Reviews

Screenwright:
the craft of screenwriting

an electronic screenwriting course
by Charles Deemer

Reviews & Testimonials

Excerpts from reviews and letters about the book:

"If you are interested in writing screenplays, I cannot recommend this course highly enough....For the first time (to my knowledge) the "book" is written for the way one works rather than expecting one to follow the author's suggested line of thought....I was prompted to go back and do further work on one of my screenplays which I had thought finished. How do you put a price on that? Charles has done a superb job compiling as much as one needs to know to write a screenplay. It is a trove of information and guidance. Just add your own story." Cam Eason, The Book Nook

"the remarkable electronic book on Screenwriting...Screenwright has everything that you would expect in a well written screenwriting work book....Although there is plenty of meat in its twelve chapters, as a quick aide memoire it excels because you can so quickly access a piece of information at your desktop when you need it....Screenwright is a fresh approach to helping your screenwriting and one that deserves consideration from everyone starting out." John Hopson, Virtual Screenwriter at London Screenwriters Workshop (complete review).

"Especially for newcomers to screenwriting, Charles Deemer's book can help shorten a long and often painful learning curve. And what the heck -- maybe those of us who have managed to write a few scripts via the 'forest' method can soak up some of the best lessons of the 'trees.'" Si Dunn at Cyber Film School.

"The book is designed like a course, and takes the approach that the reader is basically a beginner. Every step is explained in detail, and nothing is over-looked. ... Screenwright presents a self-contained screenwriting course that anyone can use. It is structured unlike any other screenwriting book -- due mostly to the fact that it is an electronic (html) book." Christopher Wehner, Screenwriters Utopia (complete review).

"If you're new to this screenwriting thing, unsure of yourself and the jargon, and you need some straight talk about your career path, start with Screenwright. Charles is friendly, an experienced teacher and writer. He gives you a broad spectrum of what this business is all about, from what a concept is, to how to write with a partner, to how to write a query letter. ... Charles' course is well worth the amazingly-low price ... If you're a beginner, or know a friend who needs an introductory course that's friendly yet thorough in the way it touches upon a little of everything, give yourself or your friend a great gift -- Screenwright." Christine DeSmet, Wisconsin Screenwriters Forum newsletter.

"highly recommended...remarkable, ground-breaking screenwriting tutorial." Screaming in the Celluloid Jungle
"Screenwright -- don't write screenplays without it." Screenwriting Sanctuary
"Thank you so much for a wonderful screen writing tool. I have been perusing the Internet and bookstores on and off for several months now looking for a manual like screenwright. I bought a few books that seemed to be what I needed but after getting started with them they seemed so lacking in substance and well...heart or passion. I purchased your online ebook/course and I am so excited to begin. This is what I have been looking for. I have read through it and plan to do 1 section per week. This is something I have wanted to do for a long time." S.R., Screenwright purchaser.

"...this book is [for] someone who is about to start their first screenplay - or someone who has started but found the process frustrating, unrewarding and mystifying....An unusual and innovative approach to teaching screenwriting." And in a second post: "...the strength of Screenwright is that it presents fledgeling writers with a range of options, within which to explore their own personal approach to screenwriting.... this book is ideal for those just dipping into the big pool of screenwriting." Chris Owen on misc.writing.screenplays newsgroup.

"Clearly, Mr. Deemer knows his subject, has a great passion for it and wants to share his knowledge. Also, the teacher is very kind to his students." Wendy Jane Henson, Hollywood Scriptwriter.

"an extraordinary book that promises to become the bible of screenwriting for the novice. And that's not an exaggeration!" -- StoryCraft Fiction Writers Page

"one of the coolest writing 'books' around. ... it's a hypertext book. Not an e-book. But something all together original and a perfect format for what Deemer's attempting in the book. It's set up like a website, only you don't have to be online to run it. But there's hyperlinks leading through different paths of the book so that you pretty much make your own way through the course, learning based on your own tendencies as a writer." Rob's Writing Pains.

"He takes alot of the various theories and puts it all in one text. He also takes into account that different people write in different ways. Lots of examples, plus he actually writes a screenplay within the pages of the text, applying the things he's talking about. If I could only choose one resource, this is the one I'd get. It's well worth the money." B.E., college screenwriting professor.

"I genuinely love your program. Absolutely. It is in my opinion the most USEFUL of the vast 'how-to' products in the industry." M.C., industry professional.

