NaNoWriMo 2017: Crossed The Finish Line
NaNoWriMo 2017 has come and gone, but I'm a day late and a dollar short. I'm posting this on December 2nd and my screenplay is only 64 pages long. I had fun pushing myself to work on this story each day, and although I didn't reach my goal, it feels good to check that box and move on.
My goal was 100 pages, but I think the final product is relatively decent. There are many obvious blemishes, especially with the pacing and plotting, but overall I think it is an alright jumping off point. I definitely think I'll revisit and complete it sometime in the future.
I also decided to rename the screenplay to JURASSIC PARK: LIFE FINDS A WAY because it draws a more direct relation to the original film. Since I approached this story idea under the premise that none of the other sequels existed, it made more sense to separate the title from the actual sequel. That being said, I did steal some bits from those other films. It was fun to remix scenes and lines and put them in a different context.
I think the biggest difference in my script is the characterization of Allen Grant. In JURASSIC PARK III he was traumatized and put off from seeing the living dinosaurs. I felt it would be interesting to explore the opposite.
I imagined him as Steve Irwin or Jane Goodall on some level. I wouldn't picture Goodall never going back into the jungle because a group of chimps tried to kill her. That philosophy, coupled with an undying passion and respect for the animals (like Irwin), Dr. Grant would be compelled to return to Isla Nublar.
Therein lies the main conflict of my story. While Dr. Grant hungers to revisit the island, Ellie Sattler wants nothing more than to put it all behind her. As Grant starts to become John Hammond 2.0, their relationship becomes increasingly strained. Wrapping this relationship drama in the world of Jurassic Park was really what drove my interest in writing this screenplay.
Even in this semi-finished state, I hope you enjoy reading it! After you've read the script, tweet at me @DougLAnderson. As always, remember to also follow @PFASstories and @PocketAllStars.