RECOMMENDATIONS THREAD - Thought I'd do up a series of threads on different recommendations. This one will focus on books that were helpful to me in understanding the entertainment industry and that I've recommended to others when asked. 1/

The book I've recommended the most is probably WRITING FOR FUN & PROFIT by @thomaslennon and Robert Ben Garant. This is not purely about screenwriting (though there is some of that), it's more about tips for having a screenwriting career. 2/ https://amzn.to/2P5NM8W 

The chapters about taking notes, as well as how you'll probably get kicked off the script you just sold have been incredibly helpful for people. Plus it's absolutely hilarious, as you'd expect from the creators (and stars) of RENO 911. An absolute must-read. I'm on my 3rd copy 3/

Next is a classic of the genre from an icon: ADVENTURES IN THE SCREEN TRADE by William Goldman. Goldman (as you hopefully know) wrote ALL THE PRESIDENT'S MEN, BUTCH CASSIDY AND THE SUNDANCE KID, MISERY, THE PRINCESS BRIDE (and the novel), MARATHON MAN. 4/ https://amzn.to/308u7eM 

Some of the references are a bit dated (Burt Reynolds as the biggest movie star...) but the stories are elegantly told and still as instructive (and funny) as ever. Goldman's insights are as top-shelf as you'd expect from one of the greatest screenwriters of all time. 5/

Goldman wrote a "sequel," WHICH LIE DID I TELL (title taken from what an agent once asked him after a phone call), as well as a compilation of his Premiere magazine essays called THE BIG PICTURE. And his look at a season on Broadway, THE SEASON, is worth a read too. 6/

THE DEVIL'S CANDY by Julie Salamon is probably the most underappreciated book on this list. It's about the making of the film of BONFIRE OF THE VANITIES, directed by Brian DePalma. Salamon got access to every step of the process and it's riveting. 7/ https://amzn.to/3f5vr6r 

It's a lesson in how big studio movies are made, as well as the fact that people rarely know they're making something that will turn out disastrously. No one is TRYING to make a bad movie. I've never quite read anything like it and it's incredibly instructive. 8/

SAVE THE CAT by Blake Snyder. I suspect this will be a controversial (or obvious) choice and I hesitated putting it on here. But if I'm being honest, this was a big influence on me and I'm all about honesty. So I'm recommending it, but with a caveat. 9/ https://amzn.to/333Rt7e 

This was the first screenwriting book I read that made sense to me. The others (Robert McKee, etc.) had always seemed opaque and highly technical. This was readable, easy to put to use, and straightforward. It broke down 3 Act structure and was really helpful to me. 10/

Now the caveat I'd add would be the same for all screenwriting books (or advice in general.) Take what's useful to you and forget what's not. Sometimes a client will tell me "Save the Cat says we have to do X by this page!" And I'll have no idea what they're referring to. 11/

Nor do I really care about doing EXACTLY what the book prescribes. 15 years from when I read it, what I recall is finally understanding 3 act structure, the importance of loglines (and working on them over & over), and how that book made me feel like I actually could do it. 12/

THE KID STAYS IN THE PICTURE by Robert Evans. You may have seen the documentary adapted from this memoir by actor/studio head/producer Bob Evans. But you have to get the audio version of his book so you can hear it read in his dulcet tones 13/ https://amzn.to/2CVJ1fN 

The next book I'm going to recommend is unfortunately out of print, so it's going to be tricky to find a reasonably priced copy, but you do get two legendary writer/directors for the price of once book... 14/

CONVERSATIONS WITH WILDER by Cameron Crowe. This is a book I first read in college (thanks to @strandbookstore and their fantastic film/tv collection) and returned to every year since. It's delightful, illuminating and thoughtful, as you might expect. 15/ https://amzn.to/2CYOulX 

Billy Wilder is a tricky interview subject to pin down, but Cameron Crowe does his best and it certainly helps that before becoming a writer/director, Crowe was one of the best journalists around. (One day I'll find a way to read his book of FAST TIMES AT RIDGEMONT HIGH...) 16/

That book led to me exploring the films and directors that are mentioned throughout by Wilder and Crowe, as well as the less well-known chapters of Wilder's filmography. There are also a few fun stories about ALMOST FAMOUS and JERRY MAGUIRE scattered throughout. 17/

Finally... THE WRITER GOT SCREWED (BUT DIDN'T HAVE TO) by Brooke Wharton. This look at the legal and business aspects screenwriters need to understand is over 20 years old at this point, but I think the essential points still stand. 18/ https://amzn.to/39HYOLi 

It was a vital introduction in helping me comprehend legal concepts that are commonplace and you owe it to your future self to read this book. A great lawyer is an essential advocate for any working writer, but this book will at least help set up what to watch out for. 19/

Those are what made the biggest impact on me, but here's an extra credit roundup of other books you might enjoy: THE STUDIO; EASY RIDERS, RAGING BULLS; THE BIG GOODBYE; PICTURE; DOWN & DIRTY PICTURES; HELLO, HE LIED; SHOOTING TO KILL; KILLER INSTINCT; THE BIG PICTURE. 20/

Hope this has been helpful! Would love to hear what books have been useful to you in navigating the film & TV world, for screenwriting and otherwise. Aiming to put up recommendation threads on movies, TV shows, podcasts, websites, articles, and other media in the near future. END