"Four years ago, I embarked on my journey into the screenwriting world. The very first piece of material I purchased was your e-book, "Screenwright: The Craft of Screenwriting". As these four years have passed, I have made great strides. I am now represented by a literary agent from The Robert A. Freedman Dramatic Agency in New York City. I have written several episodes of "The Mind's Eye", a cable TV, horror anthology series of short films and I am collaborating with a Los Angeles based producer/director on a feature length thriller screenplay. All of this was made possible by a wonderful 'electronic book' which gave me my first 'push' and insight into the mechanics and details of the craft. Your instruction is by far, the best and most easily digested source of information I have ever laid my eyes upon. Thank you, Sir, for getting me started in this field." B.F., Screenwright purchaser.

"Loved Screenwright. It's a better course than one for which I paid ten times the price." V., Screenwright purchaser.

"I received Screenwright last week. I was hesitant to order it since I already have so many screenwriting books at home, but now I’m glad I have it. I LOVE it! The explanations and examples are simple, clear and enjoyable. I haven’t had quite this much fun studying screenwriting before. I’m only part way through my first 'run through' of the material and I already have a clearer understanding of screenplays. I still have a long way to go, but I wanted to take the time to thank you. I highly recommend your program to anyone who is interested in screenwriting. Even people who aren’t interested in screenwriting, but simply love movies should get this program. Thanks again." C.E., Screenwright purchaser.

"I have to tell you that your product is simply one of the best tutorials that I have ever come across in any subject. I have lived by it and have used it as a base to begin my screenwriting. I'm a college educated person who is a television host/reporter and I am finally branching out and pursuing a longtime goal of learning the craft of screenwriting. Your program was WELL worth the money and more." J.D., Screenwright purchaser.

"Screenwright is fantastic. It is the most complete tool that I've seen." T.M., Screenwright purchaser.

"Thank YOU for your great tutorial. I have only just begun working with it and I am totally thrilled! I am a fiction writer who has been interested in trying my hand at screenplays for a long time. I purchased First Draft software which certainly saves a lot of work, but I have never had a good understanding of the logic behind the screenplay format and have searched for simple answers for a long time. I have already learned more from an hour of working with Screenwright than I have been able to after months of surfing the web in search of answers." J.B., Screenwright purchaser.

"I'm pleased with the broad scope of ScreenWright. I especially appreciate the script analyses. I teach dramatic writing (Lee Strasberg Theatre Institute, NYC) and SW is definitely a valuable addition to my script-writing library." L.A., Screenwright purchaser.

"I have done many writing/screenwriting courses, but yours stands out in particular, as you actually recognise 'Forest' writers, such as myself - a breed that virtually every other writing philosophy ignores or ridicules as being wrong and 'can't do!!'. Well done, Charles. The 'looking over your shoulder' [feature] is another excellent feature..." C.H., Screenwright purchaser.

"By the way, this is a great book. I appreciate the way you've broken down the process to make it accessible to people with different approaches (I'm part tree/part forest). I also appreciate the pace of this book. It keeps moving, mirroring, I suppose, the pace that a good script should maintain." M.J., Screenwright purchaser.

"No matter how many reference books or software titles I explore, I continue to enjoy the thoroughness of Screenwright." N.L., Screenwright purchaser.

"...words cannot explain how informative and helpful it is. Thanks :)" J.M. Screenwright purchaser.

"I just loaded screenwright and I just had to respond to your dream of online small time individual produced movies. You are right on the money....I just wanted to write and applaud what you are doing." S.H., Screenwright purchaser.

"I have read several books, most with some disbelief; yours however although brutally honest is also quite inspirational, as well as being the most informative source that I have found thus far." G.C., Screenwright purchaser.

"Just wanted you to know I received a great tutorial and bargain, when your screenwriting Software arrived in the mail last week. As a curious and creative (but didn't know it) person, I've always felt cheated and uneducated by the 'miseducation' system. But I find the creative education in your software to be exciting, rewarding and endless. Also, thanks for reminding me and being up-front about the 'business'. You're absolutely right, most teachers would sugarcoat it....Thanks again for the great tutorial program! P.S. This is the best classroom I've ever been in!" R.A., Screenwright purchaser.

"I have strayed away from originality until recently and your book was one of the inspirations to proceed with my current project." J.D., Screenwright, paperback version purchaser.

"Thank you for this wonderful piece of work, I have not stopped reading it (or writing ) since the download. I can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel as I develop my career as a screenwright. My only problem is choosing which story to write first as I follow your program. Again thank you." J.L.C., Screenwright purchaser.

