--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: All of my scripts are based on other…" description: "\"All of my scripts are based on other people's novels. Generally, I consider myself as one who writes for theatre. I do not see film work as a continuat..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/fc2/tom-stoppard-437_based_all-of-my-scripts-are-based-on-other-peo_2663298.jpg" --- # All of my scripts are based on other people's novels… ![“All of my scripts are based on other people's novels. Generally, I consider myself as one who writes for theatre. I do not see film work as a continuation of writing for theatre. It is more of an interruption of the writing process.” quote by Tom Stoppard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/fc2/tom-stoppard-437_based_all-of-my-scripts-are-based-on-other-peo_2663298.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/fc2/tom-stoppard-437_based_all-of-my-scripts-are-based-on-other-peo_2663298.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/fc2/tom-stoppard-437_based_all-of-my-scripts-are-based-on-other-peo_2663298.jpg) > “All of my scripts are based on other people's novels. Generally, I consider myself as one who writes for theatre. I do not see film work as a continuation of writing for theatre. It is more of an interruption of the writing process.” [Tom Stoppard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tom-stoppard/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. He sees film as a disruptive pause rather than a natural extension of theatrical writing, emphasizing distinct creative processes. **In simple terms:** Film interrupts theatre writing. Key Takeaway Respect each medium’s workflow. Themes theatre film creativity process discipline Mood reflective analytical Type philosophical critical When to use this quote - writing a play - adapting a script - collaborating with directors - managing deadlines - balancing stage and screen work Key Concepts medium specificity creative interruption artistic integrity Questions to Reflect On - How does a pause shape your next theatrical piece? - Can film influence your stage storytelling? A Different Perspective Film may still inspire theatrical techniques, blurring boundaries. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Cinema](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/cinema/) [Film](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/film/) [Novels](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/novels/) [People](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/people/) [Process](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/process/) [Theatre](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/theatre/) [Work](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/work/) [Writing](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/writing/) [Writing process](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/writing-process/) ## Related quotes > [I started writing for the theatre because I hated it.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/eug-ne-ionesco/i-started-writing-for-the-theatre-because-i-hated-it/) [Eugene Ionesco](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/eug-ne-ionesco/) > [Writing for the theatre is so different to writing for anything else. Because what you write is eventually going to be spoken. That's why…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sam-shepard/writing-for-the-theatre-is-so-different-to-writing-for-anything-else/) [Sam Shepard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sam-shepard/) > [A multivalent culture is an amazing place to be writing theatre.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sarah-ruhl/a-multivalent-culture-is-an-amazing-place-to-be-writing-theatre/) [Sarah Ruhl](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sarah-ruhl/) > [Writing for theatre is certainly different to writing an essay or any other kind of fiction or prose: it's physical. You're also telling a…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sam-shepard/writing-for-theatre-is-certainly-different-to-writing-an-essay-or-any/) [Sam Shepard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sam-shepard/) > [I feel like I'm put in a position where I have to engage with what people bring to my work, which is an expectation…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/branden-jacobs-jenkins/i-feel-like-i-m-put-in-a-position-where-i-have-to-engage-with-what/) [Branden Jacobs-Jenkins](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/branden-jacobs-jenkins/) > [Theatre can entertain, provoke, challenge, investigate, comfort and educate. It's arrogant of a playwright to think education is more important than anything else. Writing…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alistair-beaton/theatre-can-entertain-provoke-challenge-investigate-comfort-and/) Alistair Beaton > [The wonderful thing about writing for theatre is you can go anywhere you want with the language. There are no limits. With film, they…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sam-shepard/the-wonderful-thing-about-writing-for-theatre-is-you-can-go-anywhere/) [Sam Shepard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sam-shepard/) > [I'm happy that people have loved my film and my work. I have always let my work do the talking, and I guess I…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rani-mukerji/i-m-happy-that-people-have-loved-my-film-and-my-work-i-have-always/) [Rani Mukerji](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rani-mukerji/) > [Film work is hard work. It's long days, and quite often quite dismaying locations you have to be in.