-17

Publisher: CraftWrite Publishing

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 6 votes

Genres: Arts & Entertainment, TV & Film

Publisher's Summary:

Full of daring theories and fascinating tales from the world of Ice and Fire, Game of Thrones: Prophecies and Dreams is a riveting account of the series' most captivating cases of hidden magic - prognostications, dreams and visions. While HBO's blockbuster has left most of these out, this book will delve deep into the hidden magic spread out across families, backdrops, religious beliefs and even entire continents of A Song of Ice and Fire. From Jamie's dreams of nude Brienne to Jojen's Winterfell Drowned and to Quaithe's Dark Words this book will leave no stones unturned, no questions unanswered.

Members Reviews:

A lot of tidbit you won't see on TV!

A lot of tidbit you won't see on TV!

If you download the ebook, which is free for Kindle Unlimited members, it has a note that states that the book is constantly updated, so the audio and print may not match up.

The audio does not cover the last 13 episodes of the series which are being split into two seasons. The first half just concluded and the second half will play out next year.

The audio covers all that has happened so far in both the books and the television show. (see note above) The TV show is ahead time-line wise of the books, as Mr. Martin has deadline issues. There are still 2 more books due in the series.

This is a review of the various prophecies and dreams within the world of The Game Of Thrones as well as the books the show is based on. Many of these are not covered on the show as there is just not enough time to cover it all. The show-runners for GOT have expressed their desire to try and stay close to the over-all themes and stories from the books, so the unseen foreshadowing from the book should still hold true for the show as it does in the books.

There are some specific visions shown to Daney that I find most curious! Plus the most delectable one told to Cerci having to do with her being murdered by her younger brother! In her arrogance she has seemed to have forgotten that Jamie is actually her younger brother too! Even though I knew this already, I still like hearing about her demise because I really hate her.

Leanne Yau presents the information in a clear and precise manner. She is very easy to understand as well as being pleasant to listen to.

I give this a 5 for what it is, but also want to put a warning out there for those that are just starting the series either in print or TV, there will be spoilers.

Ebook obtained through Kindle Unlimited

Audiobook obtained for free at my request and I am voluntarily leaving this unbiased review

More Reviews @ GoodReads Id: AudiobookRomance

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Title: The Science of Star Wars

Subtitle: The Scientific Facts Behind the Force, Space Travel, and More!

Author: Mark Brake, Jon Chase

Narrator: Joel Richards

Format: Unabridged

Length: 8 hrs and 57 mins

Language: English

Release date: 06-30-17

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 4 votes

Genres: Arts & Entertainment, TV & Film

Publisher's Summary:

Discover the science behind the most popular sci-fi franchise of all time.

Capturing the imagination and hearts of crowds worldwide, Star Wars is a fantastic feat of science fiction and fantasy. We marvel at the variety of creatures and technology and the mystery behind the force. But how much of the Star Wars world is rooted in reality? Could we see some of the extraordinary inventions materialize in our world?

The Science of Star Wars addresses 50 topics that span the movies' universe, such as battle technology, alien life, space travel, etc. You'll find fascinating explorations of physics, plausibility, and more. The book addresses many unanswered, burning questions including:

Members Reviews:

but not the best book on the subject

Well, it's okay, but not the best book on the subject. One eventually will find some 'scientific lacks' here and there.

If you are a fan, you will love this

Loved this book. Being a Star Wars fan and a lover of science I found this fascinating and easy to understand

Disappointed

After being a Star Wars fan for nearly 40 years, I expected this to be a fun and educational read about Star Wars science vs reality science (a la The Physics of Star Trek).

However, as a fan of BOTH Star Trek and Star Wars, I was quickly turned off by this book -- because it seemed to presume/believe that various sci-fi concepts presented in Star Wars were entirely ground-breaking and new in the Star Wars franchise, despite Star Trek and/or other sci-fi/fantasy works presenting the same or similar concepts earlier than specific Star Wars films did.

As a result, I just couldn't delve very deeply into this book. I'd find myself making faces and going "What??" multiple times as I read on, since it felt like the author didn't know ANY other sci-fi concepts/books/films/TV shows other than Star Wars existing. If anything, some of Star Wars' premises (Starkiller Base, anyone?) are WAY more far-out and unrealistic than other sci-fi concepts, but I was interested to see what this book made of some of those ideas.

