How a BOOK becomes a MOVIE (or TV show) | Getting Your Book Optioned
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- čas přidán 7. 07. 2024
- How does a book become a movie or TV? I'm sharing some information on the process. Getting a film agent, having your book optioned, and what actually happens--if anything happens--once you are optioned. What does a film agent do? What can you, as the author, ask for?
00:00 Introduction
01:50 How do you get a film agent?
04:55 Don't bank on film/TV
06:20 What is a book option?
09:30 Shopping your book
13:20 Getting past the option
15:22 Author involvement & getting something made
21:47 Protecting yourself
25:06 The art of adaptation & conclusion
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In my examples, I mentioned networks such as NBC or ABC optioning/buying your book. I mean their attached studios, ie: Universal Television and/or ABC Studios. Don't want to give a false impression, re: the "network" buying your book as the only pipeline to network (b/c networks technically acquire content from a variety of production sources, including in-house studios). Similar/possibly better examples in addition to networks would be Sony or Warner Brothers, who produce a LOT of content for broadcast networks, as well as streamers (ditto UT and ABCS).
@@joziahcastillo1936 I don't know very much about screenwriting so it's not something I can do until I have a better grasp myself! And senior is high school is absolutely NOT too late. It's rarely if ever too late. School also tends to kill a love of reading. I didn't read a majority of the books that ended up inspiring me to write novels until I was in my mid-20s. Tell your friend to just read when they can and if they can't now b/c of school, do it later, when they have the brainspace to do so, for pleasure.
@@joziahcastillo1936 I know a couple of professional TV writers who did not start until they were in their 50s
@MyLeah Symone Marks You can ask for anything, but don't expect to get it
@@joziahcastillo1936 I never studied screenwriting or film in college and I now work as a professional screenwriter. I'm not going to lie: it wasn't easy to get started, and I'd definitely recommend having a decent day job until you start landing serious contracts. If you've got other screenwriting questions, I'm happy to try my best to answer them.
What about e-published book author that is looking for a lump sum payout( either TV series or movie option) without creative control concerns ?
Me: haven't even finished 1st chapter
Also me: watching a video about movie adaptations
Literally me rn.
Me : only published first book of the series.
Also me : gotta kick my ass to finish the rest before they mess up final seasons like GoT
Damn me too
😂😂😂
I've been reading Rick Riordan's blog and his detailing of the long and arduous process of getting his work adapted has been illuminating. It's honestly shocking that even a superstar author like him struggled to get his foot in the door with Percy Jackson.
I"m always so fascinated by these types of videos! Do I write books? NO. Do I want to know what the authors of the books I read go through? YES
Me: *Facing Writer's block*
Also me: Can't wait to get my book turn into a movie ( *clicks video* )
yup
fr same
Literally obsessed with your videos and rush to watch each one.
I was fortunate (and surprised!) to option my trad-pub debut and have an actress attach to it before selling it to a publisher. (And, really, through a weird series of events, got the offer before signing with my agent.) In my experience, the most frustrating part of pre-development hell is this chicken/egg scenario where a studio or streamer says, “We loved this book, but we don’t really buy books…come back with a screenplay version and we can talk,” but the screenwriters say, “Writing on spec is hella risky…come back with studio money and we’ll talk.” Sure, there’s the option of me writing a screenplay just so we have one to show them (and I’ve written screenplays in the past, before I ever started writing novels), but when they say they want a screenplay, what they are really saying is they want a script written by someone with some credits to their name already. Even with existing IP, Hollywood is just super risk adverse these days.
Really REALLY not trying to ride on your video to promote my own, but I do have a video on my channel that breaks down more of the nitty gritty of clauses found in an option contract, if anyone is interested in that.
hi alexa! your videos have really helped me to improve my writing. im fourteen and already finished my first novel, and im about to start my second one (a thriller) without your videos i never would have been able to finish that first book. thank you so much! (also, the ivies is on my list of favorites now!)
Written chapter 1 of a 7 book long series : *fantasizing about movie adaptation already*
I want to publish a book in the future and one of my biggest concerns (or fears) is what happens if my book is optioned for a show or movie and they don't consult with me about anything. Which is why I loved SHADOW AND BONE because the producers and directors had Leigh Bardugo on set with them and asked for her input. Then on the other hand, there was SHADOWHUNTERS which had NOTHING to do with the books.
I hope your books get adapted and I will be watching!
You can include this in your contract, I guess. Like you can tell them that they have to get your approval for the script, and if they don't agree you won't sell them the film rights. It's a bold thing to do, but I believe it's worth it.
