I'm sure you've had many instances when you've read a graphic novel or book, or even heard the music that you considered... that could make a great film or television show. The popularity and popularity of these works have created a fascination with IP (Intellectual property) for managers and producers to the point that having the skills to turn these works into visual media is an asset that is extremely valuable.
In the next section, we'll look at the motives behind choosing to write a screenplay that is adapted and the legal issues that could arise, and the unique issues that writing Film Adaptation can bring.
So, let's begin.
1. Risky Business
The first question is, why do we need to adapt at all? There are many risks and expenses that come with TV and Adaptation Movies projects as well as using IP is a significant advantage. In the first place, there is generally a built-in audience or fans of the content. This is a sign of watching the film as well as "butts in the seats" for films, which may decrease the risk of return on investment for the film. Original films don't possess that emotional bond that is already in place and thus attracting audiences is a challenge and comes with more expensive marketing costs.
But, it could be a disaster if the story isn't in line with the expectations of the public. Ender's Game, The Dark Tower as well as Girl on a Train are all popular novels that didn't make it into films. Dune's first two attempts have been unsuccessful. It will be interesting to find out what the third version can be learned from these mistakes.
In as seen in Marvel Universe and other hits like The Walking Dead, there is a lot of story content created for franchisee films as well as television seasons. But, they are also expensive to produce. The cool thing on paper might not be a good fit for the screen. Unless you're extremely rich and have the right to make these huge works could be outside your budget too. Consider whether you're able to convince the support of a studio or producer for the project with a high budget.
So you must realize that your IP choice is an important, complicated, and possibly costly choice.
"There are hidden gems in the public domain or lesser-known works as well as work-for-hire opportunities."
One must carefully consider the risks and benefits. There are gems hidden from the public domain as well as lesser-known pieces along with work-for-hire opportunities. There's even a category at the Oscars for Film Adaptation. In the end, learning the process of writing a Adaptation Movies are worth the effort. However, before you can begin writing there are legal considerations to take into consideration.
2. Get The Rights
If you're not adapting an IP within the public domain you'll need to purchase right from the creator. In general, you will need to contact the publisher to inquire about the rights available. Publishers might be granted "sub-rights" to derivative works. Or, you could go direct to the writer but they might not know about the rights of the publisher, so make certain to verify.
3. Make Sure You Get $$$!
It is important to make sure that you are clear regarding what you call the "writer's deal" and make it clear and stifling. It should be clear that although they hold the original IP you own the screenplay. Therefore, when the script is selected to be produced the Film Adaptation rights will be to be negotiated independently. Be sure to include the terms of your contract in case you be unable to complete the contract and the amount you'll be paid.
3. You Are The Captain Now
I've encountered too many authors who don't know the Adaptation Movies industry and look like they have idols in their eyes. Their demands force producer away leaving them without a source of income after all the hard work in writing and finally securing an agent. In addition, if the writer is willing to co-write your script with me, then I'd say that's an obstacle to securing a producer.
4. Don't Overreach
Also, you must find the best deal for your budget. You won't be able to secure rights for that next Star Wars franchise, but maybe a well-established sci-fi story or work by a less well-known writer will be able to meet your budget. Keep in mind that it's the reader base and story that you're trying to secure and should be valued accordingly.
A lawyer can also help you with the contract! There are risks that can be concealed especially in true-life scenarios that you need to keep an eye on. It is best to keep everything clear and covered prior to discovering the results of your hard work are not worth it.
5. Take Advantage Of The Public Domain
Many can be avoided using works that are open source. How many times has Shakespeare rewritten A Christmas Carol? Easy A is the Scarlett Letter. 10 Things I Hate About You... Taming of the Shrew. Heart of Darkness... Apocalypse Now. The most appealing aspect of these books is that you are able to alter the story at your own discretion. Choose a classic tale to alter it to make it your own.
Public domain refers to documents that have been in use for at least the last 95 years. Check the renewal information. Some heirs still have rights to work, and therefore aren't within the public domain. Verify the renewal/public domain records carefully.
Do your homework now or cry later!
Certain authors, such as Stephen King, make their works available for purchase for a small cost. Check out Stephenking.com/dollarbaby. There are some rules and cautions make sure you read them carefully.
6. Tell The Story In The Right Way
You've chosen your property, and you've had all the legalities sorted... could it be a stand-alone movie? Franchise? A TV show? It is important to decide on the right format for your work. Be aware that not everything can be translated from paper to screen. Is it thrilling suspense (The DaVinci Code)? Or a multi-character-driven plotline (Game of Thrones)?
