Screenwriting : Acquiring rights by Harold Vandyke

Start by writing screenplays that are sold to Hollywood studios and nationally/internationally released with notable box office results. Don't mean to sound cruel, but Lisa's right.

Thanks for your comments. I guess I should clarify that all of my screenplays are original, except for one that I wrote for fun, because I could see a story based on the show. I figured it would probably remain a movie in my mind, since the business end of this business is more difficult than the writing end. I'm still interested in how the process works for acquisition of rights.

I would have thought there was zero chance of you acquiring the rights to write a movie based on a TV show. The rights to the TV show (and the characters associated to that show) are owned by the producer/production company and my understanding is that if they ever wanted to write a movie length version then they would hire a writer of their choice to do so. I have never heard of a writer selling a spec, which is part of a franchise be it a feature length version of a TV show or a sequel to an existing movie, to the holders of the rights.

My reply to that would be: Why not take a look at that spec script, even if just out of curiosity, and see if you like it? I've never understood the mentality of not wanting to deal with an "unknown" writer. We hear that producers are always looking for something/someone new and yet that barrier exists. What's written is written, if it's good, it's good, if it's bad... Just some thoughts. How do you guys feel about this?

In general yes: The catch that makes it so hard to break in ... who you know. I doubt that would be the case here as it's somewhat of a unique request for a specific Prodco.

What Ron said. And Hollywood is always looking for something new: like the next MATRIX... but there is nothing new about a movie based on a TV show or movie they already own.

William and Ron, thanks for your replies. William: And yet we're told Hollywood likes similarity -- write a story based on something that was successful, but in a different way. That's why we see so many remakes and "based on" films. Ron, I'll get to replying to you later, when I have more time.

Ron, your turn: First of all, I always appreciate those who take the time for long comments/replies. So you're aware, I'm not ignorant to any of the points you brought up. I really have no interest in acquiring the rights to the show as I'd rather work with the originating prodco to develop it. (that was brought up by someone else). I simply believe it would be of interest to the company to take their popular show to the next level. By the way, my characters are original as the show is a reality show with revolving actual people. To reiterate, I wrote the script for fun, with the knowledge that it's pretty near impossible for unproduced writers to be hired to write existing property -- but then, I don't believe it should be impossible. I do believe the spec is good enough for them to at least take a look at. I know what your saying about the fear of being sued and, true, I don't know what they have attempted or might be planning at present. If they do have a movie in mind, why not look at all options? If they didn't, they might get inspiration from my work. I'm easy to get along with, so I say, let's work together and make some interesting and hopefully lucrative movies. Excuse my while I get back to my other writing. By the way, are you the co-writer of "Fire in a Coal Mine"? If so, any success come out of that?

why would you want to do that? BE original my friend

Guys you're blowing this out of proportion. I'm not arguing I'm just stating my opinion. I've got plenty of original screenplays. Like I said: I did that spec for fun. It simply would be nice to see it go somewhere, but I'm not dwelling on it.

MATRIX was "the same but different". It was a a sci fi action movie about a reluctant hero who starts the revolution that probably saves the world. Just like dozens of others. The part that was different was the future world: we are coppertops and what we think is reality is an illusion. The reason for those remakes is not the same but different, because those are the same. Remakes are because the studio owns those properties and wants to make more money with them. Because they already own them, they want to maximize their income; and a film version of some TV show not only gives them income from cinema ticket sales, it allows them to package the old TV show and sell BluRays of it. A spec version is, well, in violation of copyright laws among other things. So, probably not a good idea to show it to the owner of those rights. Stick it on the shelf and go on to the next script, then the next script, then the next script...

I've written about twenty scripts, so I think I've got that last part covered. I think this horse is dead, so let's move on.

Uncle! Uncle!

Maybe look into who did the A-Team movie.

I appreciate your enthusiasm for stories. I'm an ideas guy, but if you love a character(s) in something, it's a great writing excersise to take them for a walk or a run.

As for TV rights, I would get creative in my approach to those holding the TV rights. Like if it was a detective show, start sending clues to where your screenplay is hidden. Who could resist :)

Best of luck buddy.

Just checked out Gutenberg, pretty sweet Bec.

Charlie, Gen, Rebecca - thank you all for jumping in and helping out! Do consider that this post is 7 years old, though, so keep in mind that the original inquiry is moot.

:|

gotta start looking at post dates.

I am not familiar with the process to acquire the rights to write a screenplay/make a movie based on a TV show, but I imagine the first step would be is call and find out if they would be interested in what you are proposing. You never know what will happen unless you ask.Good luck.

Harold Vandyke I get what you're saying as I'm myself in a similar situation. My question is if one gets inspired by something they watched and that new idea would generate money to the original owner of the rights, why not work with that "new" writer? and create something.

I'm receiving a lot of "don't even try" which I find very negative and creativity obstructing. Just because I wanna use a (minor) character from another show doen't make my writing less orginal. I think.