@@tiredcaffeine You can try make this a contractual requirement of course, and if you do, unless you are literally JK Rowling or Stephen King, you will not get it agreed. It is a deal-breaker for film and TV. Individual producers and directors MAY CHOOSE to want the involvement of the author of a book they acquire for dramatisation, but no studio which, remember, is risking far more money than the original book publisher did, will permit having its hands tied in such a way. There are maybe half a dozen authors in the world who have the clout to be exceptions to this
Basically, if you want to maintain control over the dramatic adaptation of your work, don't sell the TV or film rights. The clue is in the title of the contract. You are SELLING your RIGHTS for money. No-one will force you to do this if you don't want to. Unless you are a super-league literary megastar it's a straight choice: do you want the money, or do you want the control?
@@harryspeakup8452 Well, you are right. I was just saying what I would do. I don't care about whether they accept it or not, I wouldn't risk my story getting butchered unless I trust the writer of the movie/show.
@@tiredcaffeine If creative control is your priority then that's a really healthy, eyes-open attitude. Good luck with your stuff
I just downloaded the audiobook “The Ivies” and I was hooked in the first chapter and listened to the first 7 chapters all in one go! I love it so far! I cannot wait to continue the book after work today.. 🥰🥰 just wanted to share with everyone and say thank you to Alexa for a great book!
I love this kind of gossip. Need more of this kind of behind the scenes content. BTW: That color is wonderful with your complexion. Thank you for continuing to bring us good content.
Well done! I am a novelist and aspiring screenwriter who's been pitching both a lot lately, and I learned a lot - and also you confirmed the things I already knew. Just a few thoughts/additions:
- I usually write both the book and the tv or movie script. Yes, they are different mediums, but I find that writing both helps the other. Writing the script helps focus on the plot, and writing the novel helps expand more about the characters and backstories.
- Writing both also gives you more to sell.
- If you write books, having the script should expedite the process of getting it made, since as soon as they option it, they'll need a script, and if they have to pay extra for the screenplay, then it could hold up production.
- If you write scripts, writing the book helps "anchor" the story to fans, potentially reducing the amount of changes made in the movie or TV show.
- When a movie gets a director, all bets are off in terms of your control over how the story is told. But if you write the script, then you have a better chance in keeping the integrity of the story.
- In TV, as you say, it's different. While in the world of movies the director has all the control, in the world of TV, the writers rule. You are completely right in that they would hire a showrunner, who is not only in charge of all the writing but also the cast, budget, and even managing the directors for the show. So - as you say - no newbie writer will be in charge of running a show. But you can get "in the writer's room" as a consulting produce or non-showrunner EP.
- Even if someone's expertise isn't writing scripts, personally I would suggest outlining how your story can be told on TV. Is it a limited series? How many episodes? How would the structure fit - while also allowing for cliffhangers for every episode? The more you can help the producers/studios see how it would all come together, the better! Even if they change it all - it's like the old adage: it's easier to edit than write from scratch.
Please let me know if anything I say doesn't fit with your views. And happy writing!
P.S. And one more thing - it is really helpful to join Imdb-Pro (pro.imdb.com/) - where you can look up producers and agents and studio people. And if your book is optioned - it should show up there.
I have been DREAMING of turning the book I've written into a film/show - to the point where I've already created a concept, a script, and choreographed acts (circus show in a movie - as the book is a story of a contemporary circus artist) - but the concept of losing my control over it scares me.
This is so helpful! I know so little about movie/tv optioning, and I don't tend to ask my agent about things until it becomes relevant to me. But it's super cool to more about it and hear all these experiences.
This explains so much! I've always wondered why some adaptations are better than others.
So glad I'm not the only one who completely forgets what year is which and what the heck I was doing during said year... LOL. This was a fun one! Thanks Alexa.
Thank you so much for your helpful analysis on Film/TV rights, Alexa. I always learn so much about the publishing industry thanks to your videos. ♥️
This is so incredibly interesting and valuable and you present in a brilliant and compelling way, thank you! As an aspiring writer, I've always wanted these questions answered. This, along with your fantastic video on random publishing facts (title paraphrased), in my opinion is a cut above all the material on CZcams on the same sort of topics. Looking forward to future videos from you for sure!
I definitely liked this video and found it useful!!! Much more clear than lot of the other ones, no shade. Significantly less talking about the exception and "it depends" and more to the heart of what generally happens. Thank you!!!
