All aspects of drama screenwriting, with such case studies as Erin Brockovich, The King’s Speech, Juno, and many more

Breaking down the nuts and bolts of what differentiates drama from genre, this book considers questions such as What is "emotional truth?" What separates stereotypical and authentic characters? What are the different types of drama feature screenplay? How do we make these films, when there’s "no money?" and What are the distribution opportunities for dramas? Exploring the ways in which drama and authenticity work, it empowers screenwriters to make their own story and character choices, so they can write and also package, finance, and even make their own drama features. Detailed case studies of dramas made on both shoestring and bigger budgets offer insights from their writers, directors, and producers. Films discussed include Brokeback Mountain, American Beauty, Saving Mr. Banks, Changeling, and Girl, Interrupted.