There's been a few discussions in the lounge recently that made me think that it might be useful/instructive for newer writers to see how a script translates from script to screen.
So below are links to a couple of my short scripts and the corresponding short films made from them which I hope will be of interest and illustrate how things can change from script to screen.
Disruption
A free option to a Director with a couple of other shorts, who contacted me via my website, wanted no script changes and from first contact to finished film took 2 months.
Script - https://dl.orangedox.com/BpqkriL4XsJKQ8bG31
Film - https://vimeo.com/158288497
Tattooji
A quick sale to a producer in LA who'd seen it on SimplyScripts, I changed the script on request for location and casting reasons so both are here, the final film is instructive on the debate on how much a writer has influence over the finished product.
Original Script - https://www.dropbox.com/s/4e6fr5tpsh5ogf4/Tattooji.pdf?dl=0
Revised for Producer - https://dl.orangedox.com/w5gjftCaBDIwm8J7LC
Film - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=alGdZpF4mcA
First Kiss
A script that I didn't actually post online for three months because I was worried it was too dark, finally posted on SimplyScripts and it sold in under three weeks, was filmed on a soundstage and was released six weeks later with some significant changes.
Script - https://dl.orangedox.com/IAZ2CJLxOglh7IyWqM
Film - https://vimeo.com/193438078
I've not posted these for feedback on the scripts or films per se, but to hopefully show
1) Real examples of reasonably well formatted scripts (imho)
2) Where producers/directors can find your material
3) How a script is a template/blueprint for the film and how things can be changed (both good and bad).
Hope these are interesting and entertaining and if anyone else wishes to share their script and the subsequent film made from it then jump in and add to the comments.
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Thanks for sharing, Anthony. Pretty cool to see. ;) I compared the "Disruption" script to the produced short and what I found to be interesting is how the pacing worked much better on the page than in the short. I felt the short dragged some... Took too much time here and there... On paper that wasn't an issue. Sharper editing would have helped, different or odd angles to better convey disturbance, background sound, richer background staging, etc, would have helped too. Regardless it's interesting to see how someone else interpreted the script. :)
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Oh, just a side comment... When posting links add/type two spaces or type a period and a space at the end to activate. An active link appears in red. ;)
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Okay, I just looked at "Tattooji" and again what I found interesting is how it worked better on the page. Granted a lot of shorts are produced by first time filmmakers and actors... but pacing really is a factor. Plus the short is different than the script? Starting with two female characters in a restaurant? Perhaps I'm missing something, which could totally be the case? Lol! The acting is rather stiff in this short... But what I did like: the atmosphere, different angles, tone, editing, etc. The locations, sets, background details were richer in comparison to "Disruption." The overall filming somewhat complimented or further expounded upon the script. Anyway, we tend to read shooting scripts of finished films, and those shooting scripts of course closer match the final production. Nonetheless, it's very interesting to see someone's interpretation... So thanks again for sharing, Anthony. You've certainly had many shorts optioned and produced by posting them on SimplyScripts. :) I think you should produce your own work. You did it once before, right? ;)
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This is really great information, Anthony!!! Thank you so much for posting and sharing. As a beginner, this is a BIG help!!! Mwah!
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Thanks all, glad it's interesting.
Beth, the extra scene's in Tattooji weren't in any version of my script ;-(
Yeah, I noticed!! Loved the original Tattooji script. HATED the final product. When something like that happens, can you request to have your name taken off the final production version? He bought the rights to do what he wants, but that was NOT your script at all.
Good knowing you changed the script on request for location and casting reasons.
The dialogue here is "On the nose." You made it got a shot with it. Good going.
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Arial - agreed, not (mostly) my script, but you live and learn...
Fiona - thanks, appreciated, and agreed re sound.
Fleurette - I always offer to tweak scripts if the producer/director needs it... some change things without my involvement, but once script is sold there's not a lot you can do.
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Awesome script and film, Anthony! And the ending was great! Love those kind of stories. :-)
Sorry, forgot to say thanks Linda, gld you liked!
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:-) I really enjoyed "Disruption" and thought it was very close to what you had written. I just watched Tattooji last night and was surprised at how much was switched around and left out. I liked your original script the best. In my opinion, without the significance of the works of the tattoo in your original script, the film didn't catch your actual concept. I haven't watched the third one yet. Will soon though. :-) Thanks for posting them. It's interesting to see the different takes on someone's work from words to screen.
Okay just my POV (no harm intended.) It opens very slowly - I almost didn't make to the action. The entire film runs slow and a lot of the dialog is on-the-nose. I thought the use of the muted color palette was fitting to the story. I don't know if it was under exposed or maybe it just runs dark on Vimeo. I noticed the "TIMEX' logo - license? I liked the end twist but I would have brightened it up - a visual up-beat ending. All in all - it's pretty good.
Hey, Doug! I think the point of the post Anthony made was showing how a film can change from being written to being produced. Anthony didn't produce these films. He sold the scripts. The actual film productions were completely out of his control. Just FYI! It seemed you were giving input on the final product, which was kinda off topic, so perhaps you misunderstood the goal of Anthony's post. :D
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Arial - You're correct; my bad. Sometimes the Producer in me takes over. (The screenwriter in me noticed an issue with the dialog in the script - but I guess that's not the point either.)
It's all good, my friend!! ;)
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Keep in mind that filmmaking is a collaborative venture - the writer is not the only person in the room.
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Hey Linda - yep, the tattoo is kinda central to my script and lost in translation, I assume they couldn't get access to the VFX needed - but you live and learn ;-)
Hey Arial/Doug... yes the point was to show the difference between the written screenplay and final product, as Doug says it's a collaborative effort, but nice for you all to take a look and feedback on any and all aspects - tx.
The other main idea was for other produced writers to join in and share one of their scripts and the film made from it... Doug, you've got a few you could put up haven't you?
Anyone else want to share and add to the debate?
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Anthony - yeah, I'll post my short Gramma Ott script on my profile page. It's a simple little relationship story - a low/no budget film. I'll share it freely with any/every new filmmaker who wants it. All I ask in return is a copy of the final product that I can use for teaching. There's a young guy up in Portland having a go at it right now. I'll show it if he makes it. In the meantime, I'd like to see what other filmmakers can do with it.
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Go for it Doug - hopefully your guy in Portland will translate it well.
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Anthony - I think it's posted. Anybody that wants to shoot it - go for it - it's free for all.
Robert - In my case, it ain't no dream.