True Stories

Adaptation of true stories is an incredibly tricky task. Truth doesn't necessarily make great drama, yet when adapting real stories to screen, writers need to make sure that real people do not object to the way they or their families are portrayed in film. Most screenwriters, and even some Hollywood pros, don't fully understand the practical problems involved in depicting "true stories" for the screen. Possible risks for the writer or filmmaker include the inability to close a sale because of legal complications, theft of unprotected literary property by media competitors, and lawsuits. This book advises screenwriters on how to cope with both the creative challenges and practical problems of turning fact into fiction. It guides any writer on how to write a compelling screenplay based on real people and events while seamlessly intertwining the legal issues they need to be aware of as they write.