Screenwriting : Chinese/Korean scripts? by Jenifer Vine/Jinna Dennis

Interesting and challenging focus, Jenifer. For me, I don't write nor conceive anything specific for the Chinese or Korean market, but I sure love Korean films and series. There's a heightened "melodrama" and a mix of genre elements that surprises—expert use of contrast, of highs and lows. Then there's Korean horror and horror/thrillers...wow, they are something else. The way they approach darkness. Slowly allowing the horror to ferment and the dread to build under a false sense of security or a false narrative. Then, Korean horror pulls the rug out from characters; it's devastating and full of despair. No happy endings are found here. Lol!

Curious about your process and what types of things you are writing? Any cultural interpretation or misinterpretation issues you encounter?

I have one optioned script that was set entirely in Korea. I wouldn't call it a K-drama or even Korean film because the story structure is still more Western-focused, but many of my novels work with an Eastern traditional structure.

How do you feel your work relates to those markets in particular?

I’ve been told I write like. Korean film or something out of Europe.

I have met someone recently: https://www.stage32.com/profile/541799/about Drop her a DM when you have a minute!

wow, I honestly didn't expect so many comments. Beth Fox Heisinger I agree. There is something truly different about the movies and dramas over there. I feel like maybe we, as "westerners", have such a generalized structure to our films and TV. You don't see the male lead take care of the female lead to the extent (like catching her when she trips and having that longing stare..lol) that a Korean RomCom would. Or see the fantastical elements that using cultural mythology does to elevate a Chinese drama. I usually do my homework before I start any script but especially when knowing there are customs and do's/don'ts in a society. If you haven't watched it yet, watch Psychopath's Diary..it is SO GOOD!!!! :) ( I would love to get my hands on the script to read.)

Currently, I working on a Chinese TV series with total fantasy elements which is loosely based on mythological creatures known to China. I guess my process is just that my mind enjoys the story lines more, I tend to think more in an imaginative way, so it feels easy for me. I would love to add you to my network to talk more and maybe bounce ideas off you as you have watched them in the past.

Devin Overman I find it easier to write they way they think, I guess. I have never really "fit" into a structured life. I love the way Eastern cultures have more "rules" than we do and even though the class structure still exists in a way, I like that there is so much history behind why they do what they do. I like writing about the myths and legends that have so much more history(such longer timelines) than our own. Our society is so diverse that I feel, we have a hard time determining where to fit in. I love learning about cultures and customs from other countries. Going as far to even learn to communicate in a basic way to understand who they are as a people. I think all that is lost here in the US. (I am truly not sure that answered your question. LOL)

Craig D Griffiths I read you comment and think that you probably use a lot of the same things I mentioned above. Is it because they have more history and they do things differently?

Karen "Kay" Ross You are an ANGEL! So far, I am in a class alone, even though I know there are more like me. Thank you for the introduction. I will surely drop her a DM. :)

Jenifer Vine/Jinna Dennis Highly suggest looking into Kishotenketsu if you haven't already! It will become VERY familiar to you once to learn about it.

I sometimes have unlikeable characters (who never save a cat). They don’t get their dreams or goals (sometimes). It doesn’t follow a structure, but has a form and structure.

Story has to take its own form and things happen in service of the story.