My first novel got rejected by several publishers, but just recently a man contacted me about using my unpublished novel as the basis for a screen play that he wants to make into a feature film. I am a bit confused as to what my role is here, and what sort of rights I have in the processs? How much is usually given for the rights to a novel. Also it is a bit unnerving seeng my "baby" going to picked and made into a movie. Anyone ever gone through this? Please advise!
Novel going to Hollywood?
- Thread starter DivaNicoletta
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In most cases an "option" precedes the outright production of a movie from novel to script to movie. I would put the brakes on right now and say "whoa", and find out a little bit more about your solicitor. Also there are websites that list major and independent film studios with their credits. See if you can find this company listed.
Who offered you the deal? And why would you be upset about it?
Tri
Who offered you the deal? And why would you be upset about it?
Tri
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Smacks of scam to me. Find out who this person is, what company they work for, what films they've made.
Also, read this from Lee Goldberg's Site.
Yeah, and check the bewares board too. I've heard of this kind of stuff before.
Also, read this from Lee Goldberg's Site.
Yeah, and check the bewares board too. I've heard of this kind of stuff before.
Well he orginally contacted me because he wanted advice on a historical subject that he wishes to make a movie on which I have done a huge amount of reserach in. I then mentioned to him that I had a novel that was unpublished but written on the subject. He has already has something written at it's basic stages, so he read a few pieces of my novel and asked me to collaborate with him.
DivaNicoletta said:
Reading between the lines, this sounds like a rather one-sided relationship. You've done all the research, and he wants your help collaborating. I think there are just four words you need to say to him:
Show Me The Money
A person with reputable contacts within the film industry should be able to provide you with a list of references, funding sources, and at the very least some seed money/option cash to work on a screenplay. (From what you wrote, it sounds as though he has started one. If he values your time and is ethical and professional, he will reimburse you for it). Never mind the fact that you've done a boatload of research for which, I am assuming, you did not receive compensation. I agree with the other posters--proceed with extreme caution. Does he even have a listing on IMDB??
clara bow said:
Though I have no direct experience, a friend who is an assistant producer (Miramax) cautioned me that he has seen writers really ripped off. I'm not sure what you need to do to research your offer, but it seems like you might have a lawyer advise you and make up a contract for you, preferably an entertainment lawyer. Films are costly and the rewards for good stories are large. Even if you are just at the beginning of the process, you need to have things spelled out clearly and fairly.
With my last agent 15 years ago she placed the book in Hollywood, so she said. The very first thing I asked her was "What production company?" She told me it was "The Cohen Brother" (Ethan and Joel). Okay, I knew who they were. I asked who read it. She said, the director John Badham. Well, I didn't know who he was until I looked it up to verify it. Doing some research on John Badham, I did find out that his interests followed in line with the type of book I wrote. So I was satisfied that my leg was not being pulled. I also requested the correspondense that they had sent my agent. So I also saw it on paper.
The point is, you don't have to make a pest out of yourself, but it never hurts to ask some very basic questions. Just about anybody can claim they are producers, writers, directors, whilst they run around with camcorders and tripods, hiring first-year acting students. My best friend is doing this, filming 15-minute horror shorts. But you would think from their logo and website that they are a full-fledged operation, with backing, and multi-million dollar facilities. Gak!
Tri
The point is, you don't have to make a pest out of yourself, but it never hurts to ask some very basic questions. Just about anybody can claim they are producers, writers, directors, whilst they run around with camcorders and tripods, hiring first-year acting students. My best friend is doing this, filming 15-minute horror shorts. But you would think from their logo and website that they are a full-fledged operation, with backing, and multi-million dollar facilities. Gak!
Tri
Unpublished novel to screenplay
There is no harm proceeding with a screen adaptation of an unpublished novel - so long as it is clear to all (including all those who read the script) that it is irrevocably "based on the novel by [you]" and says so on the front page. This should be the case even if the script diverges significantly from the novel, as it is almost bound to do.
Normally when a producer/studio buys rights to a script, they also buy the characters, storyline etc, and that will include for use in other media such as video games, TV spin-offs, merchandising and - most importantly - novelizations. It will complicate the sale of the script if the provenance is not clear from the outset.
If the screenwriter is writing a spec script, which it sounds like he is, and doesn't have money to option your novel, then you need a valid written agreement that establishes your sole control of rights to the novel, and defines your respective roles in the screenplay. This is necessary for him as well as you; otherwise after months of work you might sell the screen rights to your novel to someone else, leaving him high and dry.
Hope that's useful.
There is no harm proceeding with a screen adaptation of an unpublished novel - so long as it is clear to all (including all those who read the script) that it is irrevocably "based on the novel by [you]" and says so on the front page. This should be the case even if the script diverges significantly from the novel, as it is almost bound to do.
Normally when a producer/studio buys rights to a script, they also buy the characters, storyline etc, and that will include for use in other media such as video games, TV spin-offs, merchandising and - most importantly - novelizations. It will complicate the sale of the script if the provenance is not clear from the outset.
If the screenwriter is writing a spec script, which it sounds like he is, and doesn't have money to option your novel, then you need a valid written agreement that establishes your sole control of rights to the novel, and defines your respective roles in the screenplay. This is necessary for him as well as you; otherwise after months of work you might sell the screen rights to your novel to someone else, leaving him high and dry.
Hope that's useful.
Though I have no direct experience in this arena, I believe that you've been given some excellent advice so far. But it seems to me that if everything checks out, consider it. With all the appropriate research and protection, of course.
The sale of a screenplay could be avery good thing for an unpublished author. You'd suddenly pass from the unknown to the known or even well known. And a fat paycheck up front, that could easily surpass all the royalties you might receive over a number of years from a novel, would be a great start indeed.
Hey if you only sold the film rights, you could still collect on the novel, and think of the advertising a good film would deliver.
My 2 centavos.
The sale of a screenplay could be avery good thing for an unpublished author. You'd suddenly pass from the unknown to the known or even well known. And a fat paycheck up front, that could easily surpass all the royalties you might receive over a number of years from a novel, would be a great start indeed.
Hey if you only sold the film rights, you could still collect on the novel, and think of the advertising a good film would deliver.
My 2 centavos.
Clara Bow had good advice: check him out on IMDb. Also google him. Find out everything you can about him.
This is where a great agent would come in handy. If the guy's legit and offering you money, you might be able to leverage his offer into getting an agent.
Someone else upthread also recommended having an entertainment lawyer look over your written agreement. Also excellent advice. There are so many things involved with a film---who ends up owning it in the end can get complicated, because the person who writes the script isn't necessarily considered the "author" once you bring in producers, directors, etc. Your role and compensation need to be spelled out specifically.
The bottom line is, protect yourself. Once you've got a good contract, have yourself a glass of champagne.
This is where a great agent would come in handy. If the guy's legit and offering you money, you might be able to leverage his offer into getting an agent.
Someone else upthread also recommended having an entertainment lawyer look over your written agreement. Also excellent advice. There are so many things involved with a film---who ends up owning it in the end can get complicated, because the person who writes the script isn't necessarily considered the "author" once you bring in producers, directors, etc. Your role and compensation need to be spelled out specifically.
The bottom line is, protect yourself. Once you've got a good contract, have yourself a glass of champagne.
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