Corner of Broadway and Spring Street
I'm currently working on the script of On the Jellicoe Road. I'm not sure where it's going to go from here, but getting a solid first draft completed will be the focus of my year. I think it's important for a scriptwriter to stamp their vision onto the story before it goes to producers, directors and actors. So far I'm happy at the pace I'm working and am just a bit over the first act. It's strange because you have to get to know your characters again and tell their story in visuals rather than first person narrative (trying very hard not to rely on voice over).
I'm constantly asked what the main difference is between writing a script and a novel. Personally, I think novels are more indulgent. You get away with a whole lot more. You can send your characters away on a road trip (Josie and Michael Andretti's trip to Adelaide) whereas in a film script you have to be aware of budget and the expense involved in certain scenes. In a novel you can explain what's going on in someone's head whereas in a script you have to show it. In a film script you can't write "Josie sits in a classroom wishing that Sister Louise would stop speaking" because the first question you will be asked by a reader of a script is "How will the audience know what Josie's thinking?". So scripts are all about showing. When I wrote Alibrandi I was asked constantly by producers and script assessors why I had included a particular scene. There seemed to have to be more than one reason to include it. Was it giving more of an insight into the character? Was it pushing the story further on rather than repeating something we already know?
Regardless, I'm enjoying it, especially telling the story of the kids in the past.
Hello Melina!
Firstly I would like to congratulate you on being such an amazing writer. Your books are truly special and something that you should be proud of (as I am sure you are!) I would love Jellicoe to be made into a movie and would definately be the first in line a the box office! I enjoy your books because of all the relationships I, as a reader, am able to establish with the characters especially the teens and the wog chicks because I am also an Italian living in Oz. Would love to hear about any auditions :)Thank you so much for countless hours of laughter, tears and enjoyment. Monique
Oops, I meant to say the jellicoe road fan club in America.
Hah, excuse me.
Hey Melina!
This is the child that brought Jellicoe Road Fan club into existence. I thank you oh so much for the Australian versions, and my mates and I cannot , and I mean, cannot wait for the movie to come out. Luckily you are writing the script; Brilliant! So until then we are keeping our fingers tripled crossed and wishing you the best!
Hi Melina. Not sure if you remember, but I met you at St. Scholasitca's Writers Week. Just wanting to let you know I love your book, it has, to borrow a word, given me much solace. I'd love to audition for the part of Taylor, do you have any information?
Thanks x
WOW!
I'm unbelievably excited. Do you know if they're planning open auditions, and if so, how can we find out about them?
That's amazing
I love On The Jellicoe Road. Just finished reading it. I want to be Taylor in the upcoming movie.
Melina,
I have read this book three times straight throught. At the very least. Thank you so much for creating such a beautiful story with even more incredible charactars. I can't wait to see the transition between Taylor's story and Narnie's. By the way, I absolutely love the way you end your chapters with little realizations with such power behind them. I am a huge fan of all your books, so thank you so much. I hope you enjoy New York. Oh, I wish I could audition for Jessa, though I'm not nearly good enough and my imitation of an Australian accent is, to be honest, quite nonexistent. These comments above just prove how much your writing has impacted people. Good luck with the screenplay, hopefully it'll be just as good as Looking for Alubrandi.
Hey melinder.. I'm just writing to tell you like everyone else I love this story and how I can relate to Taylor and feel whatshe feels even tho nothing like the stuff that happen to her has happen to me.... If this book gets made to a movie I was wondering if u could email me to audition because I believe this part is perfect for me and I Bo that thousands of girls would be saying that but please give me a chance.. I live in the middle of Australia and convinietly an half hour from lakeajellico ;) really I am ment to be in your movie ... Please please give me a chance... Other then going straight for famous people... <3 Lauren xx
i love the book. i am currently studying it as a book reveiw for my english and i am enjoying reading it. my favourite character would have to be jonah griggs and i have no idea why.
I'm 26 and On the Jellicoe Road is my favourite book. I've read it countless times as going back to it is like revisiting old friends. I'm sure I'll love the movie as much as I loved the book... it may even change the way I breathe.
Hi Melina,
On the Jellicoe Road is my favourite book! I'm 18 now and I bought the book when it first came out and I honestly couldn't tell you how many times I've read it. It's definitely my go-to book. I just want to find MY Jonah Griggs! haha
When was this article written? Because the book was published in 2006, and MM's even written two more books (Finnikin of the Rock and the Piper's Son), so I would think she would have written the script by now if its to become a movie.
Jellicoe Road is one of my all time favorite books! Having that made into a movie would be awesome! If you ever need someone to play a role.... i am available.
Hi Melina,
I loved On the Jellicoe Road and I love acting. I go to a boarding school in the Australian bush, just like Taylor! Is there anyway I can audition for a part in the movie?
