The writers don't take their time developing the characters. Instead of the confines of 110-120 pages for a feature script story, you can push the limits of story and character with upwards of 300 (six-part series) to 500 (ten-part series) pages, give or take.Įscape at Dannemora feels like a movie. The limited series is basically a long movie. There's no danger of being stuck in a role for too long - or worse yet, being typecast. There's no long-term commitment to multiple seasons. Hollywood stars are more open to television than they ever have been, thanks to the freedom of working on a series that feels like an elongated movie. The story of convicted murderers Matt and Sweat, and their accomplice Tilly. So conceptualize and develop your fictional stories for sure, but try to sneak in a compelling true story within your stack of amazing scripts - and if you want an added benefit, look for a true crime story.Īnd the writers behind Escape at Dannemora had a compelling true crime story indeed. Whether you're writing a feature film or limited series, having a true story embedded within your work enhances your resume.Īnd true crime stories offer something a little extra in that respect. The real-life aspects of the characters and plot push such projects to another level because of the added intrigue that they offer audiences. Production companies, studios, and networks see the appeal, and everyone wants in.Īny true story gives a spec project an edge over others. We are a curious society, and that curiosity is what makes the true crime genre one of the most in-demand in Hollywood. ![]() Simpson: American Crime Story on FX that triggered the new trend of taking true crime subjects and creating a limited series with a big-name cast.Īudiences are intrigued by true crime stories. The true crime genre has exploded in the last few years, initially regulated to docuseries like Netflix's Making a Murderer and HBO's The Jinx. Warning: Spoilers Abound Below The Appeal of True Crime Here we take a look at the strengths of the scripts and what screenwriters can learn from the series. The series stars Patricia Arquette (Tilly), Benicio del Toro (Matt), Paul Dano (Sweat), Eric Lange (Lyle), and David Morse (Gene). He wrote the Robert Altman-directed classic The Player, which was based on his novel, and also wrote Hollywood hits like Deep Impact, The Haunting (uncredited), Changing Lanes, and the skateboarding cult classic Gleaming the Cube.ĭirector Ben Stiller, known more for his comedic acting ( There's Something About Mary, Meet the Parents) and directing ( Reality Bites, The Cable Guy, Zoolander, Tropic Thunder), took on the series directing duties with the caveat that they would stick as close to the facts as they possibly could. Johnson is a prolific television writer, having written for the likes of Ray Donovan and Mad Men. The series was created and written by Brett Johnson and Michael Tolkin. They were aided in their escape by a married female prison employee with whom they both became sexually entangled. The seven-part limited series is based on the true story of the 2015 Clinton Correctional Facility escape in upstate New York, which prompted an extensive $22 million manhunt two convicted murderers. I can't wait for the show to premiere and for people to really enjoy this.What can the scripts behind Showtime's Escape at Dannemora teach screenwriters about writing compelling limited series for television and streaming channels?Įscape at Dannemora, the story of an employee at a prison in upstate New York that becomes romantically involved with a pair of inmates and helps them escape. I do also think the audio is a bit muffled and the pacing has problems, but the music is great and the whole feel of the show is just so good. I find it hard to believe that it is a 7-episode-series because it could be a feature film on its own, but it will be interesting to see where they go with this show and how they extend the story. It's an 8/10 because it has some pacing issues and makes the episode very centered on one character, which I guess is alright. ![]() Patricia Arquette is really good in this, Benicio del Toro is such a great character and Paul Dano is such a fascinating character it's overwhelming of how damn good it is. The episode I saw, which is a great introduction to the series, is beautifully shot and well acted, and well written. Ben Stiller does a really great job directing a serious drama with comedic effects about two inmates and a female prison guard. Just a while ago I finished the first episode at the world premiere of "Escape At Dannemora." It's very interesting.
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