An interesting read considered valid in today's market, copyrighted in 1999, Lerch cites Adam Novak as a contributor. Though Jennifer Lerch is the author, she cites several producers, Hollywood script readers, friends and family as contributing information to validate the book's worth with a smidgen of humility.
Well written, the vast passages of numbered bullets and excited tone make me wonder if she was drank a lot of espresso when writing "500 Ways to Beat the Hollywood Script Reader." Surprisingly, it is seldom redundant. Unfortunately, reading every bullet is important and there are 500.
Designed by Pei Loi Koay, the book is primarily typography with cover art. An occasional star and one figure show how the title page should look. The primary objective is to share information on how to make a script manuscript look and feel professional, not how to format a script. Script writing templates are recommended.
Lerch brings up insider knowledge related to the Hollywood market. Several passages refer to standard writing techniques like character development and building a climax. It also informs writers of section length to achieve the maximum length of a script.
The entire industry is demystified by telling writers how scripts are vary from novels or short-stories. Everyone knows scripts are based on dialogue; however, scripts are also less attentive to landscape and physical descriptions. These types of descriptions are mentioned with age, place and time. The recommend is to let characters describe themselves with dialogue.
Several contrasting points clarify and compare professionals and amateurs. Reassured, professionals are treated better and the manuscript makes the first impression. Having this insight could potentially help a person figure out how to sell a script.
Focused on one topic it supplements knowledge learned through school, related books, seminars or workshops. The primary market is orientated towards educated script writers trying to get a break. Writers and movie goers would benefit from reading this book; however, they would need advanced English classes to understand some of the passages.
Quirky Books
Sleepy Hallow Walker and Burton
