Whether it’s a true story or a novel, most authors dream of having their book become a Hollywood movie. In fact, a high percentage of movies started out as books, comic books or graphic novels. According to Internet Movie Data Base, over 22,000 movies have been made from books. So far.
If this is your dream, read on. One way to increase your chances of having your book turned into a movie is to write the screenplay version of the book. Producers prefer reading scripts to reading books because they take less time to read. Scripts are usually 90 – 120 pages, with a lot of white space.
If you’re thinking about writing the screenplay version of your book, here are some things to keep in mind:
1. You must write it the proper length (see above). Scripts that are too long or too short are immediately thrown out.
2. You must learn proper screenplay format. There are books that will teach you this. If your script does not follow proper format, it will be tossed without any consideration.
3. You must get the Hollywood reader’s attention within 10 pages. This may mean adapting the beginning of your story, in some cases. If you don’t get their attention and interest quickly, they move on to the next script.
4. A screenplay can only contain what can be seen and heard on the screen — action and dialogue. Unlike a novel, you can’t tell us what the character is thinking. But you can reveal their emotions and thoughts through dialogue and action.
5. Every scene must move the story forward in some way.
6. Don’t “direct” the script. Don’t put in camera angles or suggest particular songs to play in the background. That is the director’s prerogative.
7. Consider eliminating any subplots and combining two or more characters into one, that is, create composite characters, if there are numerous characters in your book.
8. Keep the dialogue short. Novels have more freedom in that regard.
9. If you don’t already do so, watch lots of movies with the intent of noticing what works and what doesn’t. It will help you become a better screenwriter.
10. Realize that a book is not a movie and a movie is not a book. They have different needs and different rules. Keep this in mind and you will be more successful at adapting your book into a movie.
Danek S. Kaus is a produced screenwriter of an award-winning thriller that wil be released in 2011. He was recently hired by a production company to adapt a true story book into a screenplay. Learn more about how to Turn Your Book into a Movie and find out his Screenwriting Services
