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adaptation

How WONDER WOMAN Proves The Power Of Untold Stories

No Real Spoilers So the news and reviews and first weekend figures are in: Wonder Woman is an epic box office SMASH! This is great news not only for female lead characters, but female directors as well. Patty Jenkins has done a HUGE turn to female filmmakers everywhere. Whilst it’s obviously completely and utterly wrong that ONE film had so much to prove like this, that’s a conversation for another time. For now, I for one am delighted that Jenkins et al has pulled this off, against the odds. BRAVO! So now I’m going to take a look at the… Read More »How WONDER WOMAN Proves The Power Of Untold Stories

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10 Things I Learned From Awesome Adaptations

When a book is turned into a successful movie, it becomes a cultural phenomenon. Fifty Shades of Grey. Game of Thrones. Harry Potter. Twilight. We all know these stories and characters, whether or not we’ve read or watched them. As B2W often advocates, knowing what an audience wants and why is why the half the battle. Each movie has its own appeal that makes it a pleasure to watch. If we dig a little deeper we can identify those points of attraction. There are specific factors that can turn books into successful movies. Let’s reveal the secrets. 10 Unpredictable Ingredients… Read More »10 Things I Learned From Awesome Adaptations

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5 Things I Learned Converting My Screenplay Into A Novel

About Converting Screenplays Thinking about converting your screenplay into a novel? Bang2writer Brian did this and learned some interesting & useful lessons. Check out what he has to say below and make converting your own screenplay MUCH smoother! Thanks Brian and over to you … 1) Hollywood is not in the risk business What was I thinking?  I wrote an epic scale, special effects-laden science fiction action blockbuster.  And nobody in Hollywood knew who the hell I was.  How was I going to sell this screenplay? MECHCRAFT (the screenplay) began life some four years ago, and when it was ready,… Read More »5 Things I Learned Converting My Screenplay Into A Novel

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Adaptation Showdown: which is better, the book or the film?

Did You Know …? If you’ve been hiding under a rock or been away in outer space, you may have missed that last year I launched my own author site for my novel writing at www.lucyvhayauthor.com! I decided to combine my love of movies AND books and create a ‘Book Versus Film’ feature over there … So far we’ve had some BRILLIANT case studies and some surprising conclusions, written by moi and some other excellent contributors. If you want to read them, CLICK HERE. Don’t forget to follow me as @LucyVHayAuthor on Twitter for interviews with crime writers, reading recommendations… Read More »Adaptation Showdown: which is better, the book or the film?

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How To Bypass the Gatekeepers: Screenwriter To Published Author

If you can write a script, you can write a book! If you can write a book, you can publish it and start building your tribe, without asking for anybody’s approval. Making a movie is a million dollar investment, so as a script writer you’re at the mercy of agents, editors and an endless line of gatekeepers. You might be the next James Cameron but while you’re still “in the making” why not use your superpowers to make some extra cash and build your fame? How? Convert your script into a book! More and more movies are based on books… Read More »How To Bypass the Gatekeepers: Screenwriter To Published Author

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How To Write Female Leads Like A Professional Screenwriter

With the Oscar result due any moment, I’m in the curious state of being conflicted over which to root for this year, for the coveted Best Picture award! There are some genuinely diverse, interesting films up for the 2017 … a far cry from recent years. And long may that continue as far as B2W is concerned. However, if someone really twisted my arm? I would have to put my vote in for ARRIVAL. I’ve long been an admirer of Eric Heisserer’s work – I’d watched with interest his struggles to get the film greenlit, with Eric having to work on… Read More »How To Write Female Leads Like A Professional Screenwriter

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5 Things I Learned At The UK’s Top Prodco

Many thanks to Diana Voxerbrant from The Story Desk today for this insight into interning at Working Title … Some great pointers here, I think number 5 is my favourite 😉 Enjoy! Are you a film student looking to land a prestigious work placement or internship? When I studied screenwriting I was so used to rejection, that when Working Title replied, I almost thought it was a joke. These were the people who produced my heroes The Coen Brother’s films (and countless other blockbusters). After the initial shock faded, a plan hatched: To rise through the ranks of the company… Read More »5 Things I Learned At The UK’s Top Prodco

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Stop Saying “Diversity”. Start Writing VARIETY!

It’s About The $$$ Regardless of where you stand on the likes of diversity in the industry, the recent #OscarsSoWhite controversy or feminism and film (such as Female Ghostbusters, or #Clexa and #The100), it’s BORING to see the same-old, same-old. We all know this. And most of us have strong opinions on what *should* be done.Yet ideals and $$$ rarely make good bedfellows and let’s face it, we also have to get REAL. We all know this, too: if we want to be professionals, then it’s not about “selling out”, but rather about SELLING. But what if I told you… Read More »Stop Saying “Diversity”. Start Writing VARIETY!

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4 Advantages of Adaptation

B2W has been interested in adaptation for a long time, so when Savannah and Alex from Foxcub Films got in touch about its own adaptation, I thought the Bang2writers would love to hear about it, plus why adaptation can be such a useful and interesting avenue to go, when filmmaking. FINGERS is a 1960s gangland adaptation of the story of Salome, the young Biblical princess who famously danced for her uncle/stepdad’s birthday. He was so delighted that he made a vow to give her whatever she wanted and her mother prompted her to ask for John the Baptist’s head on… Read More »4 Advantages of Adaptation

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6 Things You NEED In Your Dystopian YA Novel

My glamorous assistant Olivia is back today, with some GREAT thoughts on Young Adult novels, particularly dystopian ones that seem to be all the rage atm. If you prefer your YA set more in the real world, then check out my OWN YA, which confronts a female protagonist with ALL the potential outcomes of a single dilemma. Download The Decision: Lizzie’s Story and its companion novel, The Decision: Jasmine’s Story to your Kindle, HERE. Over to you, Olivia! There’s a certain formula that goes into creating a successful bestselling book series and franchise such as The Hunger Games, Divergent or The Maze… Read More »6 Things You NEED In Your Dystopian YA Novel

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Q: What Is The Difference Between A Remake & A Reboot?

I’m at the VERY LAST Guerilla Filmmaker Masterclass this weekend (sob)!! So if you see me, do come and say hello … I’m the shouty small one with flowers in her hair, who’s sitting down the front somewhere. On this historic two days then, I thought I’d take a look at audiences and how what they expect / want can change over time. This is never more obvious than with remakes and reboots. I talk a lot with Bang2writers about movie franchises and one question I get asked fairly frequently is, “What is the difference between a remake and a reboot?” It’s… Read More »Q: What Is The Difference Between A Remake & A Reboot?

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8 Mistakes That Will Kill Your Drama Screenplay DEAD

Drama can be ANYTHING. Literally, anything. So why am I reading the same stuff??? Whether short film, TV pilot or feature, here’s how to KILL your drama screenplay’s chances in the spec pile: 1) Write about the same-old, same-old These are the facts. Everyone writes dramas about: i) depression/suicide ii) addiction iii) domestic violence iv) terminal cancer v) poverty Sometimes ALL of these in one piece! True story. Now, you CAN write about these things, but you gotta have some authenticity and emotional truth, otherwise DON’T BOTHER (see number 2). Also, make sure it’s not written the same way as… Read More »8 Mistakes That Will Kill Your Drama Screenplay DEAD

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