Print Topic

SimplyScripts Screenwriting Discussion Board  /  Screenwriting Class  /  Art Thievery Question
Posted by: guyjackson (Guest), August 8th, 2006, 11:40pm
Hello all.  I know I usually don't pose questions on here but I've been in a hardcore state of writer's block lately and I have finally come to an idea that I think I can finally use to break out of this funk I have been in.  

I'm preparing to write an art thief action/thriller film that has a love story connected into it with the intent of selling it.  I have a basic plot right now, so I'm not really asking for a storyline.  

What I'm asking for is if anyone knows any sites or places that I can find information on the actual science of theivery.  I really want this to be realistic and authentic.  I know George had a site before about bank robberies, so I'm sure there are some sites out there that can at least enlighten on the act of stealing, haha.

Anyway, if anyone has any information, I would really appreciate it.  
Posted by: George Willson, August 8th, 2006, 11:45pm; Reply: 1
Google is a very good thing here.
Posted by: Martin, August 9th, 2006, 6:20am; Reply: 2
You should check out 'The Sacred Art of Stealing' by Christopher Brookmyre. It's kind of a comedy, but the art theives have some very inventive ideas. It's an awesome book so I'd urge anyone to check it out regardless.

Edit: They're not exactly art thieves but bank robbers who use artistic methods.

http://www.brookmyre.co.uk/book7.htm
Posted by: Helio, August 9th, 2006, 9:35am; Reply: 3
I had one but someone stole it from me!
Posted by: Kujan, August 9th, 2006, 10:58am; Reply: 4
Hi Guy,

I just finished a very similar type piece called "Cross My Heart" that Don should be posting any day now, and had the same problem. What you should do is decide first what your character will steal - not just "a painting", but a painting by Picasso - not just an antique sculpture but an antique Mayan Sculpture. Make a list of a few things and google each one. You'll find information on who holds those type of items and where -- once you know that, you have who and where you're stealing it from, and can google, say, "museum security", etc...

That type of specificity worked very well for me. I found information on how large collections are transported, which allowed me to create the "climax" scene when my character steals it.
Posted by: guyjackson (Guest), August 9th, 2006, 9:24pm; Reply: 5
Wow, I didn't expect this many responses, haha.  Thanks everyone.  

I've also gotten some art books from the library that seem to say where the big paintings are located and the worth of some of them.  

Thanks again.  
Posted by: God of Thunder, August 9th, 2006, 9:31pm; Reply: 6
This might sound a little weird but...... I had a book, like a book about a robber and stuff. But, I bought it with another book by the same other called 'The Art behind the Robber.' It was a book about robbing. Like key points at places. It was a legal book don't worry about the art of robbing. Like secrets about it. I bought it at Indigo or whatever. Its a pretty good book. I think it should help.
Posted by: guyjackson (Guest), August 11th, 2006, 1:32pm; Reply: 7

Quoted from God of Thunder
This might sound a little weird but...... I had a book, like a book about a robber and stuff. But, I bought it with another book by the same other called 'The Art behind the Robber.' It was a book about robbing. Like key points at places. It was a legal book don't worry about the art of robbing. Like secrets about it. I bought it at Indigo or whatever. Its a pretty good book. I think it should help.


I actually have heard of that book.  I have been trying to find it online but I can't.  I'll probably go ask someone at Barnes and Nobles or something, because I swear those people know everything.  They've helped me find a lot of stuff over the years.  
Posted by: guyjackson (Guest), August 11th, 2006, 1:33pm; Reply: 8

Quoted from Helio
I had one but someone stole it from me!



Haha!  

Helio you crack me up every time.  
Print page generated: May 8th, 2024, 11:02am