Hello fellow writers.
I am working on a script that based on a true story. The story takes place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and the characters are mostly Brazilians. I am writing the script in English of course, but my main question is about the language. Is it bad to have characters that are native of the country speak in English in their dialogs? Or should I state in my scrip that all dialog is in Portuguese?
I can think of many movies that told stories about people in their country, but all in English. Schindler's List, Gladiator, The Hunt for the Red October, Chocolate among others.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Renato
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The clear trend right now, led by Netflix mainly, is to have stories in the local language. Of course, the conundrum is that foreigners, i.e. potential producers, won't be able to read a script in Portuguese or Greek or whatever.
My current script is set in Greece, and is very much a Greek story. But I wrote the pilot in English, so that everyone would be able to read it. If it gets picked up, I will translate the script into Greek, and incorporate any notes etc. at the same time.
Thank you all for your valuable input. It is greatly appreciated. :)