On Writing : Writer/Director/Producer by Debra L. Atkins

I'd start with the play you think was your most successful based on audience response and any reviews you received. Screenplays are very different animals compared to stage plays. Playwrights of course tell stories verbally while screenwriters -- at least in the US -- tell their stories visually with just enough dialogue to fill in the cracks. As a first step, read 10 or 12 screenplays in what's called "draft" form (not "shooting scripts"). Drafts are much closer to what screenwriters actually wrote before directors got their fingers all over them. Here's a good source for free screenplay downloads: http://www.simplyscripts.com/oscar86.html Or you can search for title followed by the word Screenplay. Best of success with your writing.

I've been a full-time playwright for 8 years and have had over 40 productions of my plays in North America and Europe. 3 years ago, I decided to adapt one of my plays for the screen. I had no idea just how different the media are. Of course you've got a great head start, knowing story, dialog, character, .... But it's just a start. The 35% or so that is different is absolutely critical. I strongly suggest you take a screenwriting course. Be careful, though. You can spend an absolute fortune on these sorts of things, and it's not necessary. I took the online ProSeries from Screenwriting U. It was excellent and reasonably priced. Or at least get yourself some books. And, as Richard said, read lots of professional screenplays. I also suggest you join a local screenwriters support group. Most cities of any size have at least one. Feedback from people who know the medium is essential. I've now written 9 full-length screenplays. 4 of them are adaptations of my stage plays, but that doesn't necessarily make it easier. In fact, the least successful of my adaptations are the ones I didn't start virtually from scratch and do total rewrites on. You'll hear horror stories about becoming a screenwriter, and some of them are definitely true. But breaking into the industry is doable. My screenplays have won, placed, or made the finals or semi-finals of 21 screenwriting contests. One of them has been optioned by a Hollywood production company, and I'm in discussions with other companies on options or productions for 3 of the others. Good luck, Debra

Please let me know if any of you are ever interested in turning my children's book, "Clique, Clique, STOP" into a stage, or traveling play into school districts. My platform topics center on Diversity and Bullying issues. With so much bullying going on in our schools these days it may prove worthy. Teachers can implement thematic lesson objectives around this storyline. If you are ever interested, you can learn more about me, my work, and books at: http://www.BooksThatSow.com Thank you, Cherrye S. Vasquez, Ph.D. CherryeVasquez@gmail.com

Thank you guys for all of this information! I'm very excited and since I am recently retired I've decided to follow my passion, so I will take all of this good advice and see where the road leads me. It really meant a lot to get this positive feedback. Have a great day!

Just to add, since you've been writing and producing your own plays: a handbook including a long section for playwrights making the transition to screenwriting: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B006NPU7FO

Hi, I would like to read some of your log lines. I am a director looking for new projects. Thanks James

We a have a good amount of pro companies attached to our competition looking to produce new material... https://filmfreeway.com/festival/INDYSTOCKSCREENPLAYCOMPETITION