Cunningham argues that the typical formulaic method of screenwriting leaves out the important role of the screenwriters and their creative processes that shape the story. Coming from this perspective, he identifies fundamental principles of the process, discusses the Hero's Journey based on ideas of Joseph Campbell, and outlines elements such as character development and structure. The book is not indexed. Cunningham, a screenwriter and consultant, leads seminars on screenwriting and story development for the Director's Guild, Writer's Guild of America, and others. Annotation ©2008 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)