Screenwriting : Trying to "Translate" (story to Screen-Play) by Enola Gay

Here's how they did it in '93. It's a poor quality copy, but it'll give you an idea of the structure they used.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=icYEfX1kPcs

As for screenwriting books, you can always ask your local library to purchase some for their shelves if they don't already have some, then borrow them. I always liked "Save the Cat" and "How to write a movie in 21 days."

Heart of Darkness is probably not the first screenplay you want to tackle. Even though it's a known IP in the public domain, it's a period piece (expensive), complex (audience perception: boring) and it's probably only going to be tackled by a studio or company with an internal desire to make it because a big actor walks in wanting to do it.

Adaptation is a tough game in the public domain arena. If you can get the rights to something more contemporary (just send letters to authors of smaller books you like), you might be in better shape, both from a writing stance and a possible selling vantage. You won't get a New York Times Bestseller list book for free, but you might get a good book that's languishing in sales limbo and the author sees some advantage to at least being able to say "a Producer wants to make it into a movie" that could be mutually beneficial, with a possibility of shared revenue down the road if it gets made.

Don't let what I say daunt you if you're dead set to do it. But go in with eyes wide open.

Best of luck!

THANK YOU Kindly - -

I was drawing a metaphor, my own (sic) writing is almost as detailed and prosaic as Conrad's - - NOT exactly what is easily snipped into - I seem to recall <8 second segments. I worked in Broadcast in the early 80's, it helps not that I haven't watched TV in decades (it's kind of creepy?)

I have seen some Netflix Series - Peaky Blinders was the Bomb, and another one some years later.

Now I'm wondering WHERE to see TV. It's rather primitive where I live.

But I KNOW WHERE THE LIBRARY IS!!!

Another Q??

Your examples might lead to answer. The "Audience Perception" end on H.O.D. is KEY - some of my "stories" would fall there, others might be more directly appealing but leave a branding iron's imprint.

Sadly, when I can't sleep I read Kipling :-(

Ah, I see. I took the question literally. I am relieved that you are not actually attempting to adapt Conrad.

As to your original post, I would suggest reading some of the many screenplays available on the web. A good resource is https://www.simplyscripts.com/

You are probably already aware, but I will mention the following anyway. One thing you'll note is that screenplays tend to be fairly concise and concrete as opposed to novels and other prose. There is room for style and "voice" but only so far as it does not interfere with the inherent purpose of the script which is to serve as a blueprint for a motion picture. Flowery prose is generally avoided as are superfluous musings. This is not to say that there isn't room for tone and subtext within a script, but the general preference is to restrict the document to the actual visual and aural elements that will be presented to the audience.

As for books on the subject. Sure, read some. But the best way to learn is just by doing. Start with scene work. One scene at a time, practice evoking different moods and emulating the mechanical structure. Keep crafting and reshaping till you're confidant in your ability and really understand the underlying mechanisms you're employing.

Best of luck.

What you regard as an emotional branding iron in a narrative is probably the concept of subtext. As an audience, we only ever see Kurtz on his deathbed. But because his nature is revealed indirectly through the impact he has had on others, we know he is as charismatic as he is dangerous. This dual nature is also powerful—the idea that a character, especially an antagonist, would have contrasting traits we both fear/despise and admire/covet. Captain Nemo may be the best example of this dichotomy-laden character in modern literature. Hope that gives you more starting points.

Helps not that I READ "Green Mile" before viewing, etc. Darn Autism - I enjoy reading more. "Branding Iron" is actually thematic, as Hypothesis to succesful Science. The characters, story, etc, all orchestrate toward evoking thematic response. Stephen points to precisely the "The Steep Slope" I'm gathering petons toward scaling, may have to haul me crusty butt to audit some basic Lit / Analysis courses, etc, as resources allow.

Track down "Story" by Robert McKee, "Understanding Comics" by Scott McCloud and "Screenwriting 434" by Lew Hunter. Those will tell you pretty much everything you would learn in a beginning screenwriting class, and more. Why "Understanding Comics?" Because film is a visual medium.

You can read a novel but can you write a screenplay? The first part of translating anything is understanding both parts. You can't translate from English to French if you aren't proficient in French. Translating from one medium to another is the same way. Each one has its own nuances. For example, DUNE, the book has been turned into film on at least three separate occasions, none of which were great. Each followed the story, each captured a piece of the emotion but none did it in such a way as to say that their version was the definitive translation. And these were experienced film makers.

If you enjoy writing, then by all means, try to turn the novel into a screenplay. But it will be a hundred times harder if you don't already know the fundamentals of the craft. Good Luck.

@Anthony - - THERE is the "Gap". It's as if writing and shooting live in 2 seperate sides of my head...

https://www.flickr.com/photos/148093663@N07/albums/72157677306473533

It began with research, turned into a Hypothesis, ran the numbers it's solid - have been interviewing people about 6 years... An issue bringing needless suffering to Millions of lives - Yet to discover how many (needless) DEATHS... I will probably need help to wrap a story around it effectively... (Yes I really am Autistic)

Have a look here https://www.storymaking.com/ You will find pretty much what you need to start writing a screenplay . In a complete new way.