When directors work to bring a written novel or story to film or the stage, they must work with the available screenplay. The screenplay serves as the blueprint for the production, outlining the dialogue, actions, and scene directions that guide the director, actors, and crew in bringing the story to life on screen or stage.
Exposition refers to the background information and context provided in a story, which can be included in a screenplay but is not the tool the director works with per se.
Tech could refer to technical aspects such as lighting, sound, and set design, but it is not the primary document or source they work with for adaptation. The screenplay is the foundational element that encompasses both the story and the structure for the production.