Screenwriting : Fiction around non fiction... by Felix Agyeman Boahen

Thank you very much, Laura..

I think even more than being done often, it's become a mainstay. So many films say "Based on actual events" and yet either depart wildly from what actually happened, or take the basic premise and come up with completely fabricated events.

One that comes to mind was the AMC series "The Terror." While there actually was an HMS Terror in the Royal Navy, the crew disappeared during the last voyage, little is known from ships logs or anything else. Yet they made a mini series based completely on speculation and outright fabrication. Flesh eating monsters of some sort, mystic Inuit tribesmen, all kinds of stuff. So, "Based on Actual Events" in this case translates to "There really was a ship, but other than that..."

So, I say using events or places from history for a backdrop is perfectly acceptable, especially if it's a good story. Just be careful to either make it clear that it's fiction, or tie enough history in to use the "Actual Events" label.

I'm really happy to hear about this... Rejection of my script has been pondering on my mind since I wasn't so sure about this.. This has really widen the simplicity of the craft... It's good to have you guys.. Anytime I thank you guys, I like to thank Stephanie Palmer, founder of "good in a room", for directing me here...

Everyone seem valuable to me, Willem... I've been thinking of your suggestion but I think referring it to Sparta sounds best.. Thanks much.

There are some events that help intrigue your story... Its all part of writing strategy..

As someone who's written historical fiction surrounding actual events, most recently a gay love story that takes place during the Napoleonic Wars, sure, that's alright. There are many people who use both elements of fact and elements of fiction.

For instance, while the ship Junon and Captain Shortland did exist, my characters Quin Thomas and Jacques Mathieu are completely fictional. Then again, if you're trying to go for something that's really non-fiction, then it's best to stick to the facts, and then it's a documentary. LOL.

Historical fiction is a genre and people do it with success. James Cameron's "Titanic" immediately comes to mind. I would make sure to research as much as possible and correlate real elements into your story. Stay as accurate as possible. Peace!

I have been ripped to shreds on historical dramas. There are thousands of ppl out there that know TO THE SECOND how long it takes to load a 17th century flintlock musket, anD what hour such-and-such document was signed.

I’m sure there are thousands of experts on ancient Sparta that will be willling to open a vein or two.

Not to discourage you, but research is absolutely key in historical dramas, with little exception. Those being fictional accounts of the time period, but even those take a lot of research.

Expect to spend more time on the research than the screenplay.

Thank you, Kevin...

I'm in love with your words, Pamela.. Thank you very much..

Absolutely! Hardcore history is for documentaries. Any cinema film having to do with history, even if it's a biopic, has fiction in it. Black Sails is a perfect example. The prequel to Treasure Island. They used fictional pirates and had them interact with real, historical pirates. It's your story, make it how you want, where you want, and when you want. Besides, none of us were there in Sparta during that period in history so who's to say your story didn't take place?

Great point, James... You've said much.. Thanks a lot.

Rurouni Kenshin is also a good example of blending history and fiction together. While Kenshin Himura and Sanosuke Sagara never existed, Katsu Kaishu, Sozo Sagara did and the story surounded events that actually happened, such as The Boshin Wars and the Meiji Restoration. The Shinsengumi, the Sekihotai, all things that really existed but most of the characters are fictional.

Hi Felix, I'm a historian turned screenwriter, so historical stories are right up my street. I think your idea sounds intriguing, and there's absolutely nothing wrong with using real historical periods or events and working them in with a fictional story. My general rule when using anything historical, whether it's a place or event, is to make the elements that are true as accurate as possible, although i appreciate there are some cases when accuracy has to be sacrificed for the sake of the story, as Kevin has said, some people will happily call out a story for the slightest historical inaccuracy when the vast majority just want to watch a good story. The thing to bear in mind is to not let the fiction overpower the historical realities if you're determined to base it in truth, doing so ruins the credibility of the story and the time in which it's set as far as I'm concerned. Given you're story is about Spartans, 300 is a great example. The Battle of Thermopylae is a historical fact, enormous Xerxes with mutant goat concubines and monster warriors, taking the biscuit and obliterates any credibility to the story. It's unfortunate that Hollywood has a habit of skewing history too much for the sake of a fictional plot. U571, for example, 'historical' but totally false. As your story is a war/adventure film, I understand if the Spartans are going to fight some fictional enemy, that's fine as long as there is a believable story, and I'd suggest doing as much research as possible into Spartan military doctrines e.g. every male underwent compulsory service for 10 years, perhaps that will allow for a character who's recently begun his service, alongside a grizzled veteran, it may seem cliche but there's an element of truth to it. I feel like I'm starting to ramble on a bit, so I'll leave it there, research, authenticity, and making the fiction credible in relation to the historical backdrop.

Thanks very much, Callum Mckay.. I really appreciate your feedback...

Look at TITANIC: The two main characters are fictional but the world they inhabit is faithful to history. That's the way to go IMO.

faithful to history, but also sacrifices some historical accuracy for the sake of drama, most notably First Office Murdoch never committed suicide, his descendants actually kicked up a fuss over that, likewise nobody was ever shot on the Titanic, so maybe James Cameron just had something against the Irish bloke. That said I did like the subtle historical touches in that film, mainly the shot of the ship's baker hanging off the stern next to Kate Winslet. In reality the ship's baker survived because he got so drunk (we see him swig from a hip flask) that when he went into the water his drunken state helped to stave off the shock and effects of the cold, and he survived.