Duo Pieces From Film?
The standard, go-to source for Duo pieces are theatrical scripts. They are easily flipped through, often accumulate into massive selections (libraries anyone?), and meet qualifications for legitimate source material. However, there does exist another place to find Duo pieces. You watch them, purchase them, and quote them. Films can be the perfect venue for finding a Duo script to cut. If you do decide to lift from film though, there are a few pros and cons to consider:
- PRO: prior knowledge. Most people who find Duo material from film often use a script from a movie they already know and adore. Or if they do not have one specific movie in mind, most individuals have seen enough movies to know which they would ever consider using. Between the two of you a list of films to research can be amassed in minutes.
- PRO: research made fun. Reading through scripts can be enjoyable, particularly for those who like reading and library research, but there is nothing quite like being able to pop in a film and escape WHILE determining the value of material. You and your Duo partner can have a day of excitement; go rent the top runners, order a pizza, and have a film day. Just be sure to be taking notes on why or why not that particular script may or may not work.
- CON: tracking down a script AND does it meet qualifications? The NFL defines legitimate material as being published-printed works from "novels, short stories, plays, poetry, or any other printed-published materials." Trying to find a film script can be challenging. Where do you go? Many scripts can be found on-line, but does that count as published-printed? Probably not for the NFL (sorry)! But for other leagues, that might be all you need. Talk to your coach and see what your league's precise rules are. Also, many film scripts are adaptations of novels, short stories, or theatrical scripts so that is an easy alternative to get around the on-line iffiness.
- CON: being compared to the movie. No matter how brilliant your Duo is, there is always the little problem of being compared to the movie. You can't blame audiences; if you use a popular film (or one popular to an individual) then you are leaving yourself open to comparison. What your Duo never wants to do is either copy a film's interpretation/blocking or be so different the piece no longer resembles or reflects the author's/material's intent. Look to the script and try to view the language as though it were new and fresh to your mind.
There are issues to be considered when thinking of using a film script for a Duo piece. But if done carefully, and tactfully, finding a Duo script from cinema can be another way to expand your resources and find a piece perfect for you and your partner.