The author conveys his knowledge of screenwriting in a straightforward fashion and answers the important questions which have to be considered at each stage of the process. He starts with the formation of the fundamental idea, the sources from which this may be found and the essential qualities which must be present. Fascinating tricks of the trade which are applied instinctively by the professionals - such as vertical and linear stories, believable unbelievabiltty, fourth walls and flashbacks, red herrings, time locks ond telescoping of time are revealed in order that the reader too can learn to utilize them to glve their work a professional feel. The author also covers such aspects as the building of characters, basic dos and don'ts, dialogue, discipline, timing, rewriting, polishing, ties and more.