Wendago.com Forum

First let me just give a shout out to Mr. Farmer. We talked briefly over at Fridaythe13thfilms.com forums for a little while but I'm sure you probably don't remember me (since you were no doubt inundated with PM's, e-mails and forum posts 24/7). I will say you were always very helpful and gave me some good advice.

So, on to my current delima.

I'm looking into making my first short film. I've finally got the equipment and it looks like putting together a crew will be a little easier this time around since I have that thing...oh what do you call it...oh yeah, money!

Anyway, I'm kicking around an idea or two for a screenplay. They are both somewhat with in reason as far as production goes but I'm not really sure I want to put my time/money into the production (since I do want my first attempt to be something I'm not embarrassed with).

I was recently listening to a commentary by Director Frank Darabont during The Shawshank Redemption. He talks about how he adapted one of Steven Kings earlier works for his first short film.

Todd, do you think it better to try and flesh out my own ideas or perhaps tackle material that is already well established. I'm not necessarily against writing my own material but it's not my passion. My passion is the film making aspect of it so I want to point myself in the right direction creatively.

Any thoughts?

Writing's easy. What general kind of thing are you looking to do? Maybe we can peice something together right here in the forum. Might be fun.

J8son...I do remember you...well, I do if you used this nick.

Anyway, did Frank mention if he had King's permission before he adapted the short film?

Because that answer might change what follows:

But I'd always base anything you write and/or direct on your original script. Or a script you've acquired the rights to. Or a book, comic, video game, original film that you have the rights to.

Basing a short on copy written material can not only run into legal problems but if it's amazing you'll struggle making any cash on it if someone else owns the underlying rights.

But again, I'm curious how Frank handled it.

To answer the first question, I went under a different name (RJM) at the other forum, not sure if that rings a bell.

To answer the second question, Frank did have Steven's permission to adapt the short but Frank was actually in the film making business at the time so I imagine it would have been a little easier for him to get in touch with someone like Steven King. Frank was a set dresser at the time.

Do you remember what your first short you wrote was like? Any thoughts/tips?

By the way. Happy Labor Day everybody!

A whole bunch of people have made short films based on Kings stuff, he doesn't care as long as it's all not-for-profit.

http://www.stephenkingshortmovies.com/

There's some good stuff on there. In addition to the flicks there are TV appearances by the man, as well as the Celebrity Deathmatch between him and J.K. Rowling.