St. Louis, MO – August 6, 2023 - In the ever-evolving landscape of cinema, there's an undeniable allure in bringing real-life stories to the silver screen. True-story-based feature films have captured the hearts of audiences worldwide, leaving a lasting impact on society.

From epic historical dramas to heart-wrenching biopics and thrilling crime tales, the fascination with true stories continues to grow. But how do professional screenwriters manage to craft these captivating narratives while staying true to the essence of the real events and characters?

In this blog post, we'll delve into the secrets and insights shared by seasoned screenwriters on their journey of turning true stories into successful feature films.

I. Choosing the Right True Story:

At the heart of every great true-story adaptation lies a compelling real-life narrative that resonates with audiences. The process of selecting the perfect subject for adaptation is a crucial first step in the screenwriting journey.

But how do screenwriters go about making this decision?

For many, the key lies in finding stories that are not only gripping but also possess universal themes that can transcend time and cultural barriers.

One vital criterion is the relatability of the story.

A tale that taps into the depths of human emotions and experiences has the potential to strike an emotional chord with viewers, making it a strong contender for adaptation. Whether it's a tale of resilience against all odds, an inspiring underdog story, or an exploration of the human condition, the right story can captivate audiences, leaving a lasting impact.

To further illustrate this point, let's look at a prime example of a successful true-story adaptation: " The Imitation Game " (2014), directed by Morten Tyldum and written by Graham Moore. This film brilliantly brings to life the extraordinary story of Alan Turing, a brilliant mathematician who played a pivotal role in breaking the German Enigma code during World War II. The film's focus on Turing's struggles as an openly gay man in an intolerant society adds layers of complexity and humanity to the narrative, making it a compelling watch for audiences worldwide.

II. Research and Fact-Checking:

Once a captivating true story has been chosen, the screenwriter's journey into the realm of research and fact-checking begins. While creative liberties are often taken in screenwriting, it is essential to strike a balance between artistic expression and historical accuracy. This balance is critical to maintain the integrity of the true story and respect the people whose lives are being depicted.

In-depth research becomes the backbone of the screenwriting process. It involves immersing oneself in historical records, conducting interviews with those who knew the real-life characters, and scouring through archives to gather every nuance of the story. The goal is to uncover the hidden gems that might not be widely known but are crucial to the authenticity of the narrative.

One of the screenwriters who understands the significance of thorough research is Aaron Sorkin, renowned for his work on “The West Wing” (1999), "The Social Network" (2010) and "Molly's Game" (2017).

In "The Social Network," Sorkin delves into the tumultuous founding of Facebook and the legal battles that followed, drawing from various depositions and court records to craft an engrossing screenplay. His dedication to research allowed him to present a gripping and informative account of the events that shaped the tech giant.

Fact-checking is equally crucial when transforming a true story into a screenplay. Minor inaccuracies might seem harmless, but they can undermine the audience's trust in the narrative. Successful screenwriters meticulously cross-reference multiple sources to ensure that the story they present is as authentic as possible.

III. Identifying the Core Message:

Beyond the surface-level events, every true story carries a deeper message or theme that gives it timeless significance. Screenwriters must identify and understand this core message to effectively translate it onto the screen. The essence of the true story must resonate with the audience, evoking emotions and sparking introspection.

For instance, the true story of "Schindler's List" (1993), directed by Steven Spielberg and written by Steven Zaillian based on the Thomas Keneally book, revolves around Oskar Schindler's heroic efforts to save the lives of over a thousand Jews during the Holocaust. The core message of the film lies in the triumph of humanity amidst unspeakable cruelty. By skillfully conveying this message, the screenplay leaves a profound impact on the audience, prompting them to reflect on the power of compassion and empathy even in the darkest times.

IV. Developing Three-Dimensional Characters:

While the events and settings in a true-story adaptation are essential, it is the characters who breathe life into the narrative. Creating well-rounded and relatable characters is a delicate yet crucial aspect of the screenwriting process. It involves delving into the minds of real people and understanding their motivations, fears, and desires.

Professional screenwriters achieve this by conducting extensive character studies based on historical records, personal accounts, and interviews with those who knew the real-life individuals. By combining factual information with creative interpretation, they breathe authenticity into the characters.

For example, the biographical film "A Beautiful Mind" (2001), directed by Ron Howard and written by Akiva Goldsman, portrays the life of Nobel Prize-winning mathematician John Nash.

Goldsman's screenplay explores Nash's brilliant mind and his struggles with schizophrenia, presenting a nuanced portrayal of a complex character. The audience is drawn into Nash's world, experiencing both the triumphs and challenges of his life, making it a compelling and emotionally resonant story.

V. Structuring the Narrative:

One of the biggest challenges in adapting true stories into feature films lies in structuring the narrative effectively. Real-life events may not always follow a conventional three-act structure, and screenwriters must find ways to maintain the story's coherence while staying true to the complexities of the events.

Non-linear storytelling is a popular technique employed in true-story adaptations. By moving back and forth between different time periods, the screenwriter can reveal essential elements of the narrative gradually, heightening suspense and engagement. However, it requires careful execution to avoid confusing the audience.

The film "The Pianist" (2002), directed by Roman Polanski and adapted by Ronald Harwood from the memoir of Władysław Szpilman, successfully utilizes a non-linear structure.

The screenplay weaves Szpilman's experiences during World War II, including his time in the Warsaw Ghetto and his survival in hiding, creating a haunting and emotionally charged portrayal of the Holocaust.

VI. Adapting Events and Compression:

Real-life stories are often vast and multifaceted, making it impossible to include every detail in a feature film. Screenwriters face the challenge of selecting which events to highlight while maintaining the coherence of the narrative. This process often involves compression—consolidating multiple events or characters into one for storytelling efficiency.

