I'm writing a story and I'm at the part where the protag's book becomes a movie

[Dawno]

Please feel free to move or delete if this isn't supposed to be here, but I am writing a story about a writer and I want his book to get chosen by someone (would it be a producer?) to become a movie.

I haven't a clue how to find out the answers to the following questions - would you be willing to help? Even if you give me a good Google lead, I'll be thrilled - I'm happy to do my own research. Just need to be pointed in the right direction. Of course, feel free to just answer if you'd like to. :)

#1 - is the proper terminology "optioned"?
#2 - if he sells the rights is that all the $$ he sees or can his agent do a deal for more $ when the movie actually hits the theatres, DVDs, etc? Imagine it's a pretty popular author so we're not talking first book, first time writer...
#4 - I don't want him involved in the screenplay - any ideas about how to make that sound authentic?
#5 - would the movie people want him to help with publicity? or is that something the book people do to tie his success in with the publicity for a new book?

[StephieM]

Hi Dawno,

check out...

http://www.pw.org/mag/0209/newssosnoski.htm

Steph

[Dawno]

Hi Dawno,

check out...

http://www.pw.org/mag/0209/newssosnoski.htm

Steph

Stephanie76 is my new hero. Great article!

[Mac H.]

Here's another discussion on the same topic: http://www.tvwriter.com/htdocs/dcforum/DCForumID8/1341.html

One point of interest in the discussion is:
The reason ... authors will often settle for a LOT less money and a producer's credit, is that word hasn't quite gotten around yet that a producer's credit these days doesn't mean squat.
Once they figure out that a producer's credit doesn't even get you a parking spot on the lot, let alone any control at all over what's done to the material, that ain't gonna work either.
The guy answering the question, BTW, is the guy behind the classics of modern theatre. The A-Team, Xena, etc. Feel free to ask a follow up question on that board.

Emmy awards are for suckers. Xena got an entire planet named after her.

Only 10 planets in the solar system - and one is named after a character from TV. Who says TV gets no respect ???

Mac
(PS: Yes, I'm aware of the controversy over whether it is technically a 'planet'. But it's a ruddy great rock in the sky, orbiting the sun, with its own moon (called 'Gabrielle', of course). That's good enough for me.)

[StephieM]

Glad to be of help. :)

If it didn't answer all your questions, or if you have other questions, let us know. We'll be happy to help.

Steph