"Charles, Screenwright is great! I'm sure the masses will soon identify you as the Syd Field of the information superhighway. Thanks for bringing such a wonderful resource to writers!...I have dozens of writing books. If I want to travel with reference material, I normally have to pack several books and remember where and in which books to find the specific guidance I'm seeking. With Screenwright, it's all at my fingertips. I don't have to thumb through several books--that is, after finding them hours later. All the information, leads, tips, insight, deconstruction, and guidance I could hope for is just a click away--always....I've purchased many software titles before, but this has to be the best I've yet encountered." N.L., Screenwright purchaser.

"Thanks for the software. I haven't been able to stop exploring it. Great stuff." D.S., Screenwright purchaser.

"I recently purchased your e-course on screenwritng and I really appreciate it. I`m finally into my first screenplay; (I`ve been interested in this forever but procratinated) 83 pages so far..." S.J., Screenwright purchaser.

"I waited so long to write you because I wanted to see if the class 'took'. If it sunk down into my methods and improved them. One month after the class, I can honestly say that I feel stronger, wiser and more efficient with my words. Re-writing has improved, and so has concept development. I've recommended you to friends and hope they find the same. Thank you, Charles. This was worth more than I paid in cash. I got out exactly what I put in, plus a little more on the side." K.D., Screenwright purchaser (who took the online class using it as the textbook).

"Almost 2 years ago, I obtained your screenwriter's course, and I just wanted to thank you for all the help your insight has given me. I just completed my first screenplay, which I've been working on since I got your course. Last week I registered it with the WGA east (so I could do it over the internet) and the copyright office. I'm now about to start the marketing phase. No matter how it goes, I want you to know I appreciate having "you" there by my side, every step of the way!" J., Screenwright purchaser.

"I don't know if people ever write to thank you or not. However, I have spent literally hours with the "Screenwright" online book that you sent me. It has been an unbelievable source of guidance and information. Thank you for a job well done." G.C., Screenwright purchaser. (Author's note: the book is not actually online, it just "looks" online because it is run by an offline browser!)

"I recently purchased your wonderful book about the craft of screenwriting. I haven't finished it yet, but what I've read has been excellent. I've also read a few of your columns and have been very impressed with them as well." M.W., Screenwright purchaser.

"It's the best investment you'll ever make." G.S., Screenwright purchaser.

"...there's this guy in SF who is interested in one of my short scripts--anyway, when we spoke on the phone, he told me that one thing that was really great about reading my script after having read a couple dozen before, was that I knew the rules of script writing. So, I told him about you and about Screenwright and he said that all student screenwriters should be so lucky." L.F., Screenwright user.

"I purchased your writing disk back in 1997 and it is still of great value today. Since then I made quarter-finals with two screenplays and am still writing away." J.P., Screenwright purchaser.

"Your book, Screenwright, is a god send. I was really starting to think, maybe I can't be a screenwriter, because I can't handle doing all the crap the books say to do, paradigms. Your thoughts on forest people saved me!" J.B., paperback version purchaser.

"I'd like to say that I purchased the screenplay course and program and am very much in love with it. The program is very easy to use, the tutor style course with the internet web site design is ingenious..." T.M., Screenwright purchaser.

"I CAN NEVER TELL YOU HOW MUCH i HAVE GOTTEN FROM YOUR WEB PAGES, AND SCREENWRIGHT!!! (CAPS INTENDED)." V.D. Screenwright purchaser.

"I loved your book. I have read many books on the subject of Screenwiting and yours is one of the best I've seen. It's very comprehensive, easy to follow, and I love the format. I think that it's a great way to present material. Thanks so much for writing it." S.P., Screenwright purchaser.

"The Screenwright course has already helped me a great deal in deciding what type of writer I am and how to focus my time accordingly. I appreciate how you give equal time to both forest and tree people. I am tree with forest tendencies and your course is the only such tool that I've seen that would point that out. It saves a lot of time and frustration by not trying to force you into a program. In short, "well done!"" R.B, Screenwright purchaser.

"I ordered Screenwright the other day and I have to tell you I'm very impressed. This is the best screenwriting book I've ever read." C.M., Screenwright purchaser.

"I got up this morning, started working on my screenplay and realized I have a first draft!... Using Screenwright has been an invaluable experience! Thank you." K.M., Screenwright purchaser.

"I am in the middle of your most wonderful Screenwright course. You did a magnificent job on it! Thank you." B.L., Screenwright purchaser.

"I am very impressed by the depth and effort you put into it. Good job!" J.S., Screenwright purchaser.

