Classical Storytelling and Contemporary Screenwriting

Acknowledgments

This book is based upon a college seminar I teach at Yale University entitled Classical Storytelling and Modern Screenwriting. So I am indebted to the students, faculty, and administrators there who keep filling the seats and inviting me back.

Thanks also to screenwriter extraordinaire Brian Nelson who, upon hearing the subject of my class, exclaimed “Duh, THAT’S your book!”

And special thanks to my instructors and colleagues at UCLA, still the best screenwriting program in the world. I must single out Richard Walter, Hal Ackerman, Lew Hunter, and Howard Suber, who along with Aristotle taught me everything I know about screenwriting.

And of course, thanks to Mom and Dad who taught me everything else, including the importance of ...