"We want to turn
your book into a movie!"
"Your book would make a great movie!"
Have
you been approached by a producer or production company? Has
someone told you that your book would make a great movie? Are you
longing to turn your book into a movie script? Although some
producers do option books, many prefer to deal with a script that has
already been adapted. There are two ways to go: pay someone to do the
adaptation or do it yourself.
While
there are many writers out there more than willing to do it for you, it
can be very expensive. You're paying for the writer's screenwriting
experience: an adaptation is really a new way to tell your story
and requires unique skills. They'll either want to be paid upfront or,
less often, you can find a writer willing to work on "spec." That means
the writer won't be paid unless the script is sold or optioned. Either
way, you'll need a solid contract and you'll have to give up fifty
percent, or more, of the money. Or, you can stretch your skills as a
writer and learn how to adapt the novel yourself.
When I first
considered adapting my novel, I Love Luci – When I Don’t Want to Kill
Her there were some who believed that because the techniques were so
different, novel writing ruined screenwriters and screen writing ruined
novelists. They were separate entities and never the twain should meet.
As I went
through the process, I could see their point. A novelist can
use the full slate of writing tools to tell a story, such as moving in
and out of characters' heads, to reveal information or show character
development or just telling the reader something key.
Script writing is
very tight, very visual writing and is only about what can be
seen. And you only have 120 pages, or less, to tell your story.
Despite the
naysayers, I
found it to be a rewarding and interesting experience—and not nearly as
mystical and mysterious as some would have you believe.
Like any other
kind of writing, with the right information, mastery is possible.
Nine Tips for Authors Approached About Optioning Their
Books for Film
Are You Ready to Adapt Your Novel For Film?