Thrillers are a very specific and popular movie genre with mechanisms, story devices, and history that screenwriters must be well versed in before trying to pen such a script. This book breaks down these considerations with copious examples from well-known thrillers and how you can use these examples to inform your own screenwriting. Laced with practical exercises that will help you think in pragmatic terms about what you can do as a writer to better service this genre, this book is a must-have for any new screenwriter thinking about writing a thriller.


Author Kelly Marshall breaks down both modern and classic thrillers, providing you with insight as to how the masters did it and how you can apply these lessons to your own screenplay. Topics covered include:








Creating strong antagonists and protagonists







Audience expectations within the genre







Obstacles and conflict







Structure and themes







Reversals, McGuffins, fight or flight scenarios, and much more