Wow. You are infact my favourite author of all time. I love Taylor, Griggs, Ben, Jessa, THe Five and my favourite character is Raffy. I can't wait to see what other fantastic novels you write in the future (knowing you they will all be amazing). I am so excited. Keep writing!
OMG. You are my favourite writer of all time and I can't wait to see the movie. I am so excited to see Taylor and the gang! You are so awesome!!!!!!!!!
hi Melina, i met you when you once, and from what you were telling me about your vision for the movie, it sounds amazing.
i was so excited to have my favourite author sign my fabourite book! I can't wait to see all the characters on the screen and the prayer tree, which is one of my favourite symbols of the book. i'd like to say that because of your books, i now can't seem to stop writing. oh and i am a terrible actress...
Meline, your book 'Jellicoe Road' is hands down my favorite books of all time! And I have read many books, it's really hard to find good ones though for someone my age but not cliche. Your book inpsired me and it's amazing how the story comes together. I look forward to reaidng more of your books and I really do hope this is made into a movie! XD
hey,
ok i loved the book... it was amazing!!! and i cant wait for the film version to come out... me and my friend made a plan two years ago that no matter where we are when it comes out, we are meeting up and going to see it together. please turn it into a movie soon!!!! any idea when it is coming out?? p.s. need anyone to audition... pretty sure u have your pick of people from this site... plus me...
please come up with the film soon... everyone is so excited about it
thanks...
hii Melina,
i reallly loved your book on the jellicoe road, im sooo exiteed about the movie coming out!! i know its going to be great. i would absolutly looove to play a part in the movie.... but so does everyone else on the page and probably everyone that has read the book :)and im 14,but a backround person would be wicked!
haha well have an awesome time in new york and have fun writing the script,
xx!!
Hi melina,
I absolutely loved on the Jellicoe Road, it is seriously the best book i have read in a long time.. Are you thinking of making a sequel or is it just a one off book? Also when do you expect the film, if it does go ahead, to appear in the cinemas? So many of my friends have read On The Jellicoe Road and if it did make the big screen, im sure it will be one of the most anticipated movies ever, i know everyone in my school would be very keen to watch it!! :)
Please make a movie or a sequel because so many people just cant get enough of your great book!!
Thanks
I think your book is and art work i really hope it becomes a movie because if done well could be one of the best movies of all time
hi melina..
your books are fantastic and so realistic, ... they are some of my favourites. because of you, i'm now tryin to write my first book. i don't know how you do it!!
I love on the jellicoe road!! It s my favourite book and is the best out of saving Francesca and looking for alibrandi!! I can't wait for the movie to be released!!
hey
my favourite book of all time ..on the jellicoe road!
i go to the school that did the dance performance of looking for alibrandi in the rock eistedfod competition...
godluck with everything!
Hi Melina
I'm so thrilled to hear that you are planning on making my favourite book into a movie!
Are you planning on using an Australian cast again?
And to your comment on voice overs, I think that in order to make the movie anywhere near as fantastic as the book you need to convey her feelings- even if that requies a voice over.
I hope auditions will be made public.
You're an amazing writer.
YAY!!!!!!!!
how exciting! Love this book! Who do you think will play the part of Jonah???
I love the book and get something more out of it with every read.
I always pictured it as a movie and was delighted to find you are working on a script.
Audition details would be lovely when you have them as this would be a great opportunity and a truly beautiful australian movie.
Thank-you
I love all four of your books and have forced all my friends to read at least one of your books. So far they all plan on reading the rest of them. thank you
I loved Jellicoe Road! I really do wish it never ended. It was awsome. I felt like I was there with taylor, i always felt what she felt. I wish i could audition.
where is it being filmed?
Oh WoooooooW! I absolutely ADORE On The Jellicoe Road! I swear i have read it over a squillion times! I am so glad that you are considering it to be a movie! That would be tops! Cant wait to hear more about it!....is there a possibility for open auditions? :]
Yay! I'm so glad there is a possibility it'd be made into a movie! I absolutely love that book and always cry at the same parts! It's a wonderful masterpiece, thankyou for sharing it with the world!
Hi Melina!
Thanks for all your books. I've just read 'On the Jellico Road' and loved every second of it! It was fantastic! :) I really felt that I could connect to the characters, especially Taylor. I'm so excited that it’s going to be made into a movie! I read 'Looking for Alibrandi' and saw the movie right after. I loved both just as much so I can't wait for this one! I know everyone is asking this but I'd really like to know if there will be open auditions across Australia (especially Adelaide) for the movie? I'm almost 17 and madly trying to get a foot through the door in the film and theatre industry. It would be awesome to get involved, even if I'm the coffee girl! :) Could you please give me any details possible? Thanks again for your amazing work! Lots of luv rach! ox :)
I love this book so much! I have read it too many times and it still makes me cry. Just the fist sentense gets me every time. I can't wait for the movie! It will be sooo awsome! I love your writing and I love your other books as well, I was ten when I started reading Jellicoe and I love it still, that is how broad a range of people love your books. Keep writing and we will all love your books forever and ever!!!
