“My toolbox is now full of fantastic genres and ideas to use. Before I started [Selbo’s] class I thought I understood genres, but I didn’t have a clue until, with Jule’s help, it all started to unravel. ”
“Want to write a screenplay that will appeal to your audience? You’d better know the genres you’re aiming for - and Jule Selbo’s book is the best guide out there to all film genres”
“[Now] I know the genre tool helps and why. The main genre is like a cake by itself, it can be a little dry, but add the hybrids to spice it up and it will come alive. ”
Film Genre for the Screenwriter
Film Genre for the Screenwriter is a practical study of how classic film genre components can be used in the construction of a screenplay. Based on Jule Selbo’s popular course, this accessible guide includes an examination of the historical origins of specific film genres, how and why these genres are received and appreciated by film-going audiences, and how the student and professional screenwriter alike can use the knowledge of film genre components in the ideation and execution of a screenplay.
Explaining the defining elements, characteristics and tropes of genres from romantic comedy to slasher horror, and using examples from classic films like Casablanca alongside recent blockbuster franchises like Harry Potter, Selbo offers a compelling and readable analysis of film genre in its written form. The book also offers case studies, talking points and exercises to make its content approachable and applicable to readers and writers across the creative field.
“...a must-read for the working professional or even the newcomer contemplating writing their first screenplay.”
“Using genre as a tool was never my first immediate thought when thinking, ‘How am I going to write this?’ [Selbo’s] class turned my head around in so many ways. I feel lost and yet found.”
“Explicating the ever-elusive aspects of storytelling style and craft with scholarly flair, Selbo has written a book that is every bit entertaining as it is analytical.”