Author(s): Marc Blake (Author), Sara Bailey (Author)
Publisher: Bloomsbury Academic
Publication Date: 12 Sept. 2013
Edition: annotated edition
Language: English
Print length: 272 pages
ISBN-10: 1441196188
ISBN-13: 9781441196187
Book Description
Tales of horror have always been with us, from Biblical times to the Gothic novel to successful modern day authors and screenwriters. Though the genre is often maligned, it is huge in popularity and its resilience is undeniable. Marc Blake and Sara Bailey offer a detailed analysis of the horror genre, including its subgenres, tropes and the specific requirements of the horror screenplay.
Tracing the development of the horror film from its beginnings in German Expressionism, the authors engage in a readable style that will appeal to anyone with a genuine interest in the form and the mechanics of the genre. This book examines the success of Universal Studio’s franchises of the ’30s to the Serial Killer, the Slasher film, Asian Horror, the Supernatural, Horror Vérité and current developments in the field, including 3D and remakes. It also includes step-by-step writing exercises and interviews with seasoned writers/directors/ producers discussing budget restrictions, screenplay form and formulas and how screenplays work during shooting.
Editorial Reviews
Review
The truth is that the screenplay is a bastard form of literature. It is not a play nor book nor movie, and not just simply a blueprint for a film. All movies, regardless of genre, depend on the screenplay. However it is the director who makes the movie by realizing the printed words of the script on film. I have seen mediocre screenplays made into very good films. And I have seen excellent screenplays made into bad movies by incompetent directors. Again, it’s important for people to understand that the screenplays essential role in film making is the same regardless of the genre of the film. —John Landis, 2012Writing the Horror Movie annotated edition is written in particular for anyone interested in writing a screenplay for a horror film, and in seeing that screenplay turned into reality. But it’s also full of fascinating nuggets of analysis and useful information more generally for scholars, students and fans of the genre – whether this is musing on the aesthetics of disgust, offering nifty psychological profiles of major horror monsters, or advice on how to exploit your film and turn it into a lucrative franchise. Two dismembered thumbs up for Marc Blake and Sara Bailey! —Darryl Jones, Professor, School of English, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland
A lucid, well-structured and thought-provoking introduction that ranges widely across the genre. Intelligent and perceptive throughout. Recommended for aspiring writers and critics. —
George Green, Senior Lecturer, Department of English and Creative Writing, Lancaster University, UK
About the Author
Marc Blake has written for the Independent on Sunday, the Evening Standard, The Mail, Express and the Scriptwriter as well being a freelance writer on Eagle Moss’ ‘The Horror Collection’. He now teaches horror film at Southampton Solent University, UK, on their graduate programme. He is the author of three novels, Sunstroke, Big Time, and 24 Karat Schmooze.
Sara Bailey is Course Leader for Screenwriting at Southampton Solent University, UK. She has worked as a screenwriter and is an experienced researcher and lecturer.
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