The Screenwriter's Workbook: Exercises and Step-by-Step Instructions for Creating a Successful Screenplay, Newly Revised and Updated

If you’re serious about writing a properly formatted feature film script that adheres to the classic three-act structure, Syd Field’s "The Screenwriter’s Workbook" is an absolute must-have. I recently used this book to refresh my skills and it was instrumental in helping me craft a well-structured feature screenplay. What sets this book apart is how it breaks down the screenwriting process into manageable, actionable steps. Field walks you through developing and tracking all the essential narrative points with clarity and precision. From character arcs to the inciting incident, every story point is laid out in a way that’s easy to follow and implement. I particularly appreciated how he correlates each major story element to its proper page number—this was a game changer for ensuring my act breaks landed exactly where they should. The workbook format is incredibly practical. It’s not just theory—you’re actively applying what you learn as you go. For example, I found it immensely helpful for mapping out my inciting incident, structuring my act breaks, and organizing my ideas into a cohesive whole. By the time I finished the exercises, I had a fully developed screenplay outline that adhered to the traditional structure without feeling formulaic. What I also loved about this book is that it doesn’t just teach structure—it helps you understand why structure matters and how it enhances your storytelling. Field’s insights on character development and plot pacing were invaluable for making my script not just functional, but engaging. If you’re looking for a step-by-step guide to get your ideas out of your head and onto the page in a professional, industry-standard format, this book is perfect. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned writer looking for a refresher, "The Screenwriter’s Workbook" is an incredible tool to have in your arsenal. Highly recommend to anyone ready to take their screenwriting to the next level!

I've written my share of short stories, and even had some of them published. I couldn't tell you how many times I've started a story and after a strong opening scene and some character development, got completely flummoxed and didn't know what to do or where to take it. After reading this book, I may dig them back out... This book, I found to be a great distillation of storytelling. Some may be put off by the "formula" or what has been called a "paint by numbers" approach that this book takes, which is far from accurate. Joseph Cambell distilled all world mythologies into his "Hero's Cycle" in THE HERO WITH A THOUSAND FACES, and you can apply any myth from any continent to his pattern. Syd Field has just done the same thing to what could be argued is the only active myth system left to Western Culture, film. Take a two-hour myth and distill it down to its raw elements. That's his book. His pattern fits. How do I create my own screenplay/myth? I have a great idea for this scene... Well, this book will force you to focus on the bits you have to think about to turn that great idea into a full screenplay. This book was perfect for where I am as a storyteller. I know how to craft a good tale - sometimes it just all comes out one paragraph at at time until the ending scene... but sometimes, you need a tool to help you think about the whole structure to get to that next part. This book? A good tool for that. You are writing your own characters and plot. All this book does is help you focus on the "why's" and "when's" of the "what happens" in YOUR script. It is not a "paint by numbers." You don't fill in the blanks like a mad-libs! It gives you a pattern to help you refine your ideas. So, yes, if you are a professional screenwriter, SCREENWRITER'S WORKBOOK will probably insult you, because it simplifies what you considered to be a magical gift - the ability to create a screenplay. For those of us who are looking for a little help to refine our craft, it is a great tool. As far as the repetitiveness some reviewers mentioned, many of the repeated passages were film quotes that you may or may not know verbatim. When focusing on the subtlety of the subtext of dialog in one chapter (or class, as the chapters are arranged), and the plot points that move the story forward in another chapter, the dialog should be reproduced each time to illustrate how important the words are. Since good screenwriting seems to be about tight focus of action and refined dialog, any responsible teacher *would* repeat the exact dialog. I also recommend THE STORY, by Robert McKee.

I wanted a clear and specific book to learn the steps of writing screenplays, ordered this book and I am so happy with it. Syd Field lays out very clear directions on how to write a screenplay. He gives you exercises to practice and homework such as watching movies to try to break them down into the format he lays out for you. He repeatedly states that you have to really stick to it in order to work through to a finished product, being frank that many people’s good ideas for screenplays aren’t realized primarily because they aren’t determined enough. I like that he lays things out so clearly and emphasizes that it really requires tenacity, preparing you mentally as part of the “how-to” write a screenplay. It is a book you need to read cover to cover, don’t cheat yourself by skipping around thinking you can take bits and pieces. All the instructions you need to write a screenplay are right here, written by someone who has worked in Hollywood and written many great movies.

I had this book before but some oil got spilled on it so I had to order another one. I loved it so much that I needed a replacement. I never finished it, but from what I did read, it does great in letting you be apart of the art that goes into movies. It teaches you the art from movies as examples. Even if you didn't see the movies that are mentioned, the author presents the stories in a way that helps you understand with ease and even may inspire you to watch those films. In this book is tools to help you construct a story of your own that go into clear detail as to make it interesting. For example, he personally uses Astrological Birth Charts to make up character personality traits. I thought that was pretty neat.. I find myself re-reading pages, you don't want to miss any information. I'm a novice so I may get alot more out of this book than more experienced writers, but even then it seems like it would be good to brush up on your skills if you been out of the craft. Gave it four stars because so far so good.. not done yet.

I had my story and notes nearly complete when I started this and there wasn’t anything totally surprising in his advice. It DID tell me I was on the right track and gave me the motivation to write until I got to The End. A few people, including someone I don’t know, all gave me great reviews so I’m hoping to get it into the right hands so it gets made. I’m working on another script so I might reread it just to make sure I do the best I can with this one too.

I don't think a better book has been written on this subject. Syd Fields is awesome

I enjoyed this book. I am not a screenwriter and I don't plan to become one, I've been an amateur short story writer for many years. While the book focuses on screenplays, the concepts can be easily applied to short stories and I guess to novels too, because they deal with how to structure story-telling. The author does repeat some concepts over and over, but rather than bother me I feel this was essential for me to learn some techniques I didn't handle well. Any concrete results? Yes, I went back to two short stories I had left stand-by for some years, and finished them using techniques suggested in this book. That's why I'm writing this review.

Purchased as a gift, in conjunction with the screenwriting book by the same author. It was well received and he said that it was helpful.

Syd Field has great exercised

El autor y la edición, lo compré muy barato, 6 euros. Me llegó puntual e impecable. En cuanto al autor y el libro es un clásico imperdible. Muy recomendado. Lo uso para mis clases.

This was a gift for a family member and they were very pleased with it.

Mr. Field has given the society a great piece of screenwriting process. I usually believed that screenwriting is all about emotional skills and capabilities but there was always some math to it. Just loved the paradigm that he drew for us. Thanks!

Every screenwriter or budding screenwriter needs this book at their side. So helpful in understanding what you’re writing and why …. What to leave in, what to leave out.