Hep me hep me

kinvore · May 18, 2007

So I have this idea and I want to know what I need to do to make it a reality.

I don't want to give too many details here because it's something that anyone can do if they also think it's a good idea. Basically there's a complicated novel by a best-selling author that I admire. The novel in question has a great sub-story of sorts that I think would make a great movie just on its own (the novel itself has been made into a movie but the sub-story in question, an interlude if you will, was not included in it as far as I know).

I have never before written a screenplay but I want to write this one. However I imagine there would be many legal complications in doing this. Would it be necessary to get the author's permission before I even write the screenplay? Does something have to be worked about before it can even be submitted to studios/directors? This is a MAJOR author I'm talking about here so I don't even know how I'd go about getting his attention much less his permission to pursue this.

Sorry for being vague but what if any steps could I take to make this screenplay a reality without stepping on anyone's toes?

Johnny

WildScribe · May 18, 2007

Plots aren't copyrighted, words are. Take the general plot and make your OWN story out of it. New names, places, etc.

dpaterso · May 18, 2007

Contact the publisher and ask permission.

There are other threads hereabouts asking about adaptation rights, select "Search this Forum" and search on these keywords.

If you haven't already, check out the screenwriting tips thread which contains info plus links that you may find useful, including how to format scripts, sites with free scripts for educational purposes, screenwriting software (some free programs), ways to submit queries to production companies, etc.

-Derek

xhouseboy · May 18, 2007

WildScribe said:
Plots aren't copyrighted, words are. Take the general plot and make your OWN story out of it. New names, places, etc.

"Once it appears that another has in fact used the copyright as the source of his production, he has invaded the author's rights."

Plot Device · May 18, 2007

Is it Tom Bombadil????

zeprosnepsid · May 18, 2007

Well first, get your l key fixed =)

But usually the publisher will have people who deal with this. You can try contacting them, or the writer's agent. Just google for some contact info and go at it. Just do the digging.

Some big authors may be willing to give you a deal on the film rights. Stephen King used to be notorious for selling film rights to new filmmakers for $1, although I'm not sure if he does that anymore.

You can also change the setting and the people's names and write the story anyway. This is done all the time in Hollywood. But if you can't get/afford the rights, why not just use the subplot as your inspiration? There's a fine line between copyright infringement and homage, but there's nothing wrong with homage or getting your inspiration from a previous work. Like Tarantino's Reservoir Dogs being inspired by City of Fire. He saw the movie and wanted to make something 'like that'. Just find the difference between making something 'like that' and making 'that'.

Good luck!

*

plot device, your response made me giggle =)

Plot Device · May 18, 2007

zeprosnepsid said:
plot device, your response made me giggle =)

So many Tolkien fans moaned and complained and kvetched that Tom Bombadil got cut from Peter Jackson's LotR. I'm just wondering ... is it Tom?? If so, there's almost no way to change his name and PRETEND it's not him.

kinvore · May 18, 2007

I don't want to just change the names and pretend it's my story, that strikes me as dishonest. I WANT the author to get full credit, I just want credit for the vision of making it a stand-alone movie. If done well it can be a superb film.

For those trying to figure out who it is, the only other hint I will give is the author is still alive.

On a side note I felt Peter Jackson was right to cut out Tom Bombadil from the LOTR movies. It would have interrupted the flow of the film and added an unnecessary chunk to what was already a long feature. It doesn't contribute to the overall plot and therefore should not have been left in just because it was in the books. And I consider myself to be a huge Tolkien fan, but just because the books are fantastic doesn't mean that every little detail would make it a great film.

Blasphemy to Tolkien fans I imagine, but rooted in practicality.

Johnny

pansy · May 21, 2007

Rights

You can send a letter to the author via their agent. Not too hard to find.

Explain the idea or even send a synopsis.

Depending on who it is will depend on whether you hash out the business agreement before or after the script is written.

I have contacted poets and authors before, and everyone has said yes, and only asked for name credit, never money.

If you feel pasionate about the story, then pursue it, and with the ethics you feel strongly about.

By the way, for all you script writers out there, check out this site. Be sure to scroll down to see all the script requests.

http://www.screenplayshollywood.blogspot.com

Pansy

Hep me hep me

kinvore

<insert witty title here>

WildScribe

Slave to the Wordcount

dpaterso

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xhouseboy

In the Yellow Woods

Plot Device

A woman said to write like a man.

zeprosnepsid

Plot Device

A woman said to write like a man.

kinvore

<insert witty title here>

pansy