“A comprehensive resource for writing dramatic narratives about real people.
As O’Neill explains in her introduction, the biodramatist must “transform the facts into dramatic visual scenes for the audience and reader to experience.” This book, which is aimed at novice and seasoned writers alike, is intended to provide a map for those embarking on a biographical project. It covers everything from essential writing and researching tips to strategies for selecting a fruitful subject to the ethics and legalities of portraying real people. Perhaps the most valuable information that O’Neill offers is
her thoughts on research—some of which aren’t always obvious.”
Read the Kirkus review here.
About the Book
Plays and films based on real people (biodramas) have entertained and enlightened audiences for centuries. Biodramas, in high demand, are among the most profitable genres for stage and screen today.
So why is there a dearth of books to guide playwrights and screenwriters who want to write a successful, engaging biodrama?
Writing the Biodrama, by award-winning and internationally acclaimed biodramatist Dr Tee O’Neill fills that void. Dr O’Neill offers a thoughtful, artfully written, practical, and academically rich book designed to equip writers to grow in the craft of biodrama writing.
All scripts are challenging to write, but writing about real people creates unique challenges. this book is designed to help writers overcome those challenges in order to produce a successful biodrama script.
By reading this book, writers will:
– Uncover the human traits that make biodramas powerful and popular;
– Gain insights about the creative process from renowned biodramatists, such as Polly Teale and Jose Rivera, all interviews by Dr O’Neill;
– Learn how to select a real person as a subject for a play or film;
– Explore the dynamics of research: where to start, what to look for and when to stop;
– Practice Dr O’Neill’s biodrama principles with enjoyable exercises designed to inspire creativity.
The book offers a holistic view of the entire creative process of writing a biodrama. For accomplished screen and stage writers as well as new writers, this book is invaluable for anyone who hopes to transform a true story into a beautiful drama for stage or screen.
Praise for the book:
Tee O'Neill's first-hand insights into the crafting of these bio-dramas are treasures. This is a beautifully-rendered journey into the joys, challenges, secrets, and time-tested methods of writing biographical dramas for the stage and cinema. Inspiring one minute and wonderfully practical the next (there are great writing exercises), this is the manual any writer, no matter their level of achievement, can turn to.
Writing the Biodrama deeply and precisely describes the dilemmas and opportunities of writing a biographical script for theater or screen. It sheds light on the hidden writing process and exposes it in a clear practical way. Both playwrights and screenwriters will benefit from and be inspired by reading this book.
For free tips on writing the biodrama, and Tee’s reflections on what’s working and what isn’t in prominent biodramas, and why.
The newsletters will help you negotiate challenges, and inspire you along your writing journey.