Cool, accessible real science facts behind the movies

This book is so cool and accessible reading for someone without a Science PhD. Can't wait for the Rogue One movie to come out!

Star Wars tech cost and size estimates

Mark Blake adds mathematical guesses and estimates to Star Wars technology.

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Title: Off the Cliff

Subtitle: How the Making of Thelma & Louise Drove Hollywood to the Edge

Author: Becky Aikman

Narrator: Kirsten Potter

Format: Unabridged

Length: 9 hrs and 21 mins

Language: English

Release date: 06-27-17

Publisher: Penguin Audio

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 13 votes

Genres: Arts & Entertainment, TV & Film

Publisher's Summary:

"You've always been crazy," says Louise to Thelma, shortly after she locks a police officer in the trunk of his car. "This is just the first chance you've had to express yourself."

In 1991, Thelma & Louise, the story of two outlaw women on the run from their disenchanted lives, was a revelation. Suddenly, a film in which women were, in every sense, behind the wheel. It turned the tables on Hollywood, instantly becoming a classic, and continues to electrify audiences as a cultural statement of defiance. But if the film's place in history now seems certain, at the time its creation was a long shot. Only through sheer hard work and more than a little good luck did the script end up in the hands of the brilliant English filmmaker Ridley Scott, who saw its huge potential. With Scott onboard, a team willing to challenge the odds came together - including the stars Geena Davis and Susan Sarandon and a fresh-faced up-and-coming actor named Brad Pitt, as well as legends like actor Harvey Keitel, composer Hans Zimmer, and old-school studio chief Alan Ladd Jr. - to create one of the most controversial movies of all time.

But before icons like Davis and Sarandon got involved, Thelma & Louise was just an idea in the head of Callie Khouri, a 30-year-old music video production manager who was fed up with working behind the scenes on sleazy sets. At four a.m. one night, sitting in her car outside the ramshackle bungalow in Santa Monica that she shared with two friends, she had a vision: two women on a crime spree, fleeing their dull and tedious lives - lives like hers - in search of a freedom they had never before been able to realize. But in the late 1980s, Hollywood was dominated by men, both on the screen and behind the scenes. The likelihood of a script by an unheard-of screenwriter starring two women in lead roles actually getting made was remote. But Khouri had one thing going for her - she was so inexperienced she didn't really know she would be attempting the nigh impossible.

In Off the Cliff, Becky Aikman tells the full extraordinary story behind this feminist sensation, which crashed through barricades and upended convention. Drawing on 130 exclusive interviews with the key players from this remarkable cast of actors, writers, and filmmakers, Aikman tells an inspiring and important underdog story about creativity, the magic of cinema, and the unjust obstacles that women in Hollywood continue to face to this day.

Members Reviews:

Getting a movie made is a miracle, and here everything came together for a perfect storm

Although the first few chapters were hard to read -- lots of emphasis of how hard it is to be a woman in Hollywood and how hard it is to sell a script, ultimately this is a wonderful book about the joys and "Pitt" falls (we love to watch him go!) of making one of the most beloved movies of the 90s. Callie Khouri IS Louise, and her friend was Thelma.

Getting a movie made is a miracle, and here everything came together for a perfect storm -- it was very interesting how Ridley Scott was SO not the right person to make this movie, but then again, that made him the absolute right person to make this movie.

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Title: Live from New York

Subtitle: The Complete, Uncensored History of Saturday Night Live as Told by Its Stars, Writers, and Guests

Author: James Andrew Miller, Tom Shales

Narrator: Christina Delaine, Paul Woodson

Format: Unabridged

Length: 28 hrs and 18 mins

Language: English

Release date: 06-27-17

Publisher: HighBridge, a Division of Recorded Books

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 43 votes

Genres: Arts & Entertainment, TV & Film

Publisher's Summary:

When first published to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Saturday Night Live, Live from New York was immediately proclaimed the best book ever produced on the landmark and legendary late-night show. In their own words, unfiltered and uncensored, a dazzling galaxy of trail-blazing talents recalled three turbulent decades of on-camera antics and off-camera escapades. Now a fourth decade has passed - and best-selling authors James Andrew Miller and Tom Shales have returned to Studio 8H. They raucously and revealingly take the SNL story up to the present, adding a constellation of iconic new stars, surprises, and controversies.

