Field wrote the book Screenplay: The Foundations of Screenwriting, amongst many others, which has helped countless screenwriters. An obituary contained quotes from great writers Judd Apatow, Tina Fey and Frank Darabont.
Apatow said: "What I learned in Syd Field's class was here's how Annie Hall works, and here's how Witness works, and then I begin to think, 'Okay now how would I do it differently then that?' That concept of 'Always being in learning mode' has stuck with me to this day."
"I did a million drafts," said Fey. "And then I did the thing everybody does.. I read Syd Field and I used my index cards."
"I've gone from reading his books, to being taught by him in courses," said Darabont. "I think one of us must have done something right! I thank him all the time for inspiring me."