Syd Field dies in Los Angeles at the age of 77

Screenwriting guru Syd Field, whose books on screenwriting became set texts for many aspiring film writers, has died in Los Angeles at the age of 77.

Syd Field was famous for outlining the “three act” structure used by many screenplays.

The author and lecturer died of haemolytic anaemia at his Beverly Hills home.

Syd Field was the author of eight best-selling books on screenwriting, beginning with Screenplay in 1979.

Born in December 1935 in Hollywood, California, Syd Field studied English Literature at Berkeley before moving into television.

He went on to become a special script consultant for several Hollywood studios and the first inductee into the American Screenwriting Association’s Screenwriting Hall of Fame.

CNN called him the “guru of all screenwriters”.

Syd Field, who died on Sunday, had few screenwriting credits himself, opting instead to teach John Singleton (Boyz n The Hood), Kevin Williamson (Scream) and many others through his popular courses and workshops.

Syd Field’s final speaking engagement took place in September at the Story Expo event in Los Angeles.