Firestarter by Brett Bentman (babentman) - Drama - A conflicted trial attorney must choose between defending a psychotic criminal or salvaging his life and career. 57 pages - pdf, format 8)

I definitely think you should use a different title - regardless of the content - because that title is too famous.  And I was immediately disappointed when I realised it wasn't based on the Stephen King book.  Why set your script up like that?

Mainly because I don't care about the other title and I liked it for my script. Sorry to dissapoint, but to counter that arguement, why would I write something, without permission, based on a book that has already been written. Have an open mind.

Quoted from babentman why would I write something, without permission, based on a book that has already been written..

...and filmed.

Quoted from babentman Mainly because I don't care about the other title and I liked it for my script. Sorry to dissapoint, but to counter that arguement, why would I write something, without permission, based on a book that has already been written. Have an open mind.

Many people do, often a good way to get that first feature out of the way by writing a remake.

I agree with Michael here, when I saw the title of the thread i automatically assumed that someone had posted an adaptation of the novel. I really do not see the sense in naming a spec with the same name as a existing and successful work.

You could try using another word in conjunction like 'Twisted Firestarter' or make it 'The Firestarter' for example.

I do realise that I have broken the rules here, I will give this a read before the week is over. After I have read Husbands in Space anyway.

Thanks for offering to read. I like the feedback but usually hope the script is read first, have a fun week!

I read Firestarter and I liked the story. I am quizzical about a couple of things:

Why do you write your action in sentence fragments? It read very choppy. I also thought you were overly descriptive at times by telling us character's thoughts.

Why use the name of Harold Ramis as the father? Is that an intentional reference to the famous comedian/script writer (Stripes)?

Why would anyone lose any sleep over Herbert Ramis? He is unworthy of Noah or anyone’s concern especially as an impetus for change. I thought the Noah’s father and family was almost enough to get Noah to change. BTW, I wasn’t sure Noah wanted to change until he was stabbed. He talks quite rudely to Rick during the script and then at the closing scene he’s quite considerate. I didn’t buy it.

Why burden your script with a famous title? May as well call it Casablanca.  I understand the title of Firestarter but your script will forever be referred to as Not That Firestarter. The title is often the one place you have to be creative and provide insight into your work. Enough said.

Why use long blocks dialogue for your characters especially in closing? I look at it as “Here comes the sermon.” Just be sure that you consider shorter versions.

I liked the wrongness of Herbert and would like to see how his character’s obsessions played out. Maybe get it closer to a full length feature?

Overall, I’m glad I read it. I was just confused by some of the choices.

Gary