My novel is set in a small town in Idaho. As I have now adapted it, would I be wise to keep the city generic, as in "small town" in the slugline? Is making the location specific a good thing or a not so good thing when trying to pitch a script?
Screenwriting : City or no city.... that is the question by Diana Murdock
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I have always kept it generic so that it would appeal to more buyers.
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Thanks, Eric and Michael. Small mountain town with a lake and ski area is all I need. Lots of those around. But, yes, that's what I was thinking... didn't want to limit the possibilities. Thanks again!
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"Don't Stop the Carnival" (1965) by Herman Wouk --- his novel takes place on "Amerigo" but anyone familiar with St. Thomas / US Virgin Is. will recognize the terrain. The book is still banned in the Caribbean. Avoid using real place names. My 2 cents.
Not necessary to the plot. Good points you've all made. Very much appreciated :)
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Diana, give the town a fictitious name. Why waste a creative opportunity? A name sets a tone, gives a sense of realism and can add a little subtext... For example; in "What's Eating Gilbert Grape" the small town in Iowa was specifically named "Endora" because of how much the character "Gilbert" endures. Naming things is a nice way to hint at some hidden or not so hidden themes. :)
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I second Ron and Beth. I see little upside to generic. Specific is always better. (I'd personally go with specific and fictitious, but specific either way.)
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Good points to both schools of thought. I do like the feel of a specific place, gives it some grounding. I wanted to capture both that feeling with an eye for marketability as well, thus the generic aspect. Thank you everyone for your thoughts. Lots to think about.
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As story is about characters and most are universal, I am trying generic. Originally have a scene set in Auckland NZ, where a battleship fires off rounds at local landmarks, this could be done in any harbour with hills, San Francisco, maybe. The story is about Kids showing a grown up, the right thing to do. I believe this allows the reader to connect with the story, relating to their past and environment. Would have posted a longer example but didn't want to be seen as highjacking the post to pitch.