The Author of Novel as Respondent 1 and Respondent 2 Is Scriptwriter

Chapter 4

FINDINGS

4.0 Introduction

In this chapter, it will show the analysed data from the respondents in thematically analysis arrangement. The data was analysed from the coding the transcript and sorted into the theme for this study. The findings are the focus on the use of script novel that uses on adaptation on the screenplay that can be benefits to both side’s novelist and drama producer. For all the findings will be supported by verbatim expressions of respondents during the interview session.

4.1 Demography of Respondent

In this project, the sample of a respondent is the author of novel adaptation also as novel publisher and the scriptwriter TV from FINAS. They have several similarity identities because of them are included in drama adaptation. All of their answers were based on their experience and their own perspective towards adaptation.  

4.2 Interviewee’s Background

The author of novel as respondent 1 and respondent 2 is scriptwriter.

4.3 Analysis of Theme

As mentioned before, this study was conducted to explore what particular thing that will be used in novel and in the drama or real action. The findings will be explained by themes and also supported by the stronger quotation from the interview transcripts of respondents. Based on the recorded and transcript data, there are six themes where the pattern and information can be identified.

[pic 1]

Figure 1: The theme that is important to novel and screenplay.

• Rating and Trending

Publishing of the novel adaptation drama is now a trend that majority TV station has a special slot for this drama. Demand for this adaptation drama has already raised the ratings of the TV audience. Each TV station each pursues audience ratings and wants something that can attract audiences. According to one of the director of film or drama of Cube Film Sdn. Bhd. (2017), he chose to defend the drama of novel adaptation on the small screen for the sake of getting a high viewing rating. The novel has its own followers, and there is no need to strive to shoot if the drama does not get a response.

         The novel adaptation drama is no longer the main issue, what is important is a sound storyline and quality. Thus, producers and script writers play an important role in the processing of scripts taken from novels. 

“…the selection of novels to be adapted not only to the bestselling books, but demand is seasonal according to the trend and TV audience demand.” (R1)

“…although the origin of the novel was unattractive and not well received by readers, the creative processors of the professional script writers would make the storyline more attractive in a drama or movie.” (R2)

• TV Station

The publication of the novel adaptation drama is in the full power of the TV station. The TV station which reserves the right to assign what works to the audience includes the selection of the novel's work to be adapted to the screen. The selection of novel works is determined by the TV station side then sent to any film production to produce drama or film. Next, production will select any scriptwriter to translate novel manuscript into script writing. Once a writer's novel work is adapted to the screen, the possibility of another novel work from the same author will get the attention of the TV station to be adapted. Similarly, with the scriptwriter, the producer will get the same scriptwriter when the drama or movie gets a response from the audience.

 “…normally, once a work is adapted, another work of the same author will be selected for adaptation. Producers will find more work from the same author. For example, the production of Sofi Sofea's work publishes, and after that, they will rush to another Sofi Sofea's work to be adapted.” (R1)

“…for the team of script writers, when the production team chooses from amongst us through the experience and cooperation provided throughout the filmmaking.” (R2)

In addition, the TV channel or slot that publishes this drama or film adaptation has made a big impact even more on novel publishing. RTM is more open to drama or film adaptation and has introduced Cindai slot which is a local novel adaptation slot. Same goes to Media Prima on TV3 in at slot Lestari and ASTRO They have their own channel focussing to drama or film adaptation.          

Besides that, in any TV channels that produce drama or film adaptation does not give big impact anymore to the producer business but will be effective to promote the novel. The novel has their own reader or passionate fan, but the TV channel depends on the viewers and the time that drama air. Thus, the rate of the novel adaptation is depending on the viewer of the TV channel after the drama or film produced.  Based on Popular Bookstore, the novel adaptation that broadcast on RTM get less viewer rating than televised in Prima and Astro.

Other than that, the production team still get revenue or income if they sell the complete drama or film adaptation to another TV channel, but it different for author or publisher because they need to wait until the books are in the bookstores. Even though the novel is already on the TV, it does not determine the sale of the novel.

“…depending on the audience of the TV channel. Most books are sold back through TV3 and Astro channels. While through Hit TV channel or RTM, even that novel book is the best compilation of storyline, but its sales are still low. It’s not a writer job who determines which channel they want their story to be published, the TV station that determines the full channel that will broadcast the drama.” (R1)