Have you ever watched a movie and thought, “This would make an amazing book”? If so, you’re not alone. Writing a novelization of a movie is a unique way to bring a film’s story to life in a new format, giving fans even more depth and detail than what’s seen on the big screen. But how exactly do you go about transforming a film into a fully realized novel? In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the process of how to write a movie novelization and how to write a novel for a movie, offering key tips for success.
1. Understanding What a Movie Novelization Is
Before diving into the writing process, it’s important to clarify what a movie novelization entails.
A novelization is a book adapted from a movie or film script. It often follows the same plot but allows for the expansion of character thoughts, additional scenes, and even backstories that couldn’t be covered within a two-hour runtime.
If you’re wondering how to write a novel for a movie, think of it as filling in the gaps—giving fans more of the world, the characters, and the story they love.
2. Start with the Script
The second part of our step-by-step guide on how to write a movie novelization involves this important step in writing. It’s about gaining access to the film’s script. The screenplay is your foundation. It contains all the key dialogue, plot points, and character development. Take the time to study it thoroughly.
As you read through, consider:
- How can I translate the visual elements of the movie into vivid descriptions in the novel?
- What internal monologues or character thoughts can I add to enrich the story?
Remember, the beauty of a novelization lies in the opportunity to explore things that movies can’t easily convey, like a character’s innermost emotions or a more detailed backstory.
3. Stay True to the Film—But Not Too True
One of the challenges of learning how to write a movie novelization is balancing fidelity to the film with creative freedom. The novel should follow the movie’s general storyline, but don’t be afraid to take liberties when appropriate. For example, you could:
- Extend or add scenes that deepen character relationships.
- Offer additional insight into what characters are thinking during key moments.
- Explore subplots that were hinted at but never fully developed in the film.
Fans of the movie will appreciate the added layers of storytelling.
Novelizations allow for the exploration of subplots that might have been hinted at but left undeveloped in the movie. These creative liberties enhance the storytelling experience for fans, offering new layers to a familiar story.
For example, J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings films are known for their faithfulness to the source material, but the novels delve deeper into the thoughts and motivations of characters like Frodo and Sam, particularly in moments of intense emotional conflict.
This type of extension brings added emotional nuance, enriching the reader’s connection to the characters. Similarly, in Star Wars novelizations, extended scenes and internal dialogue provide insight into characters like Darth Vader, which might be absent from action-focused films.
https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-4474055489327117 (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});By offering these additional layers of depth, novelizations serve as a bridge between two mediums—film and literature—where the fidelity to the story is respected, but creative expansions invite the audience to re-experience the story from new angles.
4. Focus on Pacing and Structure
Movies and novels differ significantly when it comes to pacing. Films often move at a breakneck speed, condensing months or even years of plot into two hours.
Novels, on the other hand, provide more room for introspection and detail. When learning how to write a novel for a movie, make sure you adjust the pacing accordingly:
- Slow down to explore key emotional beats.
- Create smooth transitions between major plot points.
- Use chapter breaks to build suspense and keep readers hooked.
5. Collaborate with Filmmakers and Studios
If you’re officially contracted to write a novelization, you’ll likely need to work closely with the film’s production team.
This ensures that your novel remains consistent with the movie’s tone, themes, and story arcs.
Additionally, collaborating with filmmakers might give you access to extra material, such as deleted scenes or early drafts, which can help enrich your novel.
6. Don’t Forget the Details
Finally, details matter in both the movie and the novel. Pay attention to costumes, settings, and even background characters, all of which can contribute to the atmosphere of your novelization.
https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-4474055489327117 (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});Where a movie might focus on a quick, action-packed sequence, you have the opportunity to slow down and describe every critical aspect, painting a picture for your readers.
Great examples of movie novelisation
Writing a movie novelization can be a rewarding creative endeavour that allows you to merge the visual medium of film with the deep storytelling potential of a novel.
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With the right approach, writing a novel can be a thrilling and creatively fulfilling experience. It’s all about capturing the essence of the movie while adding your unique literary touch.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your script, start writing, and let the movie magic continue on the page!
