Hey y'all, I'm new to the forums here. This place is incredible.

My question:

1. If I set a fantasy story in Japan, how precise do I have to be in terms of history, culture, etc? The reason I'm asking is because I read an article on "The Last Samurai" and it turns out there were quite a few people offended by various misrepresentations, as well as others who were offended by stereotypical characterizations of Japanese people from that period. My story needs authority and I want to recreate a sense of how life was in the 1920-1930's, but this is by no means a factual historical piece. How accurate do I have to be without turning the story into a cliche historical drama?

My other question:

2. How much violence can I get away with in a PG-13 rated structure?

100%.  Try not to offend anyone and don't throw in an ipod.

It all depends on the genre.  Are you going for a fantasy drama or comedy?

Hey jayrex,
Thanks for the reply. It's fantasy drama/action (east meets west -- it's going to be tough to avoid cliches), but I think the more historical accuracy I have in the story, the more potent the fantasy element will be.

I'll definitely refrain from iPod's . One of the reasons I want to tell the story in the 1920-30's is so that there won't be any product placement.  

There could always be product placement.

I guarantee that if Michael Bay were directing this script you're writing, he'd have a ginormous billboard marketing the new 1931 Bugatti or something like that. Lol.

Jonathan, keep in mind it's a movie script.  How accurate are movies that take place right now?  As accurate as they want to be to make their story work. It's entertainment, so you can get away with an awful lot.

If I were you and I wanted to write a script about a time long ago, I'd try to write it as accurately as I could, but most won't know whether it is actually accurate or not.

It would take an awful lot of research or previous knowledge on the time period, which is what makes period peices difficult for the everyday writer.

As for your 2nd question, I'm quite amazed what some PG 13 flicks get away with these days.  For instance, some actually use the word "fuck", and get by somehow.  In terms of violence, there's alot that goes into the decision what it will be rated, but it's not up to you, nor should you care too much, other than understand who your intended audience is and what rating you are going for.  If your violence is too extreme, it can simply be tamed down when shot.  Generally, PG 13 flicks just don't show violence in a graphic or over the top way.  You can obviously have death and bloodshed, but it just can't be graphic.

Hope that helps.

Quoted from Dreamscale As for your 2nd question, I'm quite amazed what some PG 13 flicks get away with these days.  For instance, some actually use the word "fuck", and get by somehow.

Well, they figure kids can only handle hearing it once. But, if you hear it twice, you might remember it and God forbid, say it.

Oooooh.......

The MPAA is a fucking joke. Get it? A fucking joke. You know... because I said it twice.

Seriously, though, they are. What you do is write your script your way because it is, in fact, YOUR script. Then, if you sell it, let those other guys deal with it. It stops being your problem at that point.

In terms of historical accuracy, it's up to you in how much research you want to do. From what you've said, you want to really nail it, so research is in your future.

As for rating, I've said this one before. The MPAA exists in order to inform parents as to what kind of content they can expect in a movie. If you are over 17, NOBODY CARES. Seriously. Now, as for violence in a PG-13 realm, pretty much anything except bloodshed. You can have a super realistic fight sequence with every hit, slam, and beheading, and as long as there's no blood, good to go. Reference Lord of the Rings.

Mr. Blonde is right about the script, though. Write it however you want to. If you feel compelled to rate it, then go through it once and consider all the violence, sex, and profanity. Otherwise, don' worry about it.

Keep in mind that whatever level of disbelief you start out with, you have to maintain through the script.  If you want to include pet robots in the script, introduce them in the beginning.  Don't surprise us on page 70 with a talking robotic dog named K-9... or super-powered people.  Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow took place in the 1930s but it was a world where of robots existed.


Phil

Quoted from jayrex 100%.  Try not to offend anyone and don't throw in an ipod. It all depends on the genre.  Are you going for a fantasy drama or comedy?

Nice avatar Jayrex  

Do your research and even then, what you might assume is true, turns out it isn't because some things just don't translate. There's so much culture behind language and story and analogy. Try and find yourself a source who knows and is familiar with the culture and the history.

Sandra

Quoted from dogglebe Keep in mind that whatever level of disbelief you start out with, you have to maintain through the script.  If you want to include pet robots in the script, introduce them in the beginning.  Don't surprise us on page 70 with a talking robotic dog named K-9... or super-powered people.  Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow took place in the 1930s but it was a world where of robots existed. Phil

Excellent advice, Phil. Anything is possible, but it needs to feel plausible for the audience and that happens in the set up.

Sandra

Hey thanks a lot for the solid advice guys. Time to go do some research.