David Trottier

David Trottier is a screenwriting consultant and author best known for "The Screenwriter's Bible," a comprehensive screenwriting guide first published in 1994 that has become a standard text in many film schools and screenwriting programs. Having worked as a script consultant for over three decades, Trottier has helped numerous writers develop their screenplays and television scripts. He teaches at various institutions and has served as a script consultant for major film studios including Paramount and Universal. His other notable works include "The Screenwriter's Bible Workbook" and "The New Screenwriter's Survival Guide." Trottier has also written for several entertainment industry publications and maintains an active role in the screenwriting community through workshops and seminars. Beyond his writing and consulting work, Trottier has received multiple awards for his contributions to screenwriting education, including recognition from the Slamdance Film Festival Screenplay Competition where he served as a judge. He continues to work with both aspiring and professional screenwriters through his consultation service, Keeping It Real.

Readers consistently cite The Screenwriter's Bible as a practical, step-by-step guide to screenplay formatting and structure. Many praise its clear explanations of industry standards and technical requirements. What readers liked: - Detailed examples and templates - Clear formatting instructions - Comprehensive coverage of business aspects - Regular updates that keep pace with industry changes What readers disliked: - Dense information can overwhelm beginners - Some find the formatting sections too basic - Price increases with new editions - Occasional repetition between chapters Ratings across platforms: Amazon: 4.7/5 from 2,100+ reviews Goodreads: 4.4/5 from 3,800+ reviews Specific reader feedback: "Finally explains why certain formatting rules exist, not just what they are" - Amazon reviewer "The business section saved me from making rookie mistakes" - Goodreads review "Could be condensed into fewer pages" - Goodreads critique "Bible is the right word - I reference it constantly" - Amazon review

The Screenwriter's Bible A comprehensive guide covering screenplay formatting rules, writing techniques, and the business aspects of screenwriting.

Dr. Format Tells All A detailed examination of screenplay formatting guidelines and common formatting questions faced by screenwriters.

The Freelance Writer's Bible A practical guide to establishing and maintaining a career as a freelance writer across various types of writing.

The Vista Point Secret A novel following a group of teenagers who discover an ancient artifact that leads them on an adventure in California.

Ink & Spirit: The Art of Keeping a Spiritual Journal A guide to using journal writing as a tool for spiritual growth and self-discovery.

Dr. Format Answers Your Questions A collection of specific formatting solutions to screenwriting problems gathered from the author's years of teaching and consulting.

Blake Snyder focused on screenwriting structure and wrote "Save the Cat" which parallels Trottier's approach to screenplay formatting and technique. His books break down successful movie plots into repeatable patterns and beat sheets.

John Truby teaches story development through character relationships and moral choices rather than rigid structural rules. His book "The Anatomy of Story" presents 22 steps of story development that complement Trottier's technical guidance.

Robert McKee analyzes story principles and screenwriting fundamentals through examination of successful films and scripts. His work "Story" emphasizes the importance of conflict and character transformation in screenplay development.

Linda Seger developed script consultation methods and wrote multiple books on screenplay development and character creation. Her emphasis on script analysis and revision processes aligns with Trottier's practical approach to screenwriting.

Christopher Vogler adapted Joseph Campbell's hero's journey for screenwriters and Hollywood storytelling. His book "The Writer's Journey" explores mythic structure in modern storytelling and provides concrete applications for screenwriters.