Crafting Short Screenplays That Connect
* The only screenwriting book that includes a DVD that contains performances of the short films and screenplays that are featured in the book!Praise for the first edition:"In this beautifully written and inspiring book, Claudia Johnson leads the reader through the process of writing the short film, along the way illuminating something much bigger--how to write great drama in any form. A very accessible book, well-researched and full of original thinking, Crafting Short Screenplays That Connect adds an important part to the literature of screenwriting and filmmaking, and will undoubtedly lead to some great short films."- Linda Seger, author, Making a Good Script Great"Crafting Short Screenplays that Connect would make a good addition to any screenwriter's library...a very accessible book for aspiring screenwriters." - Videomaker"Whether you want to write short screenplays because you want some practice before you go the distance, or because it's an assignment for your film class, 'Crafting Short Screenplays That Connect' is for you.It is explicit in its detail and direction. What is perhaps the most unique part of this guide is the fact that it contains five short screenplays that illustrate dramatic principles she teaches."- Jason Antebi, Done Deal (scriptsales.com)'My students respond well to her emphasis on connection being as important as conflict.  They seem to be inspired to write more compelling work by the less academic/more personally explorative tone.' -Saul Fussiner, Hunter College Film & MediaPraise for the second edition:"If you are interested in making short films, buy this book...This book is written with authority, the voice of experience and, more importantly, with love and humour, drawing in experiences from other screenwriters along the way." - Focus magazine'I am pleased to see a screenplay book which finds an alternative to placing conventional conflict and structure at the center of the writing universe! The emphasis on first finding emotional connection between the author and screenplay and then the developing the connection between the screenplay and audience is very fresh and creativity-enhancing." - Mick Hurbis-Cherrier, Hunter College, City University of New York'I chose this book because it reflects what I believe about scriptwriting--that the technical aspects can always be fixed, but that without a story that has heart and meaning, technical competency doesn't matter.' - Anne Orwin, School of Film and Animation, Rochester Institute of Technology'Johnson's book is unique...it openly addresses the 'groove' that traditional Hollywood narrative has worn into our minds and imaginations and provides real ways to go beyond these cliches to write more emotionally impactful stories.' M. Heather Hartley, Pennsylvania State University