One of my favorite fantasy trilogies got optioned for a show recently and got me wondering about this exact topic. Wonderful timing and great answers to my curiosity lol thanks for that . :)
Oh that's an interesting piece of insight! Book to film always felt like some magical thing that somehow happens to some people ^^
Nice to have it a little demystified :D
"What is time" rings so true right now!
Never comment on CZcams, but had to say I love your videos! Thanks for all the thorough and interesting info!
I honestly started writing my book so I could play the main character 😂😂😂 I know that probably won't happen, but it would be interesting to see it on screen if I ever get to finishing it and knowing how to make it more interesting, original, and what to do for the second book (It's going to be a trilogy, and I know that to do for the first and third books but almost no clue for the second 😂)!
The fact I haven't even finished the book (self-publishing) and am watching a video on film/TV show adaptation makes me realize how ambitious I am 😅
Your insights and experience are very helpful!
i love your videos & ive been waiting months for this one!!!! so glad you made a video about this thank you! 💖
I just found this channel and you’re the best most amazing teacher. I hope you’re still at it. I would love to pick your brain as I’m writing my first novel; a post dystopia murder mystery with sci fi elements based on current tech trends.
No matter what, I am consuming everything you have produced because of your expertise. I’m hooked no matter what, but I do hope you host writers workshops.
Awesome video as always !
gold video- thanks very much for the information
My manuscript actually began with me writing a script. I soon realized it would make an awesome book. That decision is what brought me to Alexa Donne, Shaelin Writes, PattiKake, Efi reads Reedsy and more. You ladies have all taught me something that had me racing back to my computer fixing/correcting this and that. I still need real classes, grammar, English language and such, if I am to be a "real writer," but in order to get this current story completed before it's gone, I rely on you girls to help me through. Thank you all (including the half dozen unmentioned).
Thank you ❤
Great video of course, but I just wanted to to let you know that you’ve inspired me to pick up The Ivies on audiobook from the library and, as the third thriller I’ve ever read and my first YA thriller, I’m having a good time. I love your videos so I’m glad I enjoy at least one of your books as well (obviously I’ll review and such when I’m done, youtube comments don’t really help your career success lol).
Awesome info! While I’m sure it’ll never happen to me, it’s always good to know lol.
There was actually a point in my life where I wanted to do screenwriting and when I had researched about it, I had learned other reasons why something may not be picked up or why the movie or show is different (sometimes too different).
It can come down to budget and or not being able to do certain things whether based on that budget or based on resources. Then, assuming they don’t do the IP thing where they have an idea in mind and use your book for it, they want to slightly change the story so it either fits better with the main idea and the duration of the project and or helps the non-readers. Like if they up the age of a character, it may be because it fit better in their heads. If they slightly changed the scene’s setting, it could’ve been because they couldn’t afford the OG setting. If they cut out a scene, it might’ve been because it wouldn’t do well with the project and helped their timing. Things like that.
They also don’t want to make it the exact same because it would bore readers, which is why there will always be a couple of differences here and there.
These differences are scary to think about because while many may have good intentions and even produce a great adaptation, there are some who won’t do it justice because they go too far with their differences. And I don’t know what I’d do if it came to that… :/
Lol as a film person, when u started talking about all the MANY different ways something can get made I was like yep sounds about right 😂 film is such a free for all but also weirdly has a lot of barriers to entry at the same time. As far as getting something sold and made anyway
Yeah it's a mess and I didn't even cover the half of it haha. And so much I'm still learning myself! I'm on the distribution side so the development & production side is kind of a mystery ha.
I’m watching this while doing my last revision before I query😬 but the sky’s the limit, right?🙏🙌💫
Unrelated but your makeup and specifically your brows look amazing!
Thank you! Brows are just using Benefit stuff, but the eyeshadow is the Laura Lee x Erin Weaver Candy Skies palette! It was an impulse buy that I do not regret haha.
This is a very good video and injects a welcome degree of realism into the whole enterprise of adaptation for tv and/or film. But has one slight oversimplification. Level 3 is indeed getting made, but level 4 is getting actually broadcast or put live on a streaming platform. An awful lot of stuff gets physically made and then not released, most often because the studio exec who commissioned it has moved to a different company, and his successor wants HIS precious favourite on screens instead
I would love it if The Ivies became a TV show. I would eat that up.
