I've been trying to adapt a book into a screenplay and am wondering what to do when finished.
My idea was to try and contact the author, through an agent or publisher, to see if they would be interested in exploring the idea of developing the screenplay. If not then I would file away and put it down to experience.
Am I being naive thinking like this? Anyone know the right way to go about this sort of thing? Being a wannabe, with no credible experience of writing, will I just be laughed at?
Is it James Cotter's audiobook? I think he's doing that himself.
The whole James Cotter saga has passed me by, well, I decided to pass it by. So I have no idea what you are talking about.
Quote: RobJ @ May 19 2010, 2:10 PM BSTSo I have no idea what you are talking about.
Are you my wife???
On a serious note Rob, first step is phone up the author's agent and find out if the book is optioned. If it is already optioned you will be wasting your time most probably. If it isn't you can start some dialogue with the author, but without wedge on the table and a lack of a track record it's probably a tricky one to pull off. Nothing ventured mind, as they say.
best of luck with it.
Quote: RobJ @ May 19 2010, 1:55 PM BSTI've been trying to adapt a book into a screenplay and am wondering what to do when finished.
My idea was to try and contact the author, through an agent or publisher, to see if they would be interested in exploring the idea of developing the screenplay. If not then I would file away and put it down to experience.Am I being naive thinking like this? Anyone know the right way to go about this sort of thing? Being a wannabe, with no credible experience of writing, will I just be laughed at?
why not just let the book "inspire" you? Ie., take the story and characters but change it just enough to make it your own original work. After all, TV and film is filled with stuff that was clearly ripped off from other peoples work.
Quote: Marc P @ May 19 2010, 2:15 PM BSTAre you my wife???
I would enjot it if Mrs P signed up to the BCG just to keep an eye on you online. 
Quote: chipolata @ May 19 2010, 2:21 PM BSTwhy not just let the book "inspire" you? Ie., take the story and characters but change it just enough to make it your own original work.
I did that for my latest script, Firm Evidence.
I hope it's nothing like my film, 'Hard Facts'.
Quote: chipolata @ May 19 2010, 2:21 PM BSTwhy not just let the book "inspire" you? Ie., take the story and characters but change it just enough to make it your own original work. After all, TV and film is filled with stuff that was clearly ripped off from other peoples work.
Thanks for the replies. So it looks like forking out cash or plagiarism are my choices. Decisions, decisions.