Contact me for any questions: [email protected]

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Title: Stop Acting, Start Living

Author: Bernard Hiller

Narrator: Bernard Hiller

Format: Unabridged

Length: 3 hrs and 2 mins

Language: English

Release date: 06-20-17

Publisher: Chapter 1 Audio

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 15 votes

Genres: Arts & Entertainment, TV & Film

Publisher's Summary:

Stop Acting, Start Living is the culmination of 35 years of performing and teaching experience around the globe. Hollywood Acting and Success coach Bernard Hiller has worked with Jeff Goldblum, LL Cool J, Lindsay Lohan, Billy Crystal, Chace Crawford, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Emilio Rivera among many others. Bernard coached Cameron Diaz for her first big audition The Mask with Jim Carrey, which launched her career. His revolutionary techniques have changed the course of lives and careers. There has never been a book available that takes the acting techniques of a Hollywood star-maker and teaches business people how to become stars in their lives and careers. Bernard is the only coach who combines acting technique, life coaching, and success training in an entirely new and transformative way. Leonardo DiCaprio, CAA, Samuel L Jackson and other stars have recommend him as the premier acting teacher in town. Casting Director April Webster (Star Wars)... I have seen firsthand how his techniques instantly improves your talent. Academy Award Nominee Bruce Dern. There is no class like it in America.

Members Reviews:

Exactly what you need to hear

If you could sum up Stop Acting, Start Living in three words, what would they be?

Revolutionary - Brilliant - energizing

Any additional comments?

This book is very refreshing. Gets you to see acting with a different perspective and opens you up to the reality of acting. It will without a doubt light up that flame inside of you and keep it burning. There is a reason why we call Mr. Hiller the star maker. Read his book, listen to it, it will make you happy and leave you wanting more.

A must have!

This book should be a staple on your library shelf and then shared with everyone you know! My son and I have been fortunate enough to meet Bernard Hiller and take his Los Angeles master class together. Bernard not only helped us become authentic with ourselves, but authentic with each other. I've loved all my children since the day they were born, but after his master class I had no idea that I had the capacity to love on an even deeper level! Even though I have been to his classes I still pull this book out every time I need a little pick me up. I now produce and direct my own successful shows in Hollywood C.A. Opening my own theatrical company is something I never fathomed I was capable of doing before I met Bernard Hiller. I can now say with confidence that I LIVE AN OSCAR WORTHY LIFE! Do you? Do you want to? Well then what are you waiting for... buy this book

Bernard is the best in the business =)

so happy to have this on audio =) best tool an actor could ask for

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Title: The Pride of the Yankees

Subtitle: Lou Gehrig, Gary Cooper, and the Making of a Classic

Author: Richard Sandomir

Narrator: Kevin Stillwell

Format: Unabridged

Length: 8 hrs and 7 mins

Language: English

Release date: 06-13-17

Publisher: Hachette Audio

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 12 votes

Genres: Arts & Entertainment, TV & Film

Publisher's Summary:

On July 4, 1939, Gehrig delivered what has been called "baseball's Gettysburg Address" at Yankee Stadium. There is, for now, no known intact film of Gehrig's speech, but instead just a swatch of the newsreel footage has survived, incorporating his opening and closing remarks: "For the past two weeks you have been reading about the bad break I got. Yet today I consider myself the luckiest man on the face of this earth" - the last line, of course, having become one of the most famous, invoked, and inspiring ever, anywhere. The New York Times account the following day called it "one of the most touching scenes ever witnessed on a ball field", that made even hard-boiled reporters "swallow hard."

The scene and the story would likely have been largely lost to history altogether were it not for the film Pride of the Yankees, best known for Gary Cooper, as the dying Lou Gehrig, movingly describing himself as "the luckiest man on the face of the earth", even as his body was being ravaged by the disease that was soon named after him.

Here, now, in The Pride of the Yankees: Lou Gehrig, Gary Cooper, and the Making of a Classic, by Richard Sandomir, New York Times sports columnist, is, for the first time, the full story behind the pioneering, seminal movie. Filled with larger than life characters and unexpected facts, Sandomir's book tells us how Samuel Goldwyn had no desire to make a baseball film, but he was persuaded to make a quick deal with Lou's widow, Eleanor, not long after Gehrig had passed.

Nostalgic, breezy, and fun, The Pride of the Yankees captures a lost time in film and sports history.

