Episode 253 - Navigating the Worlds of Fiction and Film with Rene Gutteridge
August 27, 2024
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Rene Gutteridge discusses NAVIGATING THE WORLDS OF FICTION AND FILM, including the nuances and intricacies involved in transitioning from writing novels to screenplays, the technical constraints in screenwriting, the necessity of collaboration in film, and the importance of adhering to a rigid structure. Rene also covers how understanding screenplay techniques can benefit novelists, particularly in terms of pacing and scene structure. She offers insights for novelists considering a venture into screenwriting, emphasizing the innate differences in storytelling approaches.
Rene Gutteridge has been writing professionally for over twenty years in fiction, non-fiction, comedy sketches, novelizations, and screenwriting. She is the multi-genre author of 24 novels plus several non-fiction titles. Her indie film SKID won deadCenter’s Best Oklahoma Feature in 2015, and her novel My Life as a Doormat was adapted into the Hallmark movie “Love’s Complicated.” She is co-writer on the feature film Family Camp, a Movieguide award winner and a Dove Award nominee for 2023. She is also a Screencraft finalist in true crime. Rene is co-director of WriterCon in Oklahoma City, senior contributor at Writing Momentum and is the head writer at Skit Guys Studios.
Links
Rene's Links:
https://www.facebook.com/ReneGutteridgeAuthor
https://www.instagram.com/rene_gutteridge/
https://x.com/ReneGutteridge
Matty's Links:
Affiliate links
Events
https://www.facebook.com/ReneGutteridgeAuthor
https://www.instagram.com/rene_gutteridge/
https://x.com/ReneGutteridge
Matty's Links:
Affiliate links
Events
I hope you enjoyed my conversation with Rene! If you’re a novelist, did our conversation convince you that screenwriting is something you want to try? Even if not, were there any lessons from screenwriting you’ll apply to your own work?
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Summary
This week on The Indy Author Podcast, Matty Dalrymple talks with Rene Gutteridge about the intricate world of screenwriting and how it compares to novel writing. Their conversation delves into the specifics of each medium, offering valuable insights for authors who might be contemplating a shift into screenwriting or simply looking to enhance their novel writing.
Transitioning from Novels to Screenplays
Rene starts by discussing her journey from screenwriting to novel writing and back. She began as a reader of screenplays during her high school years, influenced by her mother's dedication to encouraging her reading habits. Eventually, her early fascination with screenplays led her to write her own. Despite studying screenwriting in college, Rene shifted to novel writing due to the lack of a film scene in Oklahoma at the time.
Rene notes the significant differences between novels and screenplays, particularly the collaborative nature of screenwriting. While screenwriters plant the vision of the story, much of the creative process, including acting, direction, and set design, is handled by other team members. This necessity to share creative control can be a challenging adjustment for novelists who are used to having full authority over their work.
Reading Screenplays and the Importance of Detail
Rene explains how her interest in reading screenplays developed from childhood subscriptions to magazines that offered screenplay orders and later through her discovery of screenplays at the library. Moreover, she underscores the importance of understanding screenplays' structure and technical aspects to write compelling and coherent screenplays.
Matty brings up the concept of the reader or viewer filling in details, prompting a discussion on whether reading a screenplay requires the audience to imagine more than they would with a novel. Rene clarifies that screenplays must convey enough detail to guide the directors and actors while allowing them room to interpret the scene.
The Shared and Divergent Experiences in Mediums
The conversation shifts towards the experience of collaborative creativity in screenwriting, comparing it to the solo nature of novel writing. Rene appreciates those instances where directors and actors bring fresh, unexpected takes to scenes, acknowledging that while not every deviation aligns with her vision, the collaborative process often enriches the project.
Matty explores the dual nature of screenplays as both creative works and technical documents. Rene clarifies that screenplays contain specific technical directions, like sound and lighting cues, designed to assist various departments in a film's production. This technical precision is crucial for budgeting and execution.
Seeing Through the Characters' Eyes
The interplay between screenplays and deep point of view in novels is a recurring theme. Screenwriting demands brevity and clarity, often getting into a scene late and exiting early to maintain pace, while novels can explore deeper points of view and internal monologues.
Rene argues that novelists can learn the art of pacing from screenwriting, emphasizing the impact of knowing when to end a scene. This timing is pivotal not only for the audience but also to ensure that the narrative remains engaging. In screenwriting, every page counts, influencing the overall duration of the film, where one page typically equals one minute of screen time.
The Challenges of Adaptation
Rene discusses how authors should approach the adaptation of their novels into screenplays. It's often advised that experienced screenwriters handle adaptations, as the skills required are quite different. The novel's original narrative can serve as an inspiration rather than a verbatim transcription, capturing the essence of the story while adjusting it to suit the visual medium's needs.
