I have completed converted an 800 page historic journal, written in the third person, past tense, into a first person, present tense dialog. And edited it down to 193 pages / 68,000 word script (use a very loose definition of script). I have done some formatting, directions, etc. to get it into a proper format, but hit my limits now.
I need someone to help edit it a bit more (I am not very concerned about length), organize, and whatever else it might need to get it into a proper script - without losing accuracy. It is more of a reenactment than a play, but I do want it to be somewhat entertaining.
I'm a first-timer who really wants to get this "out there," so any help, direction, recommendation of a writer... will be appreciated.
Wow. You are looking at a BIG job. A formatted play runs about a minute a page. For unformatted plays I use the rough guess of 165 words a minute - somewhere around 15,000 words for a full length play (90 to 120 minutes).
I'm wondering if a play is the proper style for what you have written. You have clearly spent a lot of time and effort on this project. To get it to play length you would lose 75% to 80% of what you have written. You might be able to write a series of four or five plays but each would have to stand on its own: A beginning, middle and end.
I've directed some series plays before and the audience wears out before the series is done.
Sorry I can't be more positive. Maybe someone else has a better idea . . . .
I know, its not a small project - and I forgot to mention it has +/- 30 players. If it winds up being over 3 hours, I dont mind. I think the people who will go see this type of production won't mind either. That's if I make it that far.
I do like the series thing, but I see your point about people fading out after a while. The "event" I am writing about covered a wide variety of topics, perhaps I could break out each topic into its own reenactment. I'll ponder that, but then again, people will lose interest.
Not to worry about the positiveness of your message, Doug. I need real, honest input, so I don't mind. Plus, I'm from the Bronx (like Neil Simon, I might add), and work in NY real estate, so I am not sensitive!