Thank you for writing something that makes me want to laugh, cry and jump up and down will joy(i do that a lot) all at the same time!!!
Hi all! I was thinking just now about what to say and realised that its ALL already been said.
i think that its a great idea about transforming this book into the movie :) open auditions?... i think that even auditioning would be amazing cause u get to catch a glimpse of taylors mind and meet other people that feel as passionate about good writing as i do :) i hope that u find the perfect person to play th part cause taylors actor really does needs to be perfect.
Good luck to evryone that tries,
cant wait to c the movie, tiarne xo
Hi Melina!
my friend actually lent me 'On the Jellicoe Road' telling me it was very very good and i literally finished it this morning! turns out i couldn't get enough, im already looking for more :D
I thought the book was amazing and cant wait for the movie!
I'd love to audition for a part if possible :)
any new info on the movie and auditions would be great!
thanks, Hannah xxo
Hi, i was wondering if 'On the Jellicoe road' is being made into a movie, there will be open auditions?
Or is it to early to say?
ta,
Livvey
Hi melinda, i have read "On The Jellicoe Road" more then 30 times.
You are an amazing writer and this book has helped me get through a death of a loved one.
I cant wait for the movie to come out, i hope it is merely as good as the Novel.
hi!
i just wanted to tell you that On the Jellicoe Road is an amazing book and i am SO excited about the movie! when will it be out? I think that it is an extremely powerful novel and I would love to know more about the movie, if that is possible.
Can't wait!!! I think it will be fantastic!
xox
Hi. I just wanted to say I read this book today and it was really good. Its one of those books you can get really into. I love it; I couldn’t put it down and ended up reading it in a matter of hours. You books are amazing - we read Looking for Alibradi for school last year - and I have to say, usually books at school suck, but that one was good. Not as good as On The Jellicoe Road though, which impressed so much I googled it - coming up with this. I just wanted to say I think your works are awesome, and as most of the above comments have stated I would be really interested in auditioning. Thanks for the GREAT novel- which I am still thinking about know. One of the best novels i've read - which is hard - because I'm picky with my books.
XoX
BrItNeY (from nz)
SMILE : )
my favourite book and i soooo want it to become a a movie.... when the auditions bevause i sooo want them to be all around australia cause its an australian film!!!
please make it a movie!!!!
the best book ever i loved the movie too but it's awsome i love the actors as well
Hey,
Well first of all, On the Jellicoe Road is my favourite book! When i was reading all i was thinking about was how good of a movie it would be, and looks like my dream was coming true. I'm glad you are taking the time out to really think about the script and not slop it together. Well hopefully auditions are all around Australia because i knoe that my friends and I are all looking forward the movie and myself, as an actress, would love to be involved!! and even if i'm not a main character or even a extra! i can't wait for the film., except it has alot to live up to [espically the character Jonah]
Hi Melinda!
I just finished On the Road to Jellicoe. First off, it was amazing. I have already suggested that the school use it as a year nine study. Im currently in year ten, but i hate for them to miss out on a book like this. I want to be a writter. Writing is my passion, to be completely honest with you. I've also been studying to be an actor since before i can remember. Ive been in drama school for a long time too, trying to combine acting with writing. It would be awesome if you could send me details for auditions! Even if it isn't for a long time. Im turning 17 soon and i would love to play something that im really passionate about!
Once again, your books are amazing, i would kill for you to take a look at my work!
Keep up the awesome job!
~ Georgia
i am 14 years old and live in New Zealand, I constantly picture myself as Taylor but am obviously too young. I would also however love to audition for Jessa's role. Please, please,please can you give me some information about auditioning? I am a budding actress and am constantly performing for friends and family who tell I should be on the stage or a screen. I love your book so much and I would love to be in the movie. I know I'm from New Zealand so I have an accent but I am very good at doing other accents. Please Melinda give me this oppurtunity!?
-Priscilla.
dear Melina,
thanks for writing a fantasic novel. Everytime i read on the jellicoe road i fall in love with the characters all over again, and once ive been off reading new books by other authors, i come back to yours and i realise how great it is. Just like how the characters dont realise how fantastic Jeliicoe is until they leave it and come back. i cant wait for the movie, to see them all come to life!
i would also like to know if you have your own site? like with regular updates?
thanks heaps,
Angie
dear melina i love ur book so much i wish there was like a sequal, wish i could audition for the part of taylor or raff or jessa but im only 15 what age would u have to be ? Anyway thanks for writing such an in depth emotional book
Thanks
Dear Melina,
Firstly i would like to thank you for writing such a beautiful and powerful book as On the Jellicoe Road. I have read it over and over and even used it as one of my related materials in my year 11 personal identity assessment.
