Is It Equal to Write a Novel or a Screenplay from the Same Story?

Both novel-writing and screenplay writing can be challenging processes, especially when they are derived from the same story. The two formats offer unique opportunities and challenges that can make the creative process more time-consuming and require different types of storytelling techniques. Let's explore the nuances and differences.

Differences in Story Structure and Time Consumption

On one hand, a screenplay is much shorter, topping out at approximately 120 pages. On the other hand, a novel can be much longer and simpler from a formatting standpoint. With a novel, you just write, while a screenplay requires heavy-duty formatting, multiple headers and footers, and margins that change multiple times throughout every page. These differences make the process of turning imagination into words a bit more complex for screenplays.

The time consumption can be similar, but the requirements for both formats are quite diverse. Both require dedication and time to develop a compelling story, but the way this is achieved differs significantly.

Depth of Character and Story Development

Writing a novel allows for a broader range of storytelling, where the narrative is often told from the perspective of a narrator or a balladeer. This personal perspective allows for a deeper dive into the thoughts and feelings of the characters. In contrast, a screenplay is more focused on the plot-character combination, where the development of characters and the plot's progression are closely intertwined.

In a screenplay, the development of characters is more intentioned, with high stakes and dramatic developments between the main hero and villain. The character growth and plot progression are driven by action and dialogue. This makes it more demanding to maintain the viewer's interest in a single sitting as there is no pause, rewind, or fast-forward option in a cinema hall.

Novels offer more flexibility in narrative style, allowing for the use of flowery language to develop characters, plots, and situations. In contrast, screenplays prioritize brevity and clarity, using succinct dialogue and efficient story-telling techniques to create a captivating narrative.

Personal Experience with Both Formats

I have personally worked on both formats with a distinguished Air Force veteran, Myles 'Mike' Rohrlick. His life story, spanning his service as a C-130 pilot, involvement in the Cambodian airlift, life-saving inventions, and post-Air Force ventures, provided rich material for both a novel and a screenplay.

The process of writing his memoir involved transforming transcripts of recorded talks between him and his brother into a 500-page book that was a pleasure to work on. The novel allowed for the exploration of his life story through a detailed and personal narrative, capturing the essence of his experiences and detailing his journey.

For the screenplay, the process was more focused on the dramatic elements of his story. The screenplay was developed over six months, centering around a time when he almost died but using highlights from his entire life's journey to create a compelling narrative. Emotion and action were emphasized, maintaining a cliffhanging atmosphere throughout the story. This process took about two months to finalize, making a total of around eight months from initial material to the final script.

From Screenplay to Novel

I am currently finishing a novel based on a screenplay for a European film. This process is revealing the unique challenges and opportunities of each format. While the screenplay is focused on action and dialogue to create a gripping narrative, the novel allows for a more in-depth exploration of character development and background.

Adapting a screenplay to a novel requires a deep dive into the characters' motivations and backstories, providing the audience with a more comprehensive understanding of the narrative. This process can be both time-consuming and intricate, but it ultimately enriches the story and provides a more immersive reading experience.

Conclusion

While both writing a novel and a screenplay from the same story can be equally challenging and time-consuming, they require different techniques and focus areas. Screenplays prioritize action, dialogue, and character development in a more condensed format, while novels offer a broader canvas for narrative exploration and character development.

Regardless of the format, the key to success lies in the creativity, dedication, and passion for storytelling. Whether you are writing a novel or a screenplay, the story itself is the driving force, and the challenge is in capturing the essence of your narrative and making it engaging for your audience.