Writing a book about a movie

Greetings screenwriters,

I have spent most of my time on the Fiction and Nonfiction forums on the AW board, and I have a question that I think can best be answered by the folks in this forum.

I write nonfiction, specifically two local history books (here's one, just to give you an idea of my first one). I would like to write a book about a particular movie, a book similar in scope to Pure Imagination about Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. The film I'd like to write about currently does not have a book written about it.

Does anyone know the right process to get this project started? Is there a process? I've called the studio and have spoken to different departments, emailed the one I was told to email, but have not heard anything yet. I'm wondering if I ever will.

Since the book has not been written yet, I can't really get an agent. However, the right agent obviously can open doors that I cannot even get near. Would an agent be beneficial in helping me find out who to talk to even before the book is written?

I'm at such a loss on how to approach this, but I truly feel this is a book that fans of this movie would love. I don't want to divulge the name of the film just yet, but it is a musical from the 1960s that has new generations of fans all the time. I am a lifetime fan of the movie, myself.

Ideas?

underthecity

utc

holy cow. you need the rights to write a book about a movie (or musical or whatever). there is almost no chance you will get these rights. calling the studio is largely a waste-o-time. nobody there cares (really). they do not give a damn.

but...i don't know what i'm talking about so, good luck


zilla

this is called Novelization - if you do a search then you'll find that a lot of movies are novelized but most people don't care to read the novel written after the movie was made. the reverse is true for adaptations.

i'm assuming that most novelizations are done by lazy, unimaginative writers but if you really want to do it....by all means....

write on!

if it's a novelization you're shooting for, stop reading now.

but based on the 'pure imagination' example, if it's a making-of type book, this falls under journalism, and is no more prohibited than a movie review.

now, if you want cooperation from the studio (to use stills from the movie, etc), then you'd need some rights.

Underthecity -

If I read you correctly, you are not looking to do a novelization of the film, rather I believe you are looking to write a non-fiction book on the making of a film.

As you have not identified the film, there's no way to know if the players involved are still alive - but if so, the best way to begin would be to track down the people involved with the film and interview them, also do independent research on any articles, written about the film, interviews printed or taped with those involved with it, etc. It's an awful lot of legwork.

You would not need the studio's permission although their cooperation would be helpful and could expedite the process for you.

If you are seeking to write about a film that has not been made yet and want to follow it through the production process like The Devil's Candy - which chronicled the making of Bonfire of the Vanities - you will need to contact the producers to get access to the production.

Hope this answers your questions.

Why in the world did you guys think I meant "novelization?"

No, I wish to write a book on the making of a movie, as I mentioned in the example of "Pure Imagination." I'm wondering if anyone who has written for the film industry might know how a "making of" book gets done.

I understand the issue with "rights." I also realize I need studio support. Anyone know how this works? Who I need to talk to? The producer and director have both passed on. The asssociate producer is still alive, but I have no idea how to contact him.

Thanks! Hope I've cleared up any confusion.

underthecity

Re: RE: Writing a book about a movie

Simon,

I posted the same time you did. I didn't know if it was "safe" to mention the title of the movie, especially at this early time, since this stage is merely the "idea" stage, and I have no idea if I'll be able to do the project. I have done no research except for seeking information online. Plus the new DVD has interviews and other great features.

So, yes, what you said has answered my questions. But, I don't know how to get a hold of the people who made the movie. Or how to get the studio's permissoin.

I understand it will be a lot of legwork. A lot of research. However, research is what I'm good at and enjoy. This project could take a long time, which is why I'm beginning these preliminary inquiries right now rather than waiting til summer.

Thanks!

underthecity

Re: RE: Writing a book about a movie

underthecity -

You would only need the studio's permission for use of copyrighted material (i.e. production stills). And there may well be photographs and other documentation that are part of the estates of those involved with the project or depending on the fame of the participants - they may have donated their career related documents to their alma maters or a library or somewhere.

People write non fiction books about companies all the time without permission. There have been several books recently about Disney for example.

You only need permission from those who you interview or who provide you with information.

The studio would probably be your best resource - they might have copies of memos, letters etc. in their archives. But they may not be able to help you track down the cast and crew. Check IMDB.com for the cast and crew listing. You can call SAG to try to get the agent information for the cast members. You can check the unions to try and track down the crew. Maybe contact the DVD producer as a place to start to connect with the people interviewed on the DVD. Maybe you can find some article that will let you know who the publicist on the film was as well. If certain principles are dead - you may still be able to find their agents, spouses, children, other people who were close to them. Also do some research of who the key players at the studio were at the time the film was made and maybe you can track them down.

If it's a film made in the last 20 or 30 years, many of the players are probably still alive and many may still be working so may be fairly easy to track down.

Re: RE: Writing a book about a movie

Underthecity, I think it's because you posted this in Screenwriting instead of Writing Non-fiction -- therefore some people are confused.

You do need permission for any interviews or copyrighted materials, quotes, script excerpts, stills, etc. you use -- but that goes with any non-fiction books.

You don't need to have the book written to get an agent either. All you need is a killer proposal. Well, not even that. All you need is a good concept and query. Some agents would take you on and work with you on the proposal if you have a good thing going.

Re: RE: Writing a book about a movie

underthecity

Had another thought - many actors both dead and alive have fansites and fan clubs - where you may be able to get some information or some leads for sources and/or resources.

Simon, Maestro,
Thanks a lot, this information is indeed very helpful. I hadn't thought of calling SAG for contacts, and I can look in Writers Market for entertainment-related agents. A letter to the right agent certainly couldn't hurt, but your information is pointing me in the right direction.

Sure appreciate it!

utc

Re: RE: Writing a book about a movie

Been a long time since I did nonfiction of any kind, but I always looked for PR people: This is anyone or company that would be mentioned in a good light.

For instance to movie itself might not benefit from the publicity -- But the studio still exists and can still be shown in a favorable light.

Make up, special effects, catering, almost anything that might have been done by a company that is still in existence and cares about its public image would be a candidate for contact.