How to Write a Movie Novelization
A movie novelization is a written adaptation of a film, transforming the screenplay into a full-length novel. While the source material already exists in the form of a movie, a successful novelization brings additional depth, internal monologues, background details, and world-building that may not have been explored on screen. It’s an exciting challenge that allows a writer to interpret visual storytelling through prose, providing fans with a richer and more immersive experience.
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Writing a movie novelization requires a unique skill set. It combines creative writing with adaptation techniques, ensuring that the story remains faithful to the original film while adding value to the reader. In this article, we’ll explore the steps and strategies needed to write a successful movie novelization, including understanding the source material, expanding the plot, creating deeper character development, and maintaining the film’s tone.
Understand the Purpose of a Movie Novelization
What Is a Movie Novelization?
A movie novelization takes the plot, characters, and dialogue of a film and translates them into a novel format. Unlike a screenplay, which is typically sparse in terms of internal thoughts and detailed descriptions, a novelization provides readers with additional insight into the characters’ motivations, thoughts, and emotions. It also offers the opportunity to expand on the story world, exploring scenes or backgrounds that may have been glossed over in the film.
Why Do Movie Novelizations Exist?
Movie novelizations serve a variety of purposes:
- Expanding the audience: Some fans prefer the written word to watching movies and may discover the story through the novelization.
- Filling gaps: A novelization can explore subplots, character backstories, or internal thoughts that couldn’t be fully developed in the film due to time constraints.
- Fan engagement: Novelizations are a way to deepen the connection between fans and the movie, giving them a chance to experience the story from a different perspective.
Understanding these purposes helps you as a writer focus on delivering more than just a scene-by-scene retelling of the movie. It should feel like a novel in its own right while staying true to the film.
Start by Watching the Movie Repeatedly
Before you can even begin writing, it’s essential to watch the movie multiple times. The goal is to become intimately familiar with every plot point, scene, and line of dialogue. Here’s what to focus on:
Analyze the Plot Structure
- Act One: The setup, introducing the main characters, setting, and premise of the movie. Pay attention to how the story hooks the audience.
- Act Two: The confrontation, where the main characters face obstacles, and conflicts arise. Here, it’s important to grasp the emotional and psychological journeys of the characters.
- Act Three: The resolution, where conflicts are resolved, and the story reaches its conclusion. Identify the key moments of transformation or resolution for the characters.
Pay Attention to Key Scenes and Dialogue
Some parts of the film will need to be directly translated into the novel, especially iconic lines or important scenes. Make detailed notes of significant dialogue and how it affects the progression of the story.
Understand the Tone and Atmosphere
One of the challenges in novelizing a movie is capturing the tone. If the film has a dark, brooding atmosphere, this needs to be conveyed through your prose. On the other hand, if it’s lighthearted or comedic, your writing should reflect this.
Take Notes on Visual Elements
Movies are visual experiences, but you’ll need to translate these into descriptive prose. Take note of how the camera moves, the colors, the costumes, and the settings. All of these need to be vividly described to immerse the reader.
Read the Script or Screenplay (If Available)
If you can get your hands on the film’s screenplay or script, it will be an invaluable resource. The script contains the original dialogue, scene directions, and sometimes notes on the characters’ motivations or subtext. Here’s why the script is important:
Dialogue
A movie novelization often relies heavily on the movie’s dialogue, so having the exact wording from the script ensures accuracy. However, in a novel, you can expand on the dialogue by adding internal thoughts, subtext, or details about how characters feel as they speak.
Scene Descriptions
The script provides basic descriptions of the scenes, but in a novelization, you can go deeper. For example, a scene in the script might describe a “sunset over the ocean,” but in the novel, you can use rich language to describe the colors, the sound of the waves, and the mood of the characters watching the sunset.
Unseen Scenes and Backgrounds
Sometimes a script will contain scenes that didn’t make it into the final cut of the movie. These scenes can be added to the novel to give readers more content and insight into the story. The script may also include character backgrounds or world-building details that aren’t fully explored on screen but can be expanded in the novel.
Expand the Story World and Characters
A major advantage of a movie novelization is the ability to explore the inner lives of characters and build the story world. Here’s how to approach these elements:
Explore Internal Monologues and Thoughts
In a film, characters can only express their thoughts through dialogue or facial expressions. In a novelization, you have the freedom to delve into the characters’ inner worlds. You can explore their fears, hopes, and motivations in ways that the film doesn’t allow.
For example, if a character makes a difficult decision in the movie, you can explore their internal debate leading up to that decision in the novel. This adds depth and complexity to the story, making it more engaging for readers.
Add Subtext to Dialogue
Dialogue in films can sometimes be brief, with much left unsaid. In a novel, you can expand on the meaning behind the words. For instance, if two characters have a tense conversation, you can describe their body language, the tone of their voices, and their thoughts during the exchange.
Expand on the World-Building
Movies often rely on visual cues to convey the world’s setting—whether it’s a futuristic city, a fantasy realm, or a historical period. As the novel’s writer, you have the opportunity to flesh out these details. Consider adding descriptions of the culture, history, and daily life in the world where the story takes place.
Explore Subplots and Secondary Characters
A novelization allows you to give more attention to subplots or secondary characters that may have been sidelined in the movie. For example, you could explore a romantic subplot that was hinted at but not fully developed, or provide more background on a character whose motivations were unclear in the film.
Stay True to the Movie While Adding Value
Stay Faithful to Key Elements
While you have creative freedom to expand on the story, it’s important to remain faithful to the core elements of the movie. The plot, major scenes, and character arcs should remain intact, as fans expect the novelization to reflect the film they loved. Straying too far from the source material can alienate readers.
Add Meaningful Details
The details you add should enhance the story without feeling unnecessary or out of place. Ask yourself how each additional scene or description adds to the overall narrative. Does it provide more emotional depth? Does it clarify a plot point or character motivation?
Strike a Balance
The goal is to balance fidelity to the movie with the novel’s need to stand on its own. The novelization should feel like a complete, satisfying experience for readers, even if they haven’t seen the movie. At the same time, it should provide fans of the film with new insights and additional content that complements the original work.
Master the Craft of Writing
Writing a novelization requires strong writing skills, including the ability to translate visual storytelling into prose. Here are some key techniques to keep in mind:
Show, Don’t Tell
While it’s tempting to describe everything that happens in the movie, remember the adage “show, don’t tell.” Instead of simply stating what happens, describe how it happens. Use sensory details, action, and dialogue to immerse the reader in the scene.
Use Descriptive Language
Since you’re working from a visual medium, it’s essential to use vivid descriptions to paint the scenes in the reader’s mind. Instead of saying, “The city was large,” describe the towering skyscrapers, the bustling streets, and the sounds of car horns and chatter.
Pacing Is Key
Movie pacing is often faster than a novel, so you’ll need to adjust the pacing for the book format. Take your time to build tension in key scenes, and don’t rush through important emotional moments. At the same time, avoid unnecessary filler that could slow down the plot.
Get Feedback and Revise
Once you’ve completed a draft, seek feedback from others, particularly those familiar with the movie. They can help ensure that the novelization remains true to the source material while offering a fresh perspective. Pay attention to any inconsistencies or places where the novel could be improved.
Writing a movie novelization is a rewarding challenge that allows you to expand on a beloved film while exploring creative writing. By understanding the source material deeply, expanding on the characters and world, and maintaining a balance between fidelity to the movie and creative enhancement, you can craft a novelization that delights readers and fans alike.