OTT & Transmedia : Adapting the Screenplay to either Novel or Graphic Novel? by Ellison Wright Baldwin

Ellison Wright Baldwin

Adapting the Screenplay to either Novel or Graphic Novel?

I have two screenplays that I've finished, and I've read an article on "Scriptmags" about adapting your screenplay into an IP (Intellectual Property), in order to increase your chances for a sale. And I've read it somewhere in David Troitter's "Screenwriting Bible", about doing Transmedia and adapting your work into a Novel & Screenplay combination. Or a Graphic Novel/Novel/Screenplay combination. So, because I'm at a fork in the road, which ones should I adapt my Screenplay of? Novel? Graphic Novel? or Both?

P.S.-I'm also an Visual Artist, so I could just draw it out too, but I'd like to have feedback, before making a decision about anything.

Debbie Croysdale

If you have time I would do all three. Don't procrastinate but get to the desk and start. You are in a terrific position being able to draw yourself, so you can put your exact own personal stamp on your work. Im currently working on a Transmedia project but am having to source and pay a comic illustrator. After the novel and screenplay the comic will bring your story alive with powerful vision at no extra cost but investing time. We are in exciting times for Transmedia. Then do the pitching rounds.

Vasco Phillip de Sousa

Personally, when I was in the market for a script, I found the best screenwriters focused on screenwriting. Those who also wrote books of the same story were generally unreadable.

A screenplay is Intellectual property, I've registered plenty of them, so I'm guessing that the scriptmag article is rubbish. I repeat, a screenplay is IP.

Look at almost any of the films you have actually seen. How many are written by the same person who wrote the book? The only good one I can think of is "The Princess Bride." And even then, Goldman usually writes either a script or book, not both. (A few also wrote a play, but I think they were commissioned to adapt it into a script after the play was successful.)

Cherie Grant

I have an old comedy/sci-fi pilot that I have never felt was quite right to pitch any where. I decided to turn it into a graphic novel, which is something i am now doing, and having had to change aspects and worry less about budget constraints for a Tv show I can do what I like and it's improved out of sight. I'm finally feeling much happier about this project and the characters are gelling better. I will keep up the screenwriting, but I think my preference is now in comics.

register for stage 32 Register / Log In