Loved this video, Alexa! I've had a wonderful book-to-film experience so far* (*the movie's not out yet) for three reasons, all of which you've covered here: 1, the filmmakers truly care about the story; 2, from the very beginning I've been laughing about "bathing in the free money" (I've gotten so much mileage out of that Scrooge McDuck gif, LOL); + 3, TOTAL creative detachment. For anyone reading the comments feeling worried that Hollywood is going to butcher your book: provided they're not just out for the IP and you do want to proceed, just focus on how a tv/film adaptation could benefit your future work!
That's so cool! Is the movie being made yet?
@@dobanator4501 Thanks! It came out in November 2022, it's called Bones and All.
Great video! Very clear and informative presentation of this mysterious aspect of movie/tv options. I was curious. While I know that every situation is different, what type of insights do you have regarding the odds of actually getting an option if you are being shopped by one of the big film agencies. Thanks!
I'm just curious, common is the scenario where a older book is made into a movie? The director/screenwriter picked up a book, loved it, then try to go after the film rights. Usually with the author or depending on how old a book is the estate standing in the way. I can think of two examples under both adult, well one is non-fiction. "In To The Wild", Sean Penn start a book at a bookstore, read it, then try to get the film rights for about ten years until the McCanless family approved of his script and vision for the film. The other being the movie "Predestination" based on Robert Heinlein short story "All You Zombies" that was adapted by the writing/directing team The Spierig Brothers. They, being big fans of the short story, started adapting it before even seeing who if anyone owned the rights. They were about halfway through the script, when they contacted Heinlein estate to fine no one on the rights, so they bought the rights without any issues, and continued on producing to film. I would like to point out though the later, was super indie, being self-producing finance, then later bought by Sony by South by Southwest. Which I know is a unicorn for any film regardless if it's based on a book or not.
Are those cats on your shirt? That’s so cute!
Good eye!
I agree that unless an author is already a screenwriter, they should let someone else shape their book into a tv/movie. I also think authors should be open to drastic changes and the possibility of a Broadway-aimed musical adaptation. Wicked has been running on Broadway and in London for nearly 2 years and raking in 3.5 million dollars a week combined. It is very different from the novel, but its author has made so much money. And, finally two film adaptations are scheduled to come out.
And remember, even a bad adaptation will get more eyes on your original book.
I would also contractually never allow the film/tv show poster on the cover of the book.
The novel I'm planning is romance but goes back to flashbacks of the early 70s because that's where my protagonists parents first met its a forbidden love they have.
I often vision my story being a film and I can see ... Greg Bryk aka Joseph Seed playing Ethan who's the main character in my story, Cate Blanchett playing his mum Amanda and Viggo Mortensen playing the dad who is also called Ethan and he is from Manchester UK so I would love to hear him master a mancunian accent!!! 😁
This is pie in the sky but I like to dream about it even though it will never happen but I just think Cate and Viggo would be so good for Ethan's parents they'd have amazing chemistry 😍😍
Shout out to Mary Pender!
that was super interesting though I don't know why I'm watching this if I haven't even completed chapter one yet xd
WHERE CAN I GET YOUR SHIRT? Also, always excited to see a video release! I'm a designer dreaming of writing a book, so I put your videos on while I work and daydream!
It is a dress! Sadly though from Torrid over a year ago so they don't have it anymore :(
@@AlexaDonne Aw! Well it’s beyond cute. I just got a kitten and am ridiculously obsessed with all things cat, haha!
How do scouts with into the equation?
how long would this all take from tge beginning to finishing a pilot to getting casting?
Just remember Brandon Sanderson is one of the biggest names in fantasy right now and not one of his books has been made into a movie though a studio holds the rights to his works.
Have a question. I read a book years ago that I thought was never “discovered.” I can see this being either a movie or series. How would someone go about that?
Hey Alexa, what about authors that had their book's film rights bought by major production companies and producers like Rebel of the Sands by Alwyn Hamilton and The Diviners by Libba Bray?
Willow Smith's MSFTS Production and Cartel Entertainment acquired the film rights to the Rebel Of The Sands trilogy in 2017
Film rights to The Diviners were purchased by Paramount Pictures, with an intent to have Bray adapt the screenplay. Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage have been named as the film's producers
I really cant wait to see a movie adaptation of these amazing books.
ICM woo woooooo
I am planning on becoming a film producer it's a very very tough job being a movie producer. I am going to produce 20 of my films. I decided to write my own screenplays and write my own 15 books. It's one unpublished book I am working on and it's a suspense fiction it only fits being a book so I will not adapt that book because it's better off just being a book and I want to write one non-fiction book on how I became a film producer once I produce 5 of my films.
