  Drama
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DRAMA IS:
#1 - The Greek word for "action."
#2 - A real situtation or succession of events having the dramatic progression or emotional content of a play.
This week I'd thought I'd explore the subgenre of true crime/crime drama. I'll take a look at trends, what defines the genre, its appeal, true crime authors, and helpful links for screen/play writers. |
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A true crime drama is a drama based on real events. A crime drama is more likely to have been inspired by real events. Films and plays can be divided into furter subgenres such as:
The Mob Film: an example would be the Godfather films where the film is set against the backdrop of organized crime.
The Heist Film: The Oceans Eleven/Twelve/Thirteen films are a good example of this subgenre. The movies take a look at criminals as they go about a heist and the consquences of those actions.
Film Noir: A modern film noir is "The Black Dahlia," staring Josh Hartnett. The film takes a look at crime which occured in the 1940's and has a certain style to it. It's presented as a painting with the scenes as the brushstrokes.
True Crime: These dramas are based on real events. "Goodfellas" is an example. While based on real events, some details maybe altered for storytelling purposes.
The Appeal
What makes this genre appealing is the human face screenwriters and writers give their characters. Tony Soprano, on face value, is truly a despicable person, but it is the human side of him, his panic attacks, and his love for his family which makes him appealing.
Trends
The current trends are like shows such as "Law and Order," and "CSI." Also, such high concept dramas involving presidents, mass death, and high powered figures are being examined. There's also a trend to explore extremes, such as the show, "Dexter." Dexter is a self aware psychotic who hunts down other killers and kills them. Daring for a crime drama.
True Crime Authors
Several authors have found success in the crime genre such as Ann Rule, Barbara Davis, and Aphrodite Jones.
Ann Rule has been exploring the genre since 1969. She's known for her meticious research. She examines the victim's story, the crime, the detectives choices, and takes a good long look at the suspect's motives.
Barbara Davis's first book was "Stalked," inspired by a rape victim who was stalked by her rapist when he got out of jail. However, her book "Precious Angels," is the most controversal. The book was about Darlie Routier who stabbed her sons, Devon and Darron, to death. Davis was convinced of Routier's guilt, but after hearing information withheld at the trial and perjuired testimony, Davis became convinced to Routier's innocence.
Aphrodite Jones has over seventeen years exprience as a crime profiler. Her first book was in 1990 about an FBI agent gone bad. In 2003, Jones was recongized as "one of the chief practitioners of the true crime genre." As with Rule, Jones gets personal with her assignment, delving into the lives of all involved to paint a complex picture of the crime and its consquences.
Sources for Screenwriters
The Writer's Digest list of 101 best writing sites is out in the June edition. Congratulations to Writing.com who is listed! 
I wanted to share a couple of sites for those of you who want to tackle your drama writing in the form of a screen play.
moviebytes.com - hosts screenwriting contests.
script-o-rama.com - offers copies of your favorite movies for free, providing great examples of script work.
http://www.playwriting101.com/ - everything you needed to know to put a play together.
References:
http://www.aphroditejones.com/
http://www.annrules.com
http://www.authorbarbaradavis.com/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/True_crime_(genre)
Writer's Digest, The Pop Fiction Report by Michael Vaughn, April 2008.
NEXT: I hope to tackle how to put a script/play together.
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racingpeanut
Dear StephB
I enjoy reading the Royal Diaries series. I have read: "Elizabeth The Red Rose of Tudor","Sondok, Princess of the Moon and stars" and "Lady of Ch'iao Kuo: Warrior of the South."
From Racingpeanut
I haven't heard of the Royal Diaries series. Can you tell me more about it? I think Elizabeth is a fascinating read!
scribbler 
I agree that Shakespeare was a master when writing about histories. Even better though was that most, if not all of his plays were actually adapted from some other sources (even if the story was not history but another fiction, for example: the winters tale based on the pastoral tale, Pandosto) what many people don't realize about Shakespeare is that he altered many details when writing histories in order to "spice things up". The character of Portia in julius cesaer and her role and suicide for example. What I'm trying to say is sure, you can write biographies but why not write a fiction BASED on a history. Richard III is fantastic even if it didn't quite happen like that. Am I right? ahaha ;)
Yes, most of his plays were adapted and he did a wonderful of job with his adaptations. I love the historical fiction genre. Jean Plaidy is one of my favorite authors. I agree fiction based on history can definately be more "spicy."
Starr* Rathburn
Steph wrote: Write me a one-act play based on an event in one of the following subject's lives.
Plays are beyond my scope, but I hope someone takes you up on that, cuz I'd love to read about at least 3 of those people. One again, thanks for an interesting newsltr.
You're welcome. No takers yet...
Dr Taher writes again! 
Thank you for including my book review in your newsletter. Your coverage of biographies was really good. So are the WDC items included in the highlighted items of the letter. Thank you.
You're welcome. I'm glad you enjoyed the newsletter. Biographies is a subgenre that you as a writer can have a lot of fun with.
Helen McNicol
Happy Anniversary StephB!!! WDC is a better place because you are in it
Regards,
Helen
Thanks, Helen. I love being here on WDC, too. There's so much to do, read, and experience. I know my writing has grown. It's a great place to work on writing.
charlesthec
Hi Steph. Great newsletter. Your biography links are great although where I'll get more time is the question. Wrong newsletter for that, eh? :) Really enjoyed the read.
Trust me, it's not easy to find the time to read, but I firmly believe the more you read, the more you improve your writing skills.
SantaBee is a 911 Dispatcher for LAPD. She has self-published the following novels: "Destination:Berlin," "All That Remains," "Are Your Dirty Little Secrets," and "The Wolf's Torment." |
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Drama: April 30, 2008 Issue [#2360]
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