Creating an Adaptation

If you intend for the screenplay to ever go further than your own PC, you'll need to seek permission from the copyright owner, which is likely to cost you money. Permission may be denied for a variety of reasons, e.g. if media rights to the story have already been optioned or sold. Best to check first.

Then again, there are tales of writers who adapted stories or novels without seeking permission first, and whose script so impressed a director or prodco that they not only bought the screenplay but also paid extra to option the rights. (Damned if I can think of any off the top of my head... but I've read the tales. Maybe it's urban myth, or maybe someone can think of examples.)

-Derek

do your research
http://www.hplovecraft.com/popcult/moviestv/

Derek, I believe there was Wonder Woman script that a couple of nobodies wrote and were able to sell. (Maybe urban legend.)

Didn't copyright on Lovecraft's work expire last year? 70 years after the author's death.

I could be wrong. I'm just asking.

xhouseboy said:

Didn't copyright on Lovecraft's work expire last year? 70 years after the author's death.

I could be wrong. I'm just asking.

Click to expand...

I think you're right. I figured that was why OP was interested in an HPL story. But the copyright could have been renewed or rights sold by the estate, so I'd advise OP to check afore putting quill to parchment. Nikee's links list what's been made into films or TV shows, but not what's been optioned.

-Derek