"Since I recieved [sic] your tutorial I have been unable to sleep, eat or do anything else, but read and work on my script. I have my ideas pretty much thought out, but since reading your material, I have found a new fire for writing it." S.K., Screenwright purchaser.

"Screenwright is my new center of gravity. I remain polarized to its content. This E-book has unraveled the mystery and confusion. I finally discovered the software I need to begin writing." D.W., Screenwright purchaser.

"I'd also like to tell you that I have love your ecourse. It really is an excellent and thorough resource at a fantastic price. I also read all your articles that are distributed on the net. I have just finished my first screenplay and getting to ready to enter in some contests. Thanks for your guidance." C.P., Screenwright purchaser.

"I purchased Screenwright from you a couple of years ago (2 or 3? I'm in my 30's and everything's starting to blend together), and have used it to help guide me in writing my first screenplay. I have found it an invaluable resource (especially breaking it down into 4 parts - I'm working on IIB right now, and I would have gone nuts if I looked at it as 120 pp. instead of 30x4)....Screenwright has taught me how to write for the screen and has really kept me focused. The quote about 'what happens next' is always lurking when I write. When I sell [my screenplay] I'll cruise up north and buy you dinner. Anyway, thanks again." M.L., Screenwright purchaser

"I love your software; it's concise and to the point." E.W., Screenwright purchaser.
"Great course and material...I've already gotten into it." E.M., Screenwright purchaser.

"I've been "playing" with Screenwright, and I love it -- especially the use of hypertext. It's extremely easy to learn how to use. I ESPECIALLY like your technique of enabling us to look over your shoulder as you develop a screenplay." B.G., Screenwright purchaser.

"I think your course is great." L.R., Screenwright purchaser.
"Am sailing through my course; I'm on the sixth module. ... It's a great # class, and I will never be able to thank you enough. It is clearly written and I haven't gotten bored yet." S.O., Screenwright purchaser.
"I really love your screenwright program. I know nothing about screenwrighting although I have had a couple of books published. It is so different, but I tend to write in a more abrieviated style, so it might be good for me." D.M., Screenwright purchaser.
"Just wanted to pop in and say your course is wonderful and I am learning quite a bit." M., Screenwright purchaser.

"...learned more than I did at my days at USC film school." L.L., former online student (Screenwright used).
"I just received your book last week in the mail. I'm really enjoying it, halfway finished with it. Before I was having such a hard time even contemplating on how to begin to write, but it was just because there was so much I did not know about writing. Your book is definitely easy to understand, and very informative." S.V. purchaser of print book version.

"Just wanted to say thanks for all the advice that I've come across in your articles and quotes and your book, it was truly invaluable." N.S.M., purchaser of print book version.
"...my high approval. It is a great distillation of knowledge." C.E., screenwriter.
"What a stupendously successful effort. You know, in many ways it's better than most of the screenwriting classes I took way back when in the UCLA film program. I am totally blown away..." K.M.E., screenwriter.
"Very cool." B.M., screenwriter
"Kudos!" -- L.J., screenwriting teacher
"Hey Charles! Back in November (I believe) I won your tutorial during my first weekend on the internet, and since then things have really been picking up for me. I began writing short film scripts, and caught the eye of a film company here in Indianapolis called Bunk Films (marqueznet.com/bunk). I ended up starring in the lead role and directing it, and I've been extremely happy with the way it's turned out. ... I just wanted to say THANKS! for teaching me the proper way to get started." -- S., screenwriting student
"I wish to thank you for your wonderful course, and for being aware of the needs of us poor Forest People. This is the first help I have found anywhere that allows me to get right into writing, while learning the boring stuff that is also required. Somehow it seems logical rather than boring, once I have been allowed to write myself out. ...I was beginning to think there was something wrong with me, because everything else I read seemed so difficult to assimilate, but now I know it was just that I couldn't see the forest for the trees." J.G., screenwriting student.
"I downloaded the trial copy of the Hollywood Screenplay [Screenwright] course last night and my initial reaction is 'Amazing!'" R.B., screenwriting student.
"Just checked out the contents of your book, Screenwright - Wow! What a comprehensive listing - Syd Field eat your heart out!" - J., screenwriting student
"I've been sitting here studying your Screenwright book. Very interesting and informative. It's user friendly and in plain English. My only complaint is that it's addicting!" N.O.B., screenwriting student.

Screenwright:the craft of screenwriting

an electronic screenwriting courseby Charles Deemer

Reviews & Testimonials

Screenwright:
the craft of screenwriting

an electronic screenwriting course
by Charles Deemer