Adapting A Script Concept

Further to my Comedy or Drama dilemma, I have come up with the perfect solution!

Same concept but completely different stories – a drama for the screen and a comedy for the stage. So what are the main elements required to achieve this?

Without giving away the plot…

SCREEN	STAGE
Various locations for story (flashbacks)	Mostly a single room setting
Cast for each story (flashbacks)	Main cast only
Length minimum 90 minutes	Length maximum 90 minutes
Awareness of suitable intervals for possible TV ad breaks	One interval approx halfway through play
DRAMA	COMEDY
Some intense action scenes	Possible slapstick included
Some humorous dialogue	Humorous dialogue

I’ve even given the two scripts different names to reflect their respective genres (and so that I don’t confuse myself!). Comedy has the most difficult dialogue so it may take a while before I can show anyone the script. I thought I might offer it to local AmDram groups for free if they are interested (I know 4 or 5), to help fine-tune the ‘workable-ness’ of the whole play.

And, apart from readers of my blog, not many people will be aware of the two scripts being spawned from one original concept. This may be the kind of dream that many script writers have!

OK, time to write!

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New Script in the Works!

I’ve finally turned my attention to a script for one of the film concepts I had quite some time ago. There are two storylines in place at the moment – one is a drama which could have a sequel, whereas the original is a chaotic comedy.

Drama or Comedy?

I love comedy but it’s the most difficult genre to succeed in. I have little interest in drama for drama’s sake but… with an injection of humour, some action scenes and good dialogue, it could be appealing. This is what I’m trying to do.

The main differences between the two developing scripts is that one aims to entertain at a comedic level and the other, if done well, will play with a range of emotions.

And there’s nothing wrong with producing both scripts as they originate from the same writer, therefore avoiding any authorship copyright issues. So I’m planning to complete both and (eventually) submit them to a film production company that I’m known to. These will probably be completed before the filmscript of the book I’m working on, as I don’t have to take into account another author’s ideas.

I might also see whether either of my own scripts could be adapted as a stage play. There will be no money or fame associated with an amateur production but feedback from it could be very useful.

Lots of food for thought. Perhaps other wannabe writers might find some ideas here. Let me know.

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