Writing the Romantic Comedy: The Art and Craft of Writing Screenplays That Sell

“Writing the Romantic Comedy is so much fun to read it could pop a champagne cork.”—Alexa Junge, writer and producer of Friends

Revised and expanded to celebrate a new generation of romantic comedies, Billy Mernit’s insightful look into the mechanics of writing Hollywood’s most enduring genre features case studies that reveal the screenwriting secrets behind classics new and old.

Whether you’re a first-time screenwriter, an intermediate marooned in the rewriting process, or a professional wanting to explore the latest genre trends, this thoroughly charming and insightful guide to the basics of crafting a winning and innovative script will take you step by step from “meet cute” all the way to “joyous defeat.” You’ll learn the screenwriting secrets behind some of the funniest scenes ever written; how to create characters and dialogue that getsparks flying; why some bedroom scenes sizzle and others fall flat; and much more. 

Written in a refreshingly accessible style and updated and expanded to recognize the contributions of a fresh generation of romantic comedies, this newly revised 20^th Anniversary edition of Writing the Romantic Comedy features case studies drawn from beloved romantic classics such as When Harry Met Sally, Annie Hall, Tootsie, and The Lady Eve to modern-day favorites including Hitch, (500) Days of Summer, Bridesmaids, and Silver Linings Playbook. Field-tested writing exercises are also included, guaranteed to short-circuit potential mistakes and ensure inspiration.

From the slapstick shenanigans of Cary Grant and Katharine Hepburn in Bringing Up Baby to the sexy repartee of Shakespeare in Love, romantic comedies have delighted filmgoers-and challenged screenwriters- since the early days of Hollywood.

Writing the Romantic Comedy is the first screenwriting guide to focus exclusively on the mechanics of this ever-popular genre. Whether you're a firsttime screenwriter, an intermediate marooned in the rewriting process, or an armchair enthusiast looking for an insider's perspective on what makes the genre tick, this thoroughly charming and insightful guide teaches you everything you need to know in order to craft a winning script. All of the romantic comedy basics are covered-from setting up an interesting and inventive story concept to creating characters that set off sparks, laughs that go deep, and dialogue that gets right to the heart.

Written in a refreshingly accessible style, Writing the Romantic Comedy is a lively guide to the essentials of character, theme, and plot development. It features case studies drawn from classic and contemporary romantic comedies as well as field-tested writing exercises that will short-circuit potential mistakes and spark inspiration.

Mernit’s screenwriting knowledge shines through this highly readable volume. This is no “formula” book but an essential guide to finding your own voice. - Denver Rocky Mountain News