This summer I've set out to do something I've never done before, an adaptation of one of my books to screenplay format. And I even have two betas in place to help guide me.
I've written and produced short original screenplays for 14 years now but have never broken through on any mainstream level. But I haven't minded. I've been introduced to some of the most talented regional film actors who've been happy to work on an indie level while maintaining their 'day jobs' and RL lives in the process.
Let me say this, the indie world is just a place where I happily function as a filmmaker. One of my betas for the screenplay is even a great touchstone of the indie world in the Kentucky community. I won't mention his name because I don't want him flooded with requests that he won't be able to handle. The second beta is an uber talented 'reluctant producer'/screenwriter whom I met through a social network who was honored to do some beta-ing for me.
Of course I recommend registering your work with the WGA before doing any of this but that's a no brainer but as I sit down during edits this summer I wanted something 'creative' to keep me from going insane. And doing a screenplay version of Another Way To Die of my book version seemed like the perfect fit. I don't know if I'll regret it but I love film and action-drama but there's nothing I would like more than to see my book on the big screen.
Happy Scribbles
6 comments:
Sounds like a good way to spend the summer.A few good flicks coming out for inspiration too. I see you've adopted my tag line :P
Now I'm off to make Happy Scribbles on my blog :)
I'll be sure to stop by!
This is a great idea and I feel sure you will capture your own book's action and characters better than anyone else. Sounds like fun!
Thanks Barbara, and you're sweet too :)
Hi Amy,
Adapting a novel into a screenplay is a process that requires a huge change in presentation and mindset from mental images to visual images. Out go all the emotions, most of the thoughts, actions and reactions are reduced to one line, and away go all of the scenery descriptions to be replaced by slugline, actions, character, and dialog. Like butchering a lamb. Should your screenplay actually hit the (sound)stage, your novel is largely at the mercy of a director who may drastically modify its flow and content, as well as the ability of the actors to understand and convey the emotions of your characters. Potentially a real hair puller.
Yours,
Randall Lang
Randall, thanks for the heads up ;)
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