Wow ! That’s a lot of questions there ! I was originally planning to put this in a powerpoint presentation, but since I want to answer all of them, let me just respond here !
What was most challenging during this process?
Trying to write the dialogue in a 19th century fashion without it looking too literary.
Did you have any deadlines?
Since we’re not working with a production, we don’t exactly have official deadlines. But we try to respect our own deadlines, even if we all have our lives and studies.
Did you have experience with screenplay writing? If not, how was it? If yes, was it any different from previous writings?
I wrote several screenplays for school projects, but nothing historical before. Once again, 19th century dialogue…
Which character's mannerism, speech and body language was easiest to write?
Arthur Vasson. I knew very precisely where I wanted to go with him.
Are you open to perhaps going back and revisiting the screenplay writing (during production) or are you dead set that it is perfect as is?
The general structure won't change, but a script is never perfect!
Did you have any goals when beginning the script?
What was the process of the script writing?
First off, I wrote a first version, in english, many months ago.
We are two screenwriters, so we had a couple of meetings to determine the general atmosphere, and some form of « guideline » of our story.
Then, each of us wrote our own version of it, compared it with each other, decided what we’d like to keep or not.
I wrote the final version.
What app did you use to write the script on?
No specific app, just a blank page. But Scenarist is an excellent software if you’re looking for one yourself.
Was there, besides the obvious, any other changes you had to make pertaining to the overall story?
Stamford disappeared ! And yes, other new stuff, but I’ll keep that secret.
Do you find it easier to write the conversations, cases and settings in french?
Well, it’s hard to say. As I’m French, it’s more natural for me, however, I’m far more knowledgeable in victorian british speech and way of life, than « le parler de la belle époque »… So fifty-fifty.
Will there be subtitles? 🙏🏻
Of course ! I’ll add them myself.
Was there a specific reason you chose the names Charles Olmet and Dr Arthur Vasson? I love those names so much.
Thank you ! Well, uhm, I chose similar names, but ones who were definitely french. « Charles Olmet » (To pronounce « Charles Olm-ay »), sounds like « Sherlock Holmes », and Vasson like Watson. However, if at first John was supposed to be « Jean », I didn’t really like the sound of Charles and Jean, and Arthur appeared to me. Charles and Arthur sound great !
Where in France are the pair located?
Are there any real life things put into the story? E.g price of living, major events.
What is it called? What is it about?
We haven’t found a title yet, unfortunately ! And well, it’s about two men who meet in 1881 and solve crimes together, obviously.
What made you start this project?
My immense love for Sherlock Holmes and an incredible team.
Are you following an episodic or serial format? Or episodic format for the cases and serial for the romance? 💞 Hehe
Serial ! Although the pilot will be a bit of an episodic one, since we’ll use it to promote the project.
Is Charles a user of drugs like in the novels? If so, how did you find yourself approaching this? Lightly touched upon just like the novels or heavily frowned upon on like in so many adaptations?
Occasional user in his words, addict according to Vasson.
Does Charles play french/European classics on the violin? Do you personally have a favourite that he plays?
I don’t know, I’ll ask him.
What would you say differentiates your Sherlock adaptations from the others?
What's the ship name for Vasson and Olmet!? Vassmet? Metson?
How many episodes will there be? And how long will they run for?
Depends on the production. The pilot will be around 10 minutes-long.
Do they live in an apartment? Yes.
Did you have to do any prior research for the story? Criminal laws, veteran pension, financial costs of housing, etc
A bunch ! On criminal laws, Marseille in 1881, and homosexuality in france « à la belle époque ».
Did you or do you plan to do any prior research for production? Filming techniques, sound and music, editing, etc
Were there any cases you were NOT interested in adapting?
We are not directly adapting any cases per say ! More like a mix and match of all of them, or just following the atmosphere of SACD’s stories, and inventing our own.
Did you mix elements of some cases together?
What is Charles and Dr Vasson's morning routine?
Once again, I’ll ask them.
French desserts are very popular, does Charles have a sweet tooth? How about Dr Vasson? What's their favourite dessert?
Charles is a fan of « tarte au citron meringuée. ». Arthur doesn’t really have a sweet tooth, but likes « cannelés ».
Is there any specific 'look' or 'vibe' that you have in mind for the casting?
Eccentric, weird for Charles and down-to earth for Arthur.
Is there anything coming up in production that you're dreading? Or excited for?
I’m excited for everything ! And dreading the budget thoughts.
When do you think you will release the pilot?
September 2025 if we’re lucky !
How expensive is Charles and Dr Vasson's rent?
They haven’t moved in together yet.
Will Scotland Yard's DI Lestrade make an appearance?
Dr 'three continents' Watson is quite the ladies man... is Charles a jealous man? 👀
He ‘ll say no. The answer is yes.
Every country's criminal and celebrity media and reporting is done differently. In France, how would Charles and Dr Vasson work be seen? How would it have differed from the British newspapers? Are they on France newspapers? How does the police and public view them?
The police hates them, the public loves their stories, published in french newspapers !
Are we going to see how they meet or jump straight into the cases?
Dr. Vasson just returned from the war. Apparently, Charles Olmet is looking for a flatmate.
In the novel, Watson has a gambling issue and so Sherlock locks his cheque book in his drawer. Does Dr Vasson have a gambling issue? If so, does Charles take/have ownership of his finances like how he does in the novels? (You know just normal roommate things, having control of all their money 🥰)
No ! Vasson values his financial independance, and doesn’t have a gambling issue.
Any costume ideas yet? Did you have anything in mind yet? E.g Sherlock's deerstalker, Watson's cane.
Two fabulous costume designer who I am proud to call my dearest of friends are currently working on it.
In many cultures, the use of a first name is only reserved for those of a close and intimate relationship like a best friend or lover and when it involves someone of an educated/higher position (Doctor/Professor) it's common to never deviate from their title. I'm not educated on France/French social conventions - would Charles and Dr Vasson be referring to each other by their first names? Last names? Titles? Nicknames? Do they just call each other roommates? COWORKERS!? 😂
In France, it wasn’t particularly intimate to call someone by his first name. And once again, they don’t refer to each other yet, as they haven’t met.
Does Dr Vasson carry his gun?
Is Charles good at fencing?
Has Charles been in any previous relationships? How about Dr Vasson? Has he already met Mary or is she not in the story?
Charles is hardly interested in romance. Vasson has had some affairs with women. « Marie » will appear.
Does Charles know that the Earth revolves around the Sun?
Has any other adaptation inspired you?
BBC Sherlock, Watson’s sketchbook by @contact-guy, Frogwares’ Sherlock Holmes game, and many writings by fans all over the world.
Did you find it difficult to contain your excitement when writing out Charles and Dr Vasson getting together!?
Lastly, DO YOU KNOW HOW EXCITED I AM FOR YOUR GUYS VISION TO COME TO FRUITION!?!!
