Who do each of you think to be the definitive screenwriting guru? I'm currently studying a Syd Field and Viki King before I move onto others and would like to get the general gist of who the best out there are.

You are kurtmagister.  

Screenplay format aside, the perfect formula for any movie resides within you.  Definitely learn what you can from elsewhere but tell the story with your voice and your rhythm and that's what will get it noticed.  

However, if you are interested in selling in Hollywood then you may improve your chances with a book called Save the Cat.   Whether that will improve your scripts or not is the matter of debate (sometimes heated).

Most importantly - read other screenplays and write.  

kurtmagister,

Lots of useful information at SimplyScripts Radio.   Especially "Babz's" podcasts.

http://www.simplyscripts.net/cgi-bin/Blah/Blah.pl?b-RadioSimply/

Joe Eszterhas is the best of the best.  Read his work, don't watch his movies -- They pretty much suck, save for Jagged Edge and a few others.  But read his screenplays.  Listen to his advice and check out his book "The Devil's Guide To Hollywood".  It won't teach you much about screenwriting, his work will do that, but it will give you a broader understanding.

His style is so vivid and so fluid.  I read the screenplay for Showgirls, front to back.  Loved it...

I couldn't make it through the movie in 5 attempts.  That's how good he is at keeping you interested in what you're reading.

He wrote Showgirls and you want to emulate him?   Well to each his own I guess.

Quoted from mcornetto He wrote Showgirls and you want to emulate him?   Well to each his own I guess.

He wrote Showgirls, he did not make Showgirls.  The script is written damn good.  All his work is.  Flashdance is another one that I didn't care for on film, but loved reading it.  He has a distinct style, man.  Check his stuff out before you discredit it.

I agree with Balt!

Eszterhas is a great screenwriter. Basic Instinct is used in colleges even. That is also one of my favorite screenplays for a good read.

Black & Eszterhas - The Men Who Killed Screenwriting

http://messageboard.donedealpro.com/boards/archive/index.php/t-8419.html

Joe, lives right around the corner from me here in C-town. He's a recovering alcoholic. Hope for me yet!

One of the most lucratively paid screenwriters of our time. I''m gonna say it... For some reason, I even enjoyed Showgirls.

James

You expect me to read that???  All text and no pictures!!!


Seriously, I think he's great. I even have a few books by him.

Charlie Kaufman. Duh.

I'm almost done reading Richard Walter's Essentials of Screenwriting. Definitely recommend it:)

Quoted from kurtmagister Who do each of you think to be the definitive screenwriting guru? I'm currently studying a Syd Field and Viki King before I move onto others and would like to get the general gist of who the best out there are.

I think you should access a variety of sources and write everyday like your life depended on it.

Who's the guru? You're the guru. You just don't know it yet.  :)

Sandra

So true... Many people have the greatest story already inside them... And they alone can bring it out... Be mindful of those who came before you and listen when they speak... But always follow your own direction... Just keep it within the proper format and you can't miss... A good story will always be heard...

I really got inspired by Blake Snyder's positive message. It has led me to complete several tight... And as I like to call it "No Swiss Cheese" scripts... And has helped me along the way to establish an organization that helps out new writers hone their skills... I am new to this site, but I hope to take part in many discussions related to the topic... And I offer my help to anyone who is will to seek it... And I can't wait to get into reading some of the exciting stories I have noticed since joining...
Thanks and good luck...

Syd Field was the first if not one of the first. Since then, there have been too many gurus to count. Most of them want to be different than the other. Evertime I listen to one, someone else me they wrong and listen to anotther. Then someone says both are wrong and I need to go over here...there....until finally I just said 'kiss off! This is what I'm going to do:

Find what everyone agrees on down the line. Heed to the best advice and pep talks.

Read.
Get writing

I tend to follow the advice and tips of the writers themselves. There's Ted Elliott and Terry Rossio (Wordplayer.com) for example.

Of course, when folks say "read produced scripts" please be aware of two things: one, the majority of them in bookstores/amazon are shooting scripts. Two, some of them are directed by the writer. I'm not saying its a bad thing, anything but. Best thing to do is find your own style and voice.

Aside from those already mentioned, I was influenced by James Cameron's writing-esp. the Terminator films. Good for action, pace, evolution of page to screen. I also like (although some take me to task for it) David Mamet.