A script on the book Titanic the long night or Adventure out of time

[181208]

Hi this is my first post here at et and i didnt know if this post is important or not. But im writing a script on the Titanic and i was wondering if i should write one on the Titanic the long night by Diane Hoh or the famous Titanic game adventure out of time. Both topics sound good but i wanted to let you guys decide on what to do. If you think or reckon that i should write on one of them which you think is the best please post back. Cheers!

 

[Dan Cherry]

You may wish to script your own slant on Titanic - basing a screenplay on someone else's work, particularly without their knowledge or permission, is fodder for the copyright lawyers - a mess you would not want to find yourself in...

 

[Mark Robert Hopkins]

I agree. First, do your research on the actual event and people, not to mention the copyright laws. Get down as many of the specifics and facts (and, perhaps, possibilities) as you can, then decide where you want to go from there. You'll find that as you do your research and learn more about the actual Titanic, the particular 'angle' with which you will eventually decide to go will jump out at you. The important thing is to stick to the facts. God knows that would be refreshing considering past Titanic movies. Good luck!

 

[Scott Newman]

I had no idea that the words "refreshing" and "Titanic" could go hand in hand...alright...just a little tongue and cheek for all y'all.

 

[Mark Robert Hopkins]

When it comes to Titanic movies, very little, it appears, is "refreshing" as far as realism is concerned. They are entertaining, though, and I have my own collection. It's when you find a movie that actually does go by realism that's refreshing. That's why "refreshing" and "Titanic" do not usually go hand-in-hand--because realism in Titanic movies is rarely seen.

 

[181208]

I agree as well with the copyright stuff -- but i have no idea how to set it out thats the problem i was thinking i should have a scene with Lord Pirrie and Bruce Ismay discussing the idea of the titanic, olympic being built ect then continue off from there, but as i said i need help with screenplay writing i know all the details ect but the way of setting it out -- ive been studying the titanic for 8 years now and i nearly know the important bits of it. But if you guys would like to help me out with it please let me know cause ill be very greatful... cheers!

 

[Kritina Johnston]

You could always do a script from one of them as a work of fanfiction, and put it in the Net. Fanfiction is usually protected under copyright laws, although that hasn't stopped some writers/studios from suing fanfic authors, and having entire sites taken down. But for the most part, fanfiction tends to be looked upon as complimentary to the original property.

 

[Brandon McKinney]

Two things that would be "refreshing":

A script that follows dead-center to realism, sparing itself from adding high strung debutantes who flip-off elevator attendants and "artists" who, as I read in another topic here, draw work more suitable to go on black velvet.

Or... a Titanic story where the ship doesn't sink. Unique concept, eh?

 

[Mark Robert Hopkins]

>>Or... a Titanic story where the ship doesn't sink. Unique concept, eh?<<

Then where's the conflict? hehe. Still, that alone would be enough to shock the audience, who would be expecting the ship to sink.

 

[181208]

I love the idea mark -- but i was trying to think on how i would keep the Titanic afloat once she hits the berg -- or i could have it that murdoch -- instead of reversing the engines -- says hard a starboard and the titanic will look like it will collide -- but it will miss instead. What do you think guys of the idea?

 

[Michael H. Standart]

>>What do you think guys of the idea?<<

Well, you might want to check through the Senate and Mersey Wreck Commission transcripts for some essential primary source material. At least if you want to put together something that's true to the known history. The evidence that Murdock reversed the engines prior to the collision is actually rather slim. If the testimony from the survivors in the engine room is any indication, may never have happened at all.

 

[Mark Robert Hopkins]

>>What do you think guys of the idea?<<

As long as you stick to realism with everything up to and including the 'non-sinking' of the ship, if that makes sense. Michael's comments directly above this one is a good example.