Is a screenplay a piece of literature or a technical document? Arguably, it is a bit of both. The style of writing and words used could be analysed in an English Literature class and it can also act as a blueprint for a film, it is a mix of structure and creativity that makes screenplays so special. Shrader’s opinion is definitely composed of truthful elements,
“Is not an art form, because screenplays are not works of art. They are invitations to others to collaborate on a work of art.”
I would agree that a screenplay is not whole until it has been channelled in its chosen direction. It is the collaborative effort of many to create the finished piece, that is why there is a separate award for screenplay or composition as well as best film in the Oscars.
“Unfortunately, the screenwriter, more often than not, must fight for their place on a film set, as they are often unwanted. There can be a fear that screenwriters will interfere and dictate how the film should be made”
I believe that in some cases the writer should be closer to their script and in others they should stay away, it depends how personal the script is to them. Collaboration is key and most importantly is finding people who share your vision to work with, people who will aid you in bringing the story to life rather than take it to somewhere you never wanted it to be.
Pier Paolo Pasolini argues that a screenplay is “a structure that wants to be another structure.” This is an interesting concept, even when writing a stage play, it still needs actors, costume, set and a director to be a full play, on the other side of it though would you say that written lyrics for a song would be poetry or prose until they are combined with music?
Being able to write for different platforms opens up many new worlds. Writing for the audience enables small low-cost projects to be more widely appreciated but I feel that most aspiring screenwriters would eventually turn the script into a full film if offered the proper budget.
Out of my two scripts at the moment, my musical is very personal to me and I would want to be involved throughout, due to its ability to be made for a much lower budget I can keep autonomy over it and direct and produce as well as write for it.
However with my superhero script, I understand I am unlikely to be offered the budget I would need to make it myself and so I am writing it with the plan of selling the script to a company who is able to do it justice.