Critic Reviews:

"How was Lou Gehrig's timeless story brought to the Big Screen? Richard Sandomir answers that question with deft precision and warmth." (Tim McCarver, former MLB catcher and announcer for the St. Louis Cardinals)

"Packed with fascinating new detail, The Pride of the Yankees will be the delight of baseball fans and movie buffs. Think of it as a triple play: great ballplayer, great movie, great book." (Jonathan Eig, author of Luckiest Man: The Life and Death of Lou Gehrig)

"The riveting story behind the making of The Pride of the Yankees is finally being told in Richard Sandomir's meticulously researched and gracefully written book. He brings to vivid life Eleanor Gehrig, Gary Cooper, and Samuel Goldwyn's efforts to turn a hero's life into a heartfelt film." (Gay Talese)

Members Reviews:

Solid Portrayal of Hollywood Mixing With Sports

The book is mainly about the making of the film, which was produced shortly after Lou Gehrig's death. A renowned athlete dying young is always tragic, and the beauty of Gehrig's speech (as the Luckest Man with much to live for) is captured in the film. I was interested to learn that there is no full video of Gehrig's actual speech, so for most baseball fans with an interest in Gehrig and the film, the Gary Cooper rendition at the end of the film is what is understood as Lou Gehrig's actual speech. As much as this is about baseball it is also about Hollywood in the 1940's, and how Samuel Goldwyn (not a baseball fan at the outset), came to green light the film as a love story and a touching tragedy.

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Title: On Writing a Low Budget Screenplay

Author: rodney cannon

Narrator: John Alan Martinson Jr.

Format: Unabridged

Length: 1 hr and 42 mins

Language: English

Release date: 05-03-17

Publisher: cannonbooks

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 7 votes

Genres: Arts & Entertainment, TV & Film

Publisher's Summary:

On Writing a Low Budget Screenplay will not only offer advice and rules that must be followed if you wish to craft a script that can be produced for a few thousand dollars, but how to look at your script from the view of the film maker. This audiobook is short and to the point. It does not take more words to tell you how to write a low budget script than are actually in one.

Members Reviews:

A solid and compact book about screenplay writing

Rodney Cannon has delivered a very interesting book, with a effective narration from Jonh Alan. The content of the book itself is a really down to earth aproach on writing a screenplay, focusing not only on doing a low budget movie, but also how to do it with quality. Some of it's tips maybe used in other areas, like in public speaking, because some of the concepts are really usefull in many situations.

"This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review."

Interesting and Technical

This is an interesting book with tidbits and tips about how to keep the costs of moviemaking minimal. The ongoing, repeating tip that I picked up (no less than 5 times was mentioned :-) ) was that the author maintained that it was expensive to feed the crew, extras, actors and all.

Another tip was to keep the cast to a minimum, even if you are working with friends who don't require salary They still need to be fed.

John Alan Martinson Jr. was a good narrator, though when asking questions his presentation was a bit whiny. Overall a 3.5 4 star performance

I'm always interested in reading "how to" books about movies and writing. I will never write a screenplay or write a book, but it is interesting to me.

*I received this book in exchange for my unbiased review. If the review was helpful to you, would you take a moment and select 'yes' below? Also, consider following me on Audible for more reviews.

Quick easy writing primer

This is a nice short primer on writing. I think that the lessons can be applied to writing even outside of screenplays. It by no means stands on its own but does a nice job starting the conversation about writing itself and goals the aspiring auteur may have.

I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

A mixed bag of lessons on writing

Rodney Cannon has put together in this book a collection of lessons and skills used to write screenplays, ideally for small budget films between $5000 and $100,000 but aiming for around the $20,000 mark. Cannon is basing his work on the idea that the movies you are writing is probably not paying you or the actors (other than feeding them during filming) and thus if you want to get paid the movie needs to succeed. It suggests how to pick styles and genres that suit the budget and to help encourage success.

He presents lots of rules and suggestion on how to write the script, what sort of scope you should be aiming for and what pitfalls to avoid. Many of the rules would actually apply to movies of any size, not just those of small budget. But I guess the assumption is that someone writing a big budget movie shouldn't need a book like this, as you would hope a big budget film is not hiring a beginner.

For all his lessons given here the one thing that came across as really missing from this is why we should listen to Cannon? He doesn't anywhere give his bona fides.