What do movie studios look for in a synopsis from a book?

dakota · Sep 18, 2012

I have an opportunity to show a book synopsis to an acquisition's editor for a movie studio. I wondered if anyone here knew what movie acquisition editors looked for in a synopsis from a book. I do not need an entire pitch pack, just a synopsis from my book. I'm looking for advice about length, content (do they want the ending?), etc. Info from anyone familiar with pitching movie studios would be greatly appreciated. I posted here because who better to know than people in this thread.

Melville · Sep 18, 2012

I worked for a number of years in literary acquisitions for a major production company.

There is no set way to do this but...

Create a "One Page" which is a lot like a query letter in that it gives the flavor of your book (genre, major characters, storyline). Just so you know: they don't care about the number of pages, or your background unless there are obvious ways "you" can be used in marketing.

But this on top of the synopsis:

A five page synopsis is best, but focus mainly on the main storyline/plot and the main character and the stakes/antagonist. Leave out the subplots as much as you can (very few make it into a film script) and instead focus on making the main story.

In your "pitch" you can say how your book, in movie form, would appeal to viewers of, say, TWILIGHT or whatever but don't lead with that.

And, yes, give the ending. They are looking for marketability and the ending is essential.

Good luck!!!

dakota · Sep 18, 2012

Thank you, Melville. Your advice is greatly appreciated. I have a 4 pg (double-spaced) synopsis over in QLH right now for feedback. I was worried that was too long, so this is good to hear. I will put a 1 page "query" letter-type blurb at the beginning.

What do movie studios look for in a synopsis from a book?

dakota

Walk on the wild side...

Melville

Reader first, writer second

dakota

Walk on the wild side...