Screenwriting : How to handle sensitive material in lighter fare? by Steffany Lohn Sommers

How does it impact your story?

The light-hearted nature will not come through along with the other material.

https://www.history.com/news/the-enslaved-native-americans-who-made-the-...

I think that you can feel free to not include that darker element if it makes sense that the main characters do not come into contact with that part of their world. If on the other hand it doesn't make historical sense that they would not experience /see that bad treatment of the indigenous people then you probably have some responsibility to reflect this and show how they react. Your tone can be light, but you can still discuss difficult subjects peripherally without it taking over your narrative. History is always complicated because with a modern lens we can see a lot of bad things that have been done that were not considered evil at the time. You need to make a choice as to what story you are going to tell, and then run with it. As a possibly silly example: In Robin Hood Prince of Thieves, Morgan Freeman's character is confronted by racism when he joins the Merry Men, and although the subject is addressed, it doesn't go too deep into this subject, the movie shows it (to be realistic to the time period) but doesn't dwell on it. Last point - about research for cultural accuracy, I'd say read as many books on the time period from as many POVs as possible. This usually isn't a quick fix, especially if accuracy is important to you.

Did Roberto Benigni tackled Mengele's experiments in Birkenau while telling "La Vida e Bella"? After all, the guy was working there at the time of the settings...point is, if ure doing period piece, set your theme and keep the focus on it. No one can encapsulate full zeitgeist of the period they're writing of.

Strongly recommend you find a local tribe and ask them to consult. There's the Miwok in Placerville.

https://www.shinglespringsrancheria.com/

I'd just concentrate on writing a page-turner story, show craft/talent/voice/Point of View.

All that other stuff - facts, truth, whatever - can be sorted out on later drafts with or without you. Gotta nail concept first, win over Readers.

I would take a page from Star Wars's Rogue One when Jin Ursa witnesses the stormtroopers with the locals - she witnesses, she comments, but she does not engage. It sets the backdrop (and the stakes) for future action, but it is not part of the plot.

Thank you for the resource, John!

Thank you for the examples Kay, Faisal, Adam and Kiril :)

I saw that article too, Rutger--thanks!

Hi Steffany. Having an wise--old-timer character (who doesn't love them, right! ... maybe an indigenous--who was there and saw the abuses first-hand) somberly recounting what happened to another character (in an entertaining or captivating fashion, obviously), is an option to highlight it for the audience. Good luck!

I would reach out to the indigenous community as well. Never hurts to get the most accurate information and suggestions as to how information would best and truthfully be put forward. Important work!!! Best wishes :)

Good suggestions Robert and Amy, thank you :)

Go there. That tribe still exists, even if they were relocated, they still exist. Get to know the people and their stories.. plus every tribe has their own website now. Avoid white man's history sites it poisons your mind. Keep digging. You will know when you are close to authenticity.

This component of your screenplay, could be the most intriguing compelling conflict of your script on the choice of what side of your characters go do they demonstrate compassion and rediscover who they are or do they judge ..uncomfortableness results in growth..a beautiful crescendo..

Hey Steffany Lohn Sommers - did you see that I just heard from a manager at Circle of Confusion that 'lighthearted" material is in high demand right now? If that is what you're writing write now, you're in great shape.

Hi Steffany,

Regardless of the tone/subject matter, I'd want my story to realistically depict the times/ways/environment, and in this case I would start with a visit to the El Dorado County Historical Museum, which is run by the El Dorado County Historical Society.

I spent some time up in El Dorado County back in the day and can't think of a better place to do some research on that subject - and they have a lot of old photos and documents from the time. And I would befriend one of the staffers/members, too, who could become a valuable resource as well, and who probably would let me run some stuff past him/her.

Back in those days, Placerville was the bigger city not too far downriver from Coloma, and it even had its first school and fire station by the 1850's. As the gold rush winded down (and the genocide ramped up), some of the remaining prospectors who had come from around the world in search of gold settled in the valleys for farming and for logging/milling, and to partake in the slaughter of California Indians. And regarding the slaughters - there is also a book on that (An American Genocide).

Choosing to ignore or minimize the genocide is your choice, of course - but I'd at least want to get the real ways of the times and the everyday life accurately represented, and I'd start with the Historical Society.

Best fortunes in your creative endeavors, Steffany, and stay safe!

That's great info, Bill. Thanks so much for your time and suggestions! :)