OK, I need a push. How do I get started on writing my first screen adaptation?

Question

I have wanted to write a screenplay on a book I believe to be noteworthy. I need information on how to get the rights to write the screenplay from the author. Also I need to know from a actual screenwriter how to get going. My mind is bogged down with all the different methods and the numerous classes available to me here in Southern California. HELP!

Answer 1

First, you don't necessarily need to get permission from the author, but from whomever owns the copyright to the book. In some cases, it is the author, in other cases it is the publisher. The copyright usually is displayed in one of the first few pages. Write to the copyright owner, with a nice cover letter, outlining in general your idea for the screenplay, and request permission.

You need to outline your screenplay idea, almost like a flowchart. There will be some parts of the book that you have to omit, otherwise your screenplay will be too long, and the eventual film will be over six hours long.

Once you get a flowchart/outline done, you have to decide on the format of the screenplay. For example, margins, doubleline-spaced, single-sided, typeface, point size. It might seem trivial, but a lot of production companies and agents will not even look at your script if it is in the wrong format.

There is some screenwriting software available, and there are format requirements available at various literary agent, production company web sites. The Screenwriter's Guild is the best source for this information.

Answer 2

Hi there:

For movie adaptation rights, contact the author directly and they will tell you who is holding the rights on their work. They can then give you that contact information. Make sure you read over any contract very carefully and have an intellectual property lawyer handle that end.

I wrote a screenplay adapted from my novel Whale Song at the request of a leading film producer. While they enjoyed it, their budget was too small. But that didn't stop me. You have to be prepared to keep plugging away and sending out queries. :)

Whale Song is currently being read by numerous film companies, including some from Hollywood. :)

I worked with a talented co-screenwriter, and we used the methods outlined mainly in the book 'Screenplay: Writing the Picture' by Robin Russin and William Downs. I found the book to be very helpful and it's used to teach screenwriting in many universities.

To format the screenplay, I bought Hollywood Screenwriter, a computer program that is absolutely awesome! I've been told by other screenwriters (some of whom have had many movies made) that HS and Movie Magic are two of the most popular programs. I recommend you get a copy of HS. :)

The key is clean and properly formatted. In the end, you want under 120 pages--formatted pages.

I hope this helps!

Cheryl Kaye Tardif, author of Whale Song, The River and Divine Intervention
http://www.cherylktardif.com
http://www.whalesongbook.com

Answer 3

Go to Borders or Barnes & Noble and purchase "The Screenwriters Bible". It's under $20 and will get you started on everything you need to know including on how to pursue the rights to a book.

If I were you , and you're looking into breaking into screenwriting, adapting a book isn't a good first step. Adaptations are usually done on commission by established screenwriters with a professional record.

Write an original work. Good luck.

Answer 4

These may be of use to you.

About-Movies.com Current Reviews.

http://www.about-movies.com/current.htm

SUMMARY OF TOP FILMS OF ALL-TIME

http://www.filmsite.org/greatfilmssummary.html

Milestones in Classic Hollywood/American Films

Site Description: Since mid-1996, this site, composed of thousands of pages, has been an award-winning, unique resource for classic film buffs and all who are interested in films. Includes interpretive and detailed plot synopses, review commentary, an unparalleled wealth of film reference material, and historical background for hundreds of classic Hollywood/American and other English-language films in the last century.

http://www.greatestfilms.org/

How to Watch Movies Intelligently and Critically

http://www.greatestfilms.org/filmview.html


Good luck.

Kevin, Liverpool, England.