Tales from the Script

Discover the secrets of Hollywood storytelling in this fascinating collection, in which fifty screenwriters share the inside scoop about how they surmounted incredible odds to break into the business, how they transformed their ideas into box-office blockbusters, how their words helped launch the careers of major stars, and how they earned accolades and Academy Awards. Entertaining, informative, and sometimes startling, ). Read along as: Frank Darabont explains why he sacrificed his salary to preserve the integrity of his hard-hitting adapta-tion of Stephen King's novella . William Goldman reveals why he's never had any interest in directing movies, despite having won Oscars for writing . Ron Shelton explains why he nearly cut the spectacular speech that helped cement Kevin Costner's stardom in . Josh Friedman describes the bizarre experience of getting hired by Steven Spielberg to adapt H. G. Wells's classic novel even though Spielberg hated Friedman's take on the material. Paul Schrader () analyzes his legendary relationship with Martin Scorsese. Shane Black () reveals why the unrelenting hype around his multimillion-dollar script sales caused him to retreat from public life for several years. is a must for movie buffs who savor behind-the-scenes stories and a master class for all those who dream of writing the Great American Screenplay, taught by those who made that dream come true.