The key is to maintain the essence of the true story while respecting the integrity of the events. Screenwriters must strike a delicate balance between condensing events for the sake of storytelling and preserving the authenticity of the story.

The film "Argo" (2012), directed by Ben Affleck and written by Chris Terrio, provides a compelling example of event compression. The screenplay follows the covert rescue mission of six American diplomats during the Iran Hostage Crisis. Terrio masterfully condenses the timeline and events to create a gripping and suspenseful cinematic experience while staying true to the core facts of the historical event.

VII. Dialogue and Authenticity:

In true-story adaptations, dialogue plays a vital role in conveying the characters' emotions, motivations, and historical context. Crafting authentic dialogue is crucial to bring the characters to life while ensuring the film accurately represents the time and place in which the story unfolds.

Professional screenwriters often immerse themselves in the language and cultural nuances of the period in which the story takes place. This attention to detail helps them create dialogue that feels natural, engaging, and true to the era.

The screenplay of "Lincoln" (2012), written by Tony Kushner and directed by Steven Spielberg, exemplifies authentic dialogue. The film portrays the political complexities of Abraham Lincoln's presidency and the struggle to pass the Thirteenth Amendment to abolish slavery. Kushner's meticulous research and dedication to historical accuracy shine through in the characters' speeches and debates, providing a rich and authentic dialogue experience for the audience.

VIII. The Role of Emotional Arcs:

Emotional arcs are essential in any screenplay, but in true-story adaptations, they take on added significance. The emotional journey of the characters must resonate with the audience, eliciting empathy and a deeper connection to the story.

Professional screenwriters skillfully navigate the emotional landscapes of real-life individuals, presenting their struggles, triumphs, and personal growth. By understanding the emotional arcs, they can structure the narrative to create impactful moments that leave a lasting impression.

The biographical film "Ray" (2004), directed by Taylor Hackford and written by James L. White, captures the life of legendary musician Ray Charles.

The screenplay meticulously crafts emotional arcs, portraying Charles' rise from poverty to stardom, his battles with drug addiction, and the emotional complexities of his personal relationships. By immersing the audience in the emotional highs and lows of Charles' life, the film becomes a powerful testament to the human spirit.

IX. Navigating Legal and Ethical Concerns:

True-story adaptations often raise legal and ethical considerations, as screenwriters must navigate the rights to portray real people and events. Balancing creative expression with the need to respect individuals' privacy and the truth of the story is essential.

Screenwriters often collaborate with legal advisors to ensure that the screenplay stays within the bounds of the law. Additionally, they must weigh the impact of the film on the real-life individuals and their families, being mindful of the potential consequences of their creative decisions.

The film "The Social Network" faced such challenges, as it portrayed real people who were still alive and involved in legal proceedings. Aaron Sorkin's screenplay carefully navigated these complexities, ensuring the film provided a nuanced and gripping portrayal while avoiding legal issues.

X. The Power of Collaboration:

Behind every successful true-story adaptation is a collaborative effort that involves screenwriters, directors, producers, and researchers. Collaboration fosters a collective creativity that elevates the screenplay to its full potential.

Professional screenwriters work closely with directors to align their vision with the film's artistic direction. Producers and researchers provide invaluable insights and ensure historical accuracy, while actors bring the characters to life through their performances.

The film "12 Years a Slave" (2013), directed by Steve McQueen and written by John Ridley, exemplifies the power of collaboration. The screenplay is based on Solomon Northup's memoir of the same name, chronicling his harrowing journey from freedom to slavery. Ridley's screenplay, combined with McQueen's direction and the exceptional performances of the cast, resulted in a film that not only won critical acclaim but also became a catalyst for discussions about slavery and racial injustice.

Conclusion:

Turning true stories into successful feature films is a daunting yet immensely rewarding task for professional screenwriters. By carefully choosing the right story, conducting thorough research, developing three-dimensional characters, structuring the narrative effectively, crafting authentic dialogue, and navigating legal and ethical concerns, they can create cinematic gems that resonate with audiences worldwide.

The power of collaboration, combined with the ability to identify the core message and create emotional arcs, adds depth and authenticity to true-story adaptations. Through these screenplay secrets and insights, aspiring screenwriters can learn to master the art of transforming real-life events into captivating and impactful feature films.

As cinema continues to evolve, the allure of true stories on the silver screen will remain steadfast, reminding us of the power of storytelling and the enduring impact of the human experience.

-- Ron Watermon , the Founder & CEO of STORYSMART ® created with assistance from Chat GPT

About STORYSMART®

Nothing is more enduring than a beautiful film that brings a story alive on screen and in our hearts. Great stories demand nothing less than cinematic Hollywood-quality storytelling. STORYSMART® specializes in helping public figures such as professional athletes, entertainers, former elected officials and celebrities make the most of their story using a proprietary approach that blends Hollywood-style cinematic storytelling with museum-like collection curation and story-focused brand licensing.

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About Ron Watermon

Ron Watermon is the founder and CEO of STORYSMART ®, a nationwide premium storytelling service that empowers clients to have their stories professionally produced by experienced Filmmakers while retaining their intellectual property rights.

A creative and innovative communications leader with nearly three decades of experience, prior to founding STORYSMART ®, Ron spent 18 MLB seasons with the St. Louis Cardinals where he was responsible for modernizing the team's communications by leading their investment in video storytelling, brand journalism, fan engagement and social media.

Ron, who lost his father when he was five years old, knows how profoundly important and deeply personal storytelling is within families. He founded STORYSMART ® because he believes everyone matters, deserves to be remembered and is entitled to have their story told professionally.