How to Write a Children's Themed Screenplay
Consider what you're going to write the play about., Talk to children you know.
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Consider what you're going to write the play about.
Obviously, it must be suitable for children and must draw in their interest, curiosity and be entertaining.
Some great themes for children include:
Fairy tales with twists – most children know the real fairy tale and it's old news; however, when it has a twist, a change of plot or a hilarious and realistic overlay, it can be a lot more fun for the kids (especially when they realize it's not the same old, same old).
Think Frozen and Tangled for more modern incarnations.
Schooldays – none of the boring stuff, instead, all of the dastardly adventures schoolkids dream about getting up to; think Enid Blyton meets the 21st century with a technological bang! Science fiction – kids love space and science weirdness, so make the most of it by drawing out this interest as the basis for your screenplay.
Action – action at the child's level is as thrilling as it is for adults.
Mystery – children love mystery plots, especially when the children are able to solve it before the well-meaning but harried adults.
Travel – it could be a race against time, a race of travelers, a journey of discovery, dragging along on a parental work trip or unearthing a treasure.
Whatever it is, travel offers opportunities for great shots of wonderful places around the world, seen through a child's eyes.
Based on an existing novel.
You'll need the rights to the novel, which can be fairly expensive depending on its popularity. -
Step 2: Talk to children you know.
Ask them what they're interested in, what they like watching and what they think makes a good story.
You'll get the best ideas from talking to the very people likely to watch the movie that results from your screenplay.
Detailed Guide
Obviously, it must be suitable for children and must draw in their interest, curiosity and be entertaining.
Some great themes for children include:
Fairy tales with twists – most children know the real fairy tale and it's old news; however, when it has a twist, a change of plot or a hilarious and realistic overlay, it can be a lot more fun for the kids (especially when they realize it's not the same old, same old).
Think Frozen and Tangled for more modern incarnations.
Schooldays – none of the boring stuff, instead, all of the dastardly adventures schoolkids dream about getting up to; think Enid Blyton meets the 21st century with a technological bang! Science fiction – kids love space and science weirdness, so make the most of it by drawing out this interest as the basis for your screenplay.
Action – action at the child's level is as thrilling as it is for adults.
Mystery – children love mystery plots, especially when the children are able to solve it before the well-meaning but harried adults.
Travel – it could be a race against time, a race of travelers, a journey of discovery, dragging along on a parental work trip or unearthing a treasure.
Whatever it is, travel offers opportunities for great shots of wonderful places around the world, seen through a child's eyes.
Based on an existing novel.
You'll need the rights to the novel, which can be fairly expensive depending on its popularity.
Ask them what they're interested in, what they like watching and what they think makes a good story.
You'll get the best ideas from talking to the very people likely to watch the movie that results from your screenplay.
About the Author
Christopher Morales
Committed to making crafts accessible and understandable for everyone.
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