Internet-Era Challenges for Writers: Generate Original Works or Do IP Adaptations

The guests are giving their opinions on the topic of the forum.

The challenges and opportunities available to screenwriters in the multi-platform Internet environment are linked to the diversification of channels and greater creative freedom, a forum of the 2016 Shanghai International Film and TV Festival heard on June 9. But writers also need to make a choice: to work on adaptations of existing IP projects or to focus on producing original material, the Magnolia TV Forum was told.

American scriptwriter Steven Gary Banks said that, while every writer is different, some prefer to work with existing IPs, but most opt to generate original material. "Original material is preferred because the writer gets the chance to create a product which comes from the heart. The IP product comes with automatic limitations as certain characters and storylines are already formed," he said.

When working with an existing IP, the producer and studio need to know what they want before speaking to a writer. Otherwise the process will be frustrating for both the producer and writer. "In working with original material and discovering what will work within limitations, you come from a position of having considered what won’t work," Banks said.

Chinese scriptwriter Chen Tong emphasized that both original creations and adaptations can work seamlessly, depending on the writer’s ability. "Original novels have strong spiritual meanings and integrity and actors who are more comfortable doing adaptations can use their own judgment. There is therefore little change between the IP and the subsequent creation," added Chinese scriptwriter Li Xiao. "Every IP’s starting point is, in effect, also an original creation," he said.

Another growing problem faced by writers is making continual changes to the script.

Chen said a scriptwriter\'s professional ethics are challenged when producers request changes to the script. But some writers lack the ability to write good scripts or are incapable of making requested changes as they work on multiple projects at the same time. "Writers should insist that they are the person responsible for making changes to a script, not someone else. They should listen to suggestions from experienced veteran writers," Chen said.

Also, writers today face challenges from famous actors who like to make changes to scripts according to their own preferences, thus disturbing the storyline and characters.

Chinese scriptwriter Chen Wengui said writing scripts is no easy task and writers should find joy in their work. Another scriptwriter, Pan Pu, said: "I\'m very happy when I write a scene or lines that I like. It’s this kind of satisfaction and expectation that helps you through the difficult writing process," Pan Pu added.

With more film products being broadcast on both television and online, audiences have a greater selection from a more diversified list of shows offering a broader range of views. "The two platforms have different production standards but the internet has more capacity," said Chinese scriptwriter Bai Yicong. "It\'s a good thing for scriptwriters that products now stream online because it extends our career by halving the production process time," he added.