If the story is well-written and has a satisfying end, it's likely "one and done." However, nothing is definitive, so you're free to be open to an additional story, but don't create the sequels! It's a waste of time. The first project you sell. The success of this project will influence future plans. It is better to sell multiple projects than to have only one unsellable sequel. This also applies to episodes that extend beyond the pilot.
For TV or franchisee projects be sure that there's enough material on hand. Game of Thrones, Watchmen as well as Walking Dead had a multitude of content to pick from. It's not impossible, but it's difficult to create an entire series from one IP source. It all depends on the freedom and imagination you're able to use. Orange Is the New Black was on for a few seasons, however, it needed to shift from its original character to different characters.
In this regard, you'll have to read through all the IPs to get a better understanding of the overall story characters, arcs, and arcs. What characters "die", which appear later in the series, etc? Even though each could be a stand-alone tale, however, its "overall" story arc will connect the various projects. This is evident with BOSCH which has a strong series and season arcs to keep it fresh even being a procedural one.
7. Break It Down
So, let's dissect the plot.
Translating a 300-plus-page novel or a graphic novel of 20 pages into a visual medium could be a challenge. It is necessary to edit or include depending on the story's needs. The most important thing is to discover the core or the essence that the narrative is trying to capture. Remember what brought your attention to an IP initially and remain true to the story. Don't forget about the expectations of your public. You're looking for your own take on the property, however, going away from what the people expect could end up destroying your idea. You must find the right equilibrium.
Maintain the majority of the lead character attributes and voice. It's the main character that attracts the viewers. They're emotionally connected to their journey of transformation. Don't disappoint. Don't disappoint. also need to keep the general flow of the story, but not necessarily the ARC of other characters or IP. Make sure to keep the tone and voice of the story, but be aware that adjustments may be required to make the storyline seamless and to ensure that the main themes are adequately illustrated.
There are times to mix characters or create new characters. Look for important subplots as well as secondary characters. Add new characters and scenes If necessary, in order to make the narrative interesting. Find the true end and beginning, which may be different from that of the IP.
Do the setting and time of the story have to be altered in order to be more relevant? Heart of Darkness written during the reign of the reigning King Leopold II is hardly as relevant as the Vietnam Era depicted in Apocalypse Now.
If it's a writing assignment, you must obtain your writer's perspective. They chose the IP to do so for a reason or it could represent their IP. They have certain elements in their mind that they wish to include in the story. These elements could require modifications to the storyline or additional elements. Be sure to speak about the changes and discuss them with your group. Be sure that they have their signature on your outline before you start. It's inefficient to create an outline only to have an entire page of revisions due to the fact that you didn't receive the required approvals in advance of time.
When you've got an outline of your story and the beats mapped out then you can begin writing like you would a screenplay. But, there are a couple of things to remember:
If you're writing a "based on true" story make sure to remember that this isn't an actual documentary. It's possible to compromise on realism in order to keep the story engaging. Keep your eye on the expectations of your viewers.
Be sure that the character is actually active and not "telling" a tale. Look out for overuse of flashbacks, voiceovers, or "dream sequences" from material that is "INSIDE" characters' heads. If you're unable to bring that out to the outside world, remove it. Remember that the story has to be told visually and it's your job to figure out how to achieve this.
Some Thoughts On The Future...
If it's not yet there Create an overarching universe that connects multiple storylines. It creates that sense of unity, even though the television or film seasons are separate tales.
Never forget your protagonist's motivations and goals, and don't be afraid to utilize sub-character traits and narratives to boost your hero's.
Cut anything that slows the narrative or isn't visually appealing.
Get Physical copies of your IP and write it down to make it easy to reference. Utilize highlighters and color-coded post-its to ensure that the plotlines and character arcs are in order. There could be multiple items in different comics, books, and so on. which are scattered over TV and Film Adaptation series, so being aware of which ones are where and why can save time in the future.
Repeat the reading numerous times to gain an idea of the overall story. If you are part of a franchise, go through all the books to get a sense of where the plots are headed. Do these plotlines change to suit the story you are telling? Do you need to add an opening to build up the motivations and goals? If your project has a connection to a series ensure that Adaptation Movies are stand-alone and yet a part of a larger narrative. Marvel is doing this well by tying the individual stories of superheroes to each of the Avengers films.
Last but not least, Choose the format wisely. Not every IP is suitable for television (or movie).
Therefore, I would like to suggest that you'll take a peek at the possibilities available using IP. It opens up new possibilities and worlds for your writing. Keep in mind that books aren't your only way to go. There are songs, short stories, and even paintings that created amazing scripts. Remember to incorporate everything as much of your distinctive voice to the maximum extent you can.
Wish you the best of luck and happy writing!
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