I think it is beautifully written and such a gut-wrenching story - it gets me every time.
All of my close friends have read the book and we often have in-depth discussions about the characters and our hopes for the movie.
I am so looking forward to the movie and would be interested in playing the part of Narnie.
I hope you are having a great time in New York and really look forward to the movie or any audition information.
Thank you again!! xx
i read the book 10 times and i can't believe its becoming a movie! i would love to audition but i am only 12! shame, anyway, i want the details as soon as they come out for auditions!
Wow, Melina, that's so exciting! Like everyone else under the sun I loved On The Jellicoe Road and if the film adaptation is anything like Looking for Alibrandi I know we'll all be really pleased!
that is so awsome. out of all her books on the jellicoe road is definatly my favourite :) how cool would it be to have a part in the movie? even if its just a small one.
seriously...greatest book ever! cliche i know, but i fell in love with your characters and kept relating your story back to events that have happened in my life!
i would love the oppurtunity to audition, so please let me know info when u do!
your book was the first book i ever enjoyed reading for school, it has, corny i know, changed my life!
hey,
oh my god! i love all your books and i can't wait for the movie! i have to say it'd be awesome to find out more about auditions...
love to know more
thanks! x
Hey,
let me just say that this is the best book i have ever read, ( this is saying alot because i average about 150-200 books every 9 weeks). i hope the script doesnt have to change much and that the actor who plays Jonah is hot!
love to no more about it.
write another book soon
Hi Melina,
I have just finished reading on the Jellicoe road and I absoloutly loved it!!! Plus I usually hate reading... so thank you so much. It's shown me that there are good books out there. I would really, really love to audition for the movie!!! So please contact me if you are interested. I am 16 years old. Thanks again, abi.
Hi Melina,
i just wanted to say on behalf of all my friends who have read all your books thankyou for writing and giving us so much pleasure reading!
We all go over about our favourite characters, and quoting scenes and recommending to others
I almost wish that these characters were real and i could be there friends!!!!!!!!!!
IS ON THE JELLICOE ROAD GOING TO BE A MOVIE? ARE YOU SERIOUS? IT IS MY ALL TIME FAVOURITE BOOK! OH PLEASE,PLEASE GIVE US INFORMATION, I PICTURE MYSELF AS TAYLOR ALL THE TIME, SHE IS THE BEST CHARACTER EVER! I LOVE YOUR WRITING MELINA!
LOVE ERIN XOXOXOXOXOXOXO
i've read jellicoe road almost 5 times now and each time i read it it grows on me more and more. I lov the way u wrote it so that teenagers can relate to it even though it was probably more dark than your other books. Fav character: hannah. lov to audition but im only 14 :(
I LOVED the book and hated it for ending coz i wanted to stay in Taylor's world. I agree with morgen, more info on movie for auditions. It would be the coolest thing ever to be in the movie. I really LOVED the book it is my favourite book of all time!
I loved "Looking for Alibrandi", and "Saving Francesca" and this one was just as good, even better, than my expectations, from the other books. I can't wait for the movie, I would love to audition but I know I won't be able to. ahhh well. I hope Melina Marchetta writes another book soon!
I have loved Alibrandi, Francesca and now the Jellicoe Road. A striking, powerful piece about uncovering secrets and the human capacity for compassion and overcoming grief. A hugely resilient charachter in the form of Taylor, very charismatic guy- I always fall in love with the main guy!- and stunning dialogue. Can't wait for the film.
I absolutley loved ON THE JELLICOE RD, it left me wishing the story would go on so that i wouldnt have to leave Taylor's world. It would be great to find out more information about the movie as i hope to be able to audition for a part..
I guess turning a novel into a script must be about stripping it back. I can imagine that would be stressful at times, but also liberating. Like pulling off wallpaper and trying a different colour.
Thanks Ed. I'm a great sufferer of jetlag and if anyone tries telling you it doesn't exist, they're probably in denial. I would definitely recommend a visit to New York. Some people come here and tick off a list of sights they've seen, but it's so much more than a tick list.
Hi Ben. I think I know where Antique Garage is. Near Lafayette Street?
Hi Melina. I am really enjoying your blog. I'd love to go to New York, but hear that the jetlag associated with the trip is a real downer, although other people assure me it's a myth. What do you think?
Hi Melina, sounds like you're having a great time in NY. My first overseas trip was to NY and I loved it. Think you should find lots of things to stimulate your imagination over there. Sure you know your way around NY very well now but I highly recommend a bar named 'Antique Garage.' Little bit poshy so make sure you're on your best behaviour when you go there. Really love all three of your books, so don't spend too much time in bars in NY because I eagerly await the release of the film version of Jellicoe and your next novel.
wow i cant believe on the jellico rd is goind to be made into a movie!! yay!!
