John Truby "The Anatomy of Story"

[Randall_Oelerich]

I am reading Truby's book The Anatomy of Story. Has a unique way of explaining how to write/structure a great story, a somewhat different approach from most of the other two dozen or so other books on screenwriting that I have read that seem to follow a pretty formulaic method (the classic three act structure, turning points, etc). I think Truby still uses a formula of a sort, but he tries to make the process more organic (a word he uses often in his book). I am only on chapter 3, but chapters 1 and 2 were quite good, especially in helping a writer decide on a story idea, how to make the idea worthy, whether to go with an idea, etc. Worth a read imho.

 

[10s]

Truby is one of my favorites. I bought that book the day it came out! Truby is great, a real master on what makes a movie work or not. Before the book I spent months working on his 22 steps structure. The book is a good read.

 

[Randall_Oelerich]

I wonder if Truby has a CD or DVD on his method, a seminar, etc.; I would buy it. I guess I am off to the land of [ama] zon to check. :beer:

Truby is one of my favorites. I bought that book the day it came out! Truby is great, a real master on what makes a movie work or not. Before the book I spent months working on his 22 steps structure. The book is a good read.

 

[10s]

Truby has software & a DVD set. I have the DVD set, it covers pretty much the same as the book but gives some examples from old films. It's been a while since I've studied these DVDs, they take real dedication becuase it can get boring, at least for me, but the insight is really nice.

http://www.truby.com/

I recommend finding a study partner who wants to master screenwriting to help each other achieve mastery because this is difficult territory going it alone. Most everybody I know are lazy and couldn't make it through the rigor needed to gain mastery in this craft. The DVD set & book takes rigor.

 

[Randall_Oelerich]

I found the DVD, but it does not really say if it is audio lecture, or video of him talking in front of class or what. If you can elaborate any on that I would be grateful. I am wondering if the DVD is really any better than just reading and studying the book? If the DVD is just the same material in the book but with outlines and video of Truby speaking, I might just stick with the book-- cheaper, portable, and you can smell the pages. =)

Truby has software & a DVD set. I have the DVD set, it covers pretty much the same as the book but gives some examples from old films. It's been a while since I've studied these DVDs, they take real dedication becuase it can get boring, at least for me, but the insight is really nice.

http://www.truby.com/

I recommend finding a study partner who wants to master screenwriting to help each other achieve mastery because this is difficult territory going it alone. Most everybody I know are lazy and couldn't make it through the rigor needed to gain mastery in this craft. The DVD set & book takes rigor.

 

[10s]

I would work the book 1st and see how well you feel you have it down. Later you might get restless and want the DVDs and see what little extra help that offers.

I'm pretty hard core on the writing thing, I believe in investing in myself: classes, workshops, tutors, books, DVDs, study groups, study partners, writing partners, etc. It's a tough chore to master this craft, at least it is for me and it's even tougher in a world of sharp minded creatives such as yourself. I got to be better than you! ... help!!!!

 

[Randall_Oelerich]

I know what you mean. I have read about 30 books on the craft, written a dozen shorts, written a couple of feature screenplays, and just as I think I am getting it down some new insights show me how it really is an artform and I have only begun to scratch the surface, so much to learn, that the "great" screenplay I wrote is really just good, but could be taken to the next level and I will certainly write much better as I keep learning and realizing the more detailed levels of this craft form!

I would work the book 1st and see how well you feel you have it down. Later you might get restless and want the DVDs and see what little extra help that offers.

I'm pretty hard core on the writing thing, I believe in investing in myself: classes, workshops, tutors, books, DVDs, study groups, study partners, writing partners, etc. It's a tough chore to master this craft, at least it is for me and it's even tougher in a world of sharp minded creatives such as yourself. I got to be better than you! ... help!!!!