Screen Adaptation: Beyond the Basics

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Preface

 

 

 

 

As a professor and a professional screenwriter, I am torn and strengthened by having my feet in both worlds. A good screenwriter—especially one undertaking an adaptation—needs to be able to collaborate with other writers, producers, and directors about story, structure, character, and thematic interpretations. Students can be as demanding as producers. A professor must teach these practices to young screenwriters. Often, students (and producers) believe that screenwriting is an act accomplished alone. It is not. Screenwriting is a dance. It can be rehearsed, discussed, presented, experienced, and revamped. Of course, you can dance by yourself (many do), but the most rewarding dances involve more ...