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joanna-lumley/film-work-is-hard-work-it-s-long-days-and-quite-often-quite-dismaying/) [Joanna Lumley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joanna-lumley/) > [I left school with no qualifications, but I was doing theatre and film work and thought that was the best thing since sliced bread.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dexter-fletcher/i-left-school-with-no-qualifications-but-i-was-doing-theatre-and-film/) [Dexter Fletcher](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dexter-fletcher/) > [If you have a great story, any film will work.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/r-madhavan/if-you-have-a-great-story-any-film-will-work/) [R. Madhavan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/r-madhavan/) > [I develop my own film. And I work in spurts. I pile it up.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/garry-winogrand/i-develop-my-own-film-and-i-work-in-spurts-i-pile-it-up/) [Garry Winogrand](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/garry-winogrand/) > [You spend so much time developing a character when you do a film; so much of your work is done before you get set…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/justin-timberlake/you-spend-so-much-time-developing-a-character-when-you-do-a-film-so/) [Justin Timberlake](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/justin-timberlake/) > [I don't think I treat my film work as an extension of my photography. There are two different sets of rules there.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anton-corbijn/i-don-t-think-i-treat-my-film-work-as-an-extension-of-my-photography/) [Anton Corbijn](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anton-corbijn/) > [The system in Germany is different, as you sign up with a company for two or three years, and you work exclusively with them;…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tom-wlaschiha/the-system-in-germany-is-different-as-you-sign-up-with-a-company-for/) [Tom Wlaschiha](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tom-wlaschiha/) ## More by Tom Stoppard > [If I wanted to change the world, the last thing I would do is write a play.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tom-stoppard/if-i-wanted-to-change-the-world-the-last-thing-i-would-do-is-write-a/) [Tom Stoppard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tom-stoppard/) > [If you want to change something by Tuesday, theater is no good. Journalism is what does that. But, if you want to just alter…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tom-stoppard/if-you-want-to-change-something-by-tuesday-theater-is-no-good/) [Tom Stoppard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tom-stoppard/) > [Childhood is Last Chance Gulch for happiness. After that, you know too much.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tom-stoppard/childhood-is-last-chance-gulch-for-happiness-after-that-you-know-too/) [Tom Stoppard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tom-stoppard/) > [After all these years, I definitely associate having a pen in my hand with having an ashtray just out of eye line.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tom-stoppard/after-all-these-years-i-definitely-associate-having-a-pen-in-my-hand/) [Tom Stoppard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tom-stoppard/) > [The universe is deterministic all right, just like Newton said, I mean it's trying to be, but the only thing going wrong is people…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tom-stoppard/the-universe-is-deterministic-all-right-just-like-newton-said-i-mean/) [Tom Stoppard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tom-stoppard/) > [For me, human rights simply endorse a view of life and a set of moral values that are perfectly clear to an eight-year-old child.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tom-stoppard/for-me-human-rights-simply-endorse-a-view-of-life-and-a-set-of-moral/) [Tom Stoppard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tom-stoppard/) > [“What is an artist? For every thousand people there's nine hundred doing the work, ninety doing well, nine doing good, and one lucky bastard…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tom-stoppard/what-is-an-artist-for-every-thousand-people-there-s-nine-hundred/) [Tom Stoppard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tom-stoppard/) > [Dying is not romantic, and death is not a game which will soon be over... Death is not anything... death is not... It's the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tom-stoppard/dying-is-not-romantic-and-death-is-not-a-game-which-will-soon-be-over/) [Tom Stoppard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tom-stoppard/) > [I'm not interested in clothes; I just like them.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tom-stoppard/i-m-not-interested-in-clothes-i-just-like-them/) [Tom Stoppard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tom-stoppard/) > [For 10 years of my life, 3 times a day, I thanked the Lord for what I was about to receive and thanked him…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tom-stoppard/for-10-years-of-my-life-3-times-a-day-i-thanked-the-lord-for-what-i/) [Tom Stoppard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tom-stoppard/) > [You should not translate for more than two hours at a time. After that, you lose your edge, the language becomes clumsy, rigid.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tom-stoppard/you-should-not-translate-for-more-than-two-hours-at-a-time-after-that/) [Tom Stoppard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tom-stoppard/) > [No matter how imperfect things are, if you've got a free press everything is correctable, and without it everything is concealable.