I would love a book to become movie or TV show but I know it's so unlikely still this would be interesting and fun!
Love your top!! Totally my style! Which brand is it? Or which store did you get it from?
It is a dress from Torrid but it's from a few seasons ago so I don't think they have it anymore :(
I wrote a book about TWA Flight 800 with the real story. I cannot get an agent, film studio, etc. Almost all do not respond. Where do I go?
For the History Channel, I have to find and agent or lawyer who they use. So, how do I do that???
Can you name some production companies to work with
I think I’d rather have something I right get turned into a video game. But no matter what happens, I don’t want a direct adaptation of the “book.” I’d rather have every piece expand the existing world and its own thing. That may suck to anyone who read the original story, but what worked as a written story may not work as a film/show/game. I’d rather create an entirely new set of characters and plot and write that specifically for whatever medium is asked of me.
i would never let anyone make a movie based on my book with THEIR rules. i can't even imagine it it's a nightmare!
Ok, you said don't insist on writing it, and I wouldn't anyway. But my fear is somebody turning my clean(ish) fantasy novel into an R or TV-MA work. Is it possible to protect against this when you option?
Not really. You could say no to the option if you don't like the work the production company has done, but it's always possible once something sells to a network that they'll do what they want with it.
I should have put this in unpopular opinions, but I actually hate the idea of my book becoming a show 🙃. Maybe a mini series that wraps up well, but I feel like shows to be successful have to move past the source material for longevity especially if they are popular. Eventually you either run out of natural material or run it into the ground and start jumping the shark. With a movie, you wrap up the whole plot and you don't risk leaving something dangling.
That's a really good point. This can happen in movies too of course, with sequels and threequels - #3 in a series traditionally being the point where the wheels visibly fall off - but at least each movie has its own ending, and is artistically judged and (usually) contracted separately. So a bad movie sequel doesn't really detract from the reputation of a good original movie as much as a bad second season will drag down the rep of a TV show. But if your story has a really bullet-proof ending that makes sequels almost impossible to imagine, then a mini-series (limited series) may well be a safe format.
I dont think I would like to adapt my own stories. I think I would just ask to read the script after is written just to see if its fine.
and if you don't like it, then what?
@@harryspeakup8452 What is your idea?
@@samantaluna3870 There is no magic way around it. It's just a reality that control comes with the money in film and TV, and those who are putting up the millions of investment to make film and TV are ultimately those who exercise control over the finished product. In the end, your control over your story is what you are exchanging for the money when you sell the TV or film rights to a story.
Some Authors start thier own Film Company and also turn thier book into a script! Then turn thier book into a film then try to sell it . If no then they just stream it. Friends hire friends . Director Greta got famous because of her boyfriend.
Me: *10K words into a shitty first draft of my first story*
Also me: yes this is good relevant information for me ✍🏻✍🏻
Completely irrelevant, but can you talk about author photos? Do you NEED one? If you need one, do you need it before your book deal announcement or later? Can you take your own? Should you get a professional to do your hair and makeup? What costs can you expect? Etc.
I'm really glad you asked! Years ago I covered this topic in an author newsletter and I think b/c I saw some other authortubers do the topic early on, I filed it away as "no need for me to do it" and... never did. But I have lots to say and information to share on the topic! I'll add it to my list to film soon.
Lord of the Rings Netflix got 350m deal to be shot in Wales...and yet half of it just looks rushed....and did you see He-man on Netflix? I really worry about the standards these days.
I would love to see my book become a movie instead of a TV series. I am not really a fan of TV shows I like movies better. However I am writing a book that will probably be a better fit being a movie but I would not wait on a producer to make my book a movie, I would do it myself. I want to be a producer and an author. Why wait on a producer to turn your book into a movie? Back in the 1980s the authors used to sit and wait on a huge Hollywood film producer to say. "Hey, I would like to turn your book into a movie that would be okay with you?" But now authors are turning their book into a movie themselves. Authors now are not just authors they are now authors and film producers. I am not waiting on no one I am turning my book into a movie myself. I am a female hustler. Who said women can't hustle like a man?
when you want to be published, who pays for the copyright search.
You just over the Ultimate Publishing level headache and now your ready to do it again, as you you enter the chaotic Mega Boss level where the rules are the strictest and yet, they break every rule going in TV and Film....it is all copied and predictable these days.
Since I been watching CZcams videos on understanding the rules of writing. I have been very critical of movies, or TV shows at the moment. I am always telling the TV off for doing stuff wrong.... it is always so predictable. ...