2017 Austin Film Festival and Conference Schedule

Book-to-film adaptations may sound like they’re a walk in the park – they’re equipped with a thorough storyline, highly developed characters, and of course, a built-in fan base – but the art of writing them is as advantageous as it is demanding. Characters in novels have an elaborately developed inner life, and visually depicting subtext and nuance in a compelling narrative can be a challenge, especially within the constraints of a 90-minute film. Screenwriters behind some of recent history’s greatest adaptations will discuss translating themes and literary devices to the screen, working with authors, and where and when to take creative liberties.