When Hollywood first started there were no road maps on how to do a lot of things in the industry. Most of the time people learned through apprenticeships that threw them into the cogs of film production. These days there are so many resources at our finger tips.

Out of all the jobs in the industry, screenwriting is probably the one that has ironically been written the most about. A small fraction of them that are listed here are resources that writers at all stages of the process, and in all stages of their career will find useful.

"Save The Cat" by Blake Synder

Snyder’s book effectively breaks down the genres, and the beats that every good script should follow. It essentially creates a screenplay template that helps writers drag and drop ideas.



"Screenplay" by Syd Field

The book spends time making you understand why the first ten pages are crucial, how to write visually, and even takes on how to approach an adaptation. It's an all-encompassing work that’s as relevant today as when it first came out.



"The Writer's Journey" by Christopher Vogler

From ancient myths all the way to the modern web series. This book tracks that progress, and specifically how ancient mythology has an effect on present day movies and television.



"Screenwriting 434" by Lew Hunter

The benefit to this book is very clear. Not everyone can travel back in time to take Lew’s class or go to UCLA. But reading screenwriting books like this is like being in his lecture hall & taking notes.



"Writing Movies for Fun and Profit" by Thomas Lennon & Robert Ben Garant

This book is as much entertainment as it is a serious educational tool. You’ll feel more confident writing scripts, performing pitch meetings, taking notes, & even living in L.A. after reading this book.



"The Hollywood Standard" by Christopher Riley

This screenplay book has one standout benefit — it makes you look like a professional on the page. This is the quintessential guide for anyone starting out as a screenwriter.



"How to Manage Your Agent" by Chad Gervich

It’s definitely for those a little further along in their careers, though it does contain advice on getting representation.



"Crafting Short Screenplays that Connect" by Claudia Johnson

If the idea of crafting a 120 page screenplay feels daunting to you then this is the book for you. Author Claudia Johnson will help you focus on, and nail, writing a short film with a focus on human connection.