- Published
- April 2019
- Pages
- 288
- Binding
- Paperback
- Dimensions
- 6x9in
- ISBN Print
- 9781550597837
- ISBN eBook
- 9781550597868
Purchase From
Maybe you have a great idea for a movie, and you’re thinking to yourself, “Man, if I only knew how to write a screenplay.” Maybe you’ve started your screenplay already, but you get to a certain point where you JUST DON’T KNOW WHAT TO DO NEXT! Or maybe you’ve already finished your screenplay, read it over again, hated it, and smashed your hard drive, frustrated. Don’t give up on your dreams just yet—not until you’ve read this book.
Over the course of his successful career as a writer and producer, Josh Miller has learned plenty about the craft and art of screenwriting. There are no fancy tricks or shortcuts to making a great screenplay, just time-honored techniques, fundamental story elements, and one secret ingredient: you. Josh will show you how to create a compelling story and deploy advanced screenwriting techniques, but most importantly, he’ll teach you how to harness your unique voice, experience, and perspective to emotionally connect with audiences and give your screenplay real substance. Get this book—and get yourself unstuck.
- Understand visual storytelling elements to tighten up your script and eliminate unnecessary dialogue.
- See effective screenwriting elements in action with instructive examples from more than 200 classic and contemporary films.
- Learn the secrets to creating unforgettable characters that drive the narrative forward and add depth to your story.
- Create effective setups and payoffs to give your story internal logic, yet maintain the element of surprise.
- Master elements of screenwriting craft, such as flashbacks and flash-forwards, time locks, subplots, twists, and more.
There are lots of books on how to write a screenplay, but many aren’t very good. Josh Miller’s stands out as one of the best. His insights, strategies, and encouragement are invaluable.
Carole Kirschner, Director of the CBS Diversity Writers Program and the WGA Showrunner Training Program and author of Hollywood Game Plan
Honest, entertaining and thorough, Stuck! is an indispensable tool for everyone from emerging screenwriters to established filmmakers.
Jim Bigham, producer/production manager – Ballers, Magic Mike, Dolphin Tale
Brilliant. Josh captures the essence of screen writing. What a story arc. It’s almost as if he’s writing his own script called: Stuck! A must read for any writer, producer, or director.
Lee W. Gluckman Jr., Chairman, US International Film & Video Festival
As a producer/writer Josh is an expert with story, character and humour. He understands how to translate ideas to the page so that they are communicated with clarity, intent and emotion.
Grant Harvey, director – Wynonna Earp, Orphan Black, Tin Star, 12 Monkeys
Stuck! is filled with all the basics seasoned with lots of valuable tips, wisdom and solid ideas on how to get unstuck. Josh has been in the industry a long time and is sharing a wealth of experience.
Dennis Foon, novelist/playwright/screenwriter – Indian Horse, Life Above All
I’ve never seen a book that describes every element of narrative structure like Josh Miller’s Stuck! This book will be to screenplays as Strunk and White is to grammar and style. A worn copy will be on every writer’s shelf.
Thomas Herod Jr., line producer - Screen Door Jesus, Persons Unknown, Woman Undone, All American Murder
Josh Miller reminds us that when it comes to story, the storyteller is still the most important part of the most powerful cultural force on the planet. If you’re interested in being a professional storyteller, Stuck! is an essential part of your narrative arsenal.
Michael Jorgensen, Emmy-winning producer – Unclaimed, Battle of the X-Planes
Stuck! is a back-to-basics, easy-to-follow guide for all screenwriters. Miller's solid understanding of good story telling is highlighted by the wide variety of movie examples that make it interesting and instructive. No fancy formulas or gimmicks, just solid fundamentals. A must read.
Francis Damberger, director – Heartland, Due South, Honey I Shrunk the Kids
Stuck! is a must read for every aspiring and experienced screen writer. It truly does show “a path through the script wilderness” in an eminently refreshing and practical way.
Robert Frederick, producer – MacGyver, Witness Protection, The Wild Guys
Stuck! is a valuable addition to the desk or bookshelf of anybody serious about learning the craft of screenwriting. Josh knows this business well and shares his experience with comradely insight and self-deprecating humour.
Scot Morison, screenwriter – Finding Bobbi, Jake and the Kid
Practical, highly insightful and masterfully crafted, Josh Miller has pooled years of intimate knowledge, experience and mentoring into a remarkable craft of screenwriting bible. Presenting complex techniques in a relatable form and offering copious in-depth examples makes this a must-read for beginners, and definitely an inspiring refresher for all content creators!
Margaret Mardirossian, producer – The Liquidator, X-Weighted