If you write a novel, and someone wants to make it into a film, can you be the writer, casting director?

Question

If you write a novel and a film studio wants to make your novel into a film, can you say yes to that only if they allow you to be the writer, casting director, and music director and if possible co-director of the film?

Answer 1

There aren't many people who have taken on all those roles, as it would be physically impossible. However, I'm sure there are writers who have exerted influence over each of those areas to some degree or another, just as their are directors who, say, have had a lot of say over the script.

If you have a novel that someone wants badly enough (which means you're probably a JK Rowling or a Stephen King), sure they might write certain things into the contract, such as that you get to veto any casting decisions.

But unless you're talking about a particularly small, low-budget production, no one's going to be writer, casting director, music director AND co-director.

Answer 2

Most likely, if someone wants to make a film out of your novel, they will already have a screenwriters and directors in mind. Because they will be investing so much money into the project, they are going to go with people with proven experience. Unless you have LOTS of experience in this area, your best be it so sign on the dotted line, take the money, and work on your next Best Seller.

Hope that helps a bit.

Answer 3

How much influence you have with the studio depends mainly on your importance as an author. If you're hugely popular or important you might be able to get some say in how your story is produced. To take a direct role in the production as you've suggested probably requires that you have some relevant experience. All the positions you've mentioned require familiarity with the film industry. If you know how to write screenplays they might accept your writing contribution, at least as a staring point.

Answer 4

Have you written such a book?

I know of an author who's had two book bought by film companies and both are sitting on shelves and may never be put on film.

But if you're one of the lucky ones, you would have to negotiate with the film company (recommend using an agent to do this) for what you want. Of course your demands could be a deal breaker as they usually like to use people with experience in the field of film making/writing.

Answer 5

Depending on what studio picks it up, that would be something you would have to discuss with them before you sign a contract giving them rights to make the film. Be careful not to sign on to do too much. Especially if you are inexperienced, you may be overworked and stressed if you have too much on your plate. Start out doing one job, like casting director or screenplay writer. Then, once you have experience and know what each job demands, then maybe pick up more in the future. But again, make sure it is discussed BEFORE you sign anything!

GOOD LUCK!

Answer 6

on the fringe of 0. video clips are a complicated collaborative paintings type. various people have some say a pair of lot of distinctive issues, and you're no longer likely to be waiting to pry that faraway from them. besides, the e book author's section is finished. The e book has been written and revealed, and its author has been paid for it. she or he has not extra leverage. that's relatively diverse for a author who has authentic clout, like J. ok. Rowling, or who's additionally the screenwriter. even with the undeniable fact that, they nonetheless have not got substantial administration -- and in Hollywood, screenwriters are notoriously the backside adult adult males on the totem pole. a appropriate game of a e book is on the fringe of impossible. maximum books basically have too lots stuff in them. additionally, video clips are basically a diverse paintings type. whether you have the main respectful director interior the international, issues distinctly lots could desire to alter. That mentioned, what Hollywood does to lots of the books it adapts is a sin and a disgrace. Worse, that's undesirable storytelling. however the quantities of money in touch could be life-changing, so authors save coping with them.

Answer 7

You can say yes or no to anything if it's your story and you want to have that much control. You may end up losing the movie deal though. I have never heard of someone who has no movie experience getting to do all the things your hoping for so if you refuse to let them use your story your probably gonna kiss the film goodbye. You also may want to speak to someone about your control issues.

Answer 8

That's something that you would have to work out with the producer(s). If no agreement can be reached because you want to get too much involved, then the film makers can either pull out and not make the film or do it with the stipulation that it was based on your story.

Answer 9

I suppose you could hold out for all that and not sell the rights to your book to be made into a film. However, I think they'd have to be extraordinarily impressed by your writing, vision, and talent to agree to all of it.

Answer 10

I would have to pull a Stephen King and have a bit part