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tom-stoppard/no-matter-how-imperfect-things-are-if-you-ve-got-a-free-press/) [Tom Stoppard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tom-stoppard/) > [We must be born with an intuition of mortality. Before we know the word for it. Before we know that there are words. Out…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tom-stoppard/we-must-be-born-with-an-intuition-of-mortality-before-we-know-the/) [Tom Stoppard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tom-stoppard/) > [Eternity's a terrible thought. I mean, where's it all going to end?](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tom-stoppard/eternity-s-a-terrible-thought-i-mean-where-s-it-all-going-to-end/) [Tom Stoppard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tom-stoppard/) > [There is truth and falsehood in a comma.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tom-stoppard/there-is-truth-and-falsehood-in-a-comma/) [Tom Stoppard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tom-stoppard/) [Explore all 559 Tom Stoppard quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tom-stoppard/) ## More Based quotes > [Like in nature, I like things which are based on a few simple principles, even though their manifestation can be very rich.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/fabiola-gianotti/like-in-nature-i-like-things-which-are-based-on-a-few-simple/) [Fabiola Gianotti](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/fabiola-gianotti/) > [The shelves of many evangelicals are full of books that point out the flaws in evolution, discuss it only as a theory, and almost…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/francis-collins/the-shelves-of-many-evangelicals-are-full-of-books-that-point-out-the/) [Francis Collins](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/francis-collins/) > [Because there is actually something very interesting in Goodfellas, how the style of the film changes as time goes by and based on the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alex-cox/because-there-is-actually-something-very-interesting-in-goodfellas/) [Alex Cox](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alex-cox/) > [An art which isn't based on feeling isn't an art at all.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/paul-cezanne/an-art-which-isn-t-based-on-feeling-isn-t-an-art-at-all/) [Paul Cezanne](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/paul-cezanne/) > [I'd always wanted the show to be more reality based science fiction, something along the lines of The Day the Earth Stood Still, which…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gil-gerard/i-d-always-wanted-the-show-to-be-more-reality-based-science-fiction/) [Gil Gerard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gil-gerard/) > [I'm a fact-based leader.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/london-breed/i-m-a-fact-based-leader/) [London Breed](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/london-breed/) > [At Inter, I earned my wages based on the results on the field.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/roberto-mancini/at-inter-i-earned-my-wages-based-on-the-results-on-the-field/) [Roberto Mancini](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/roberto-mancini/) > [I used to be a columnist for 'Golf Monthly' and have contributed articles for national newspapers based on the humour that is in abundance…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jasper-carrott/i-used-to-be-a-columnist-for-golf-monthly-and-have-contributed/) [Jasper Carrott](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jasper-carrott/) > [I've always made my decisions based on two factors: intellectual analysis and my gut. And when they meet, that's a go from me. That's…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michael-ovitz/i-ve-always-made-my-decisions-based-on-two-factors-intellectual/) [Michael Ovitz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-ovitz/) > [Pro-lifers have long been castigated for bringing private values into the public square. But actually it is the pro-abortion position that is based on…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nancy-pearcey/pro-lifers-have-long-been-castigated-for-bringing-private-values-into/) [Nancy Pearcey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nancy-pearcey/) > [Christianity is based on a book. It centers in a Person. It expresses itself in a message. It authenticates itself in an experience.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/j-sidlow-baxter/christianity-is-based-on-a-book-it-centers-in-a-person-it-expresses/) [J. Sidlow Baxter](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/j-sidlow-baxter/) > [“Teach me about some taxes. Why didn't nobody teach me about taxes on TV? Why don't nobody teach us about none of that man?…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/brandon-mccartney/teach-me-about-some-taxes-why-didn-t-nobody-teach-me-about-taxes-on/) [Brandon McCartney](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/brandon-mccartney/) > [Conservatism is about the basic rights of individuals. God created us. As far as the government goes, the Founding Fathers based the Constitution off…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joe-wurzelbacher/conservatism-is-about-the-basic-rights-of-individuals-god-created-us/) [Joe Wurzelbacher](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joe-wurzelbacher/) > [Style is based on limitations.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-hartford/style-is-based-on-limitations/) [John Hartford](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-hartford/) > [Pacifism as a mass movement aims to avoid suffering; pacifists often say that no cause is worth suffering or dying for. 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