The Impact of Fast-Paced Writing and Consideration of AI
Matty raises the subject of AI-generated content, pondering its potential influence on screenwriting and novel writing. Rene expresses her concern over AI's role, valuing the irreplaceable human element and creativity in storytelling. They discuss the evolving landscape, where AI might cater to readers looking for quantity, while quality-driven content remains the domain of human artists.
Learning from Screenwriting for Novelists
Even if novelists have no plans to write screenplays, they can still benefit from understanding screenwriting techniques. Learning when to enter and exit scenes, using concise language, and retaining a strong sense of character point of view can all enhance the pacing and quality of a novel.
Conclusion
Rene concludes by advising authors to balance their aspirations in screenwriting with their current projects. Screenwriting often involves selling spec scripts and working on assignments rather than solely relying on personal creative projects. Emphasizing the importance of perseverance and passion, Rene encourages authors to explore the exciting world of film while continuing to craft compelling narratives in their novels.
Through this detailed conversation, Matty Dalrymple and Rene Gutteridge provide a comprehensive guide for authors navigating the worlds of screenwriting and novel writing, highlighting the unique challenges and opportunities each medium presents.a
Transitioning from Novels to Screenplays
Rene starts by discussing her journey from screenwriting to novel writing and back. She began as a reader of screenplays during her high school years, influenced by her mother's dedication to encouraging her reading habits. Eventually, her early fascination with screenplays led her to write her own. Despite studying screenwriting in college, Rene shifted to novel writing due to the lack of a film scene in Oklahoma at the time.
Rene notes the significant differences between novels and screenplays, particularly the collaborative nature of screenwriting. While screenwriters plant the vision of the story, much of the creative process, including acting, direction, and set design, is handled by other team members. This necessity to share creative control can be a challenging adjustment for novelists who are used to having full authority over their work.
Reading Screenplays and the Importance of Detail
Rene explains how her interest in reading screenplays developed from childhood subscriptions to magazines that offered screenplay orders and later through her discovery of screenplays at the library. Moreover, she underscores the importance of understanding screenplays' structure and technical aspects to write compelling and coherent screenplays.
Matty brings up the concept of the reader or viewer filling in details, prompting a discussion on whether reading a screenplay requires the audience to imagine more than they would with a novel. Rene clarifies that screenplays must convey enough detail to guide the directors and actors while allowing them room to interpret the scene.
The Shared and Divergent Experiences in Mediums
The conversation shifts towards the experience of collaborative creativity in screenwriting, comparing it to the solo nature of novel writing. Rene appreciates those instances where directors and actors bring fresh, unexpected takes to scenes, acknowledging that while not every deviation aligns with her vision, the collaborative process often enriches the project.
Matty explores the dual nature of screenplays as both creative works and technical documents. Rene clarifies that screenplays contain specific technical directions, like sound and lighting cues, designed to assist various departments in a film's production. This technical precision is crucial for budgeting and execution.
Seeing Through the Characters' Eyes
The interplay between screenplays and deep point of view in novels is a recurring theme. Screenwriting demands brevity and clarity, often getting into a scene late and exiting early to maintain pace, while novels can explore deeper points of view and internal monologues.
Rene argues that novelists can learn the art of pacing from screenwriting, emphasizing the impact of knowing when to end a scene. This timing is pivotal not only for the audience but also to ensure that the narrative remains engaging. In screenwriting, every page counts, influencing the overall duration of the film, where one page typically equals one minute of screen time.
The Challenges of Adaptation
Rene discusses how authors should approach the adaptation of their novels into screenplays. It's often advised that experienced screenwriters handle adaptations, as the skills required are quite different. The novel's original narrative can serve as an inspiration rather than a verbatim transcription, capturing the essence of the story while adjusting it to suit the visual medium's needs.
The Impact of Fast-Paced Writing and Consideration of AI
Matty raises the subject of AI-generated content, pondering its potential influence on screenwriting and novel writing. Rene expresses her concern over AI's role, valuing the irreplaceable human element and creativity in storytelling. They discuss the evolving landscape, where AI might cater to readers looking for quantity, while quality-driven content remains the domain of human artists.
Learning from Screenwriting for Novelists
Even if novelists have no plans to write screenplays, they can still benefit from understanding screenwriting techniques. Learning when to enter and exit scenes, using concise language, and retaining a strong sense of character point of view can all enhance the pacing and quality of a novel.
Conclusion
Rene concludes by advising authors to balance their aspirations in screenwriting with their current projects. Screenwriting often involves selling spec scripts and working on assignments rather than solely relying on personal creative projects. Emphasizing the importance of perseverance and passion, Rene encourages authors to explore the exciting world of film while continuing to craft compelling narratives in their novels.
Through this detailed conversation, Matty Dalrymple and Rene Gutteridge provide a comprehensive guide for authors navigating the worlds of screenwriting and novel writing, highlighting the unique challenges and opportunities each medium presents.a
