Film Adaptation – Script Feedback + Adapting a Short Story
Film AdaptationOur lecturer Joe gave feedback on the initial draft of the script for Film Adaptation as noted below. Despite the fact I’m not writing for this module, I’ve learnt a lot when revising the script with Francis and making edits.
Script Feedback
Prioritise describing things in cinematic language – exposition and prose are not components of screenwriting.
- It’s quite hard to adapt a story into a script, as you have to translate a lot of the written material into something that can be shot for film.
What is the main dramatic climax? Find the note and the theatrical reaction.
- With an adaptation you need to have greater clarity about the overarching dramatic theme(s).
When a character in the original story thinks about something, make it a flashback in the script.
Think about how each line is shown on-screen and how it translates it in an audio-visual way.
Remove ‘on-the-nose’ and sharp dialogue. Prioritise ambiguity. Use facial expression and language to communicate, not narrative prose.
Set up the motivations earlier in the screenplay.
Shorten setups in the beginning.
- Prioritise key dramatic points in the script.
Emphasise and write heightened dramatic moments to transition between scenes.
Consider the role in life the characters have and how they would realistically behave and present themselves.
Use heightened dramatic stakes.
Adaptation Screenwriting – Lessons
The principles and rules that apply to prose and literature do not apply (generally) to screenwriting. They are two completely different mediums operating in dichotomous ways.
Find the dramatic moment and build up to it intentionally and according to the pacing of the film.
Carefully consider characterisation.
Experiment with how to represent character, conflict, and plot on-screen in an audio-visual language.