The Bloomsbury Handbook of Global Screenplay Theory

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Edited by Andrew Kenneth Gay

Type

Studies

Subject

Film Analysis

Keywords

scriptwriting, screenplay, theory

Publishing date

2026 (May 28, 2026)

Publisher

Bloomsbury Academic

Language

English

Relative size

Physical desc.

Paperback • 530 pages
7 x 10 inches (18 x 25.5 cm)

ISBN

978-1-5013-9406-5

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Book Presentation:
The Bloomsbury Handbook of Global Screenplay Theory offers a comprehensive introduction and overview of screenplay theory as applied in the analysis of numerous screenplays from an international, multi-author perspective, including both leading and emerging scholars in the field. Each section includes 6-8 case studies of theory applied in the analysis of a landmark screenplay. The sections are divided thematically, with sections addressing the Screenplay as Narration and Focalisation, the Screenplay as Narrative Structure, the Screenplay as Cinematic Language and the Screenplay as Creative Practice. With both theorists and practitioners contributing to this volume, the focus is on the actual screenplay as opposed to analysis of the final film. The essays contribute to a new era in screenplay theory, providing valuable insights not only into the particular screenplays under analysis but also into the range of ways in which such analysis can be approached, representing a wide range of theoretical perspectives.

About the Author:
Andrew Kenneth Gay is Dean of the College of Arts & Humanities, Executive Director of Oregon Center for the Arts and Professor of Digital Cinema at Southern Oregon University, USA. His publications include: an article in the Journal of Screenwriting , an entry in Women Screenwriters: An International Guide, a chapter in Toy Story: How Pixar Reinvented the Animated Feature, a chapter in the forthcoming Handbook of Script Development, and the Open Educational Resource (OER) Screenplayology.com.Ann Igelstrom is Lecturer in Screenwriting and independent researcher based in Edinburgh, UK. Her publications include: an article in the Journal of Screenwriting and a chapter in Screenwriters and Screenwriting: Putting Practice into Context. Ann Igelstrom serves as the Early Career Representative on the Screenwriting Research Network's council and is in charge of the Network's Facebook and Twitter accounts.

Press Reviews:
"With its unique range of close readings breaking widely diverse ground, The Bloomsbury Handbook of Global Screenplay Theory proposes a refreshing breadth of different approaches (rather than one unified theory) to the study of the screenplay as a multi-faceted object of inquiry, text and process that not only furthers but goes well beyond existing scholarship. Gay and Igelstrom draw together a collection of multi-cultural dimensions into one comprehensive volume that will, doubtlessly, be a key reference and a new touchstone for any scholar." ―Paolo Russo, Programme Director for Media Arts & Photography, Oxford Brookes University, UK

"The editors of this essential survey of screenwriting studies identify a Big Bang moment around 2010, when a hitherto almost wholly disregarded form of writing suddenly burst into critical view. The ensuing theoretical debates rippled out across multiple disciplines, and this all-new collection maps out the currently visible sources of light in theories of narration, structure, cinematic language and creative practice. With incisive contributions from both established and emerging scholars, and always keeping the screenplay text as its focal point, this will be an indispensable resource for all future researchers." ―Steven Price, Professor Emeritus in Literature and Film, Bangor University, UK

See the publisher website: Bloomsbury Academic