Screenwriting : Adapting from novels - Question by Donnalyn Vojta

I solved that problem by learning to screenwrite and write novels. Double-dipping!

I'm free. If you want another pair of eyes, email me at michaelackale@gmail.com

I'm seeing it more and more - and I don't think there is an established standard yet. Most authors want a screenwriter to work on a deferred basis, but I've found some that will pay for better work than they can get for free.

A.S., I did try it, but I did not like it, so I'm still trying to avoid it. I may have to do it on my own in the long run...we shall see!

Thanks, Michaela, but I don't have a screenplay to send. Otherwise, I definitely would you take you up on your generous offer!!

Thanks for your insight, Tennyson. Much appreciated! I always thought that producers simply bought rights to a book from the book's author and hiring a screenplay writer to adapt it was part of their budget. Is that not the case anymore? Was it ever?

Donnalyn, that's true in theory. In practice, I know that production companies are looking for projects that minimize their investment of time and the risk involved to such a degree that screenplays can't be sold without the attachment of star cast members. Screenwriters are responsible for casting their movies, these days.

I imagine that publishing houses are making similar demands of novelists. I suspect that authors who hire screenwriters are looking to establish the viability of their projects in Hollywood, in order to get a read from publishers.

no, authors don't pay screenwriters. 3rd party buyers like a Producer or a studio/prod company pay authors the rights to make their books into movies. The WGA union has pay scale but if you're doing independently, pay what you want. It'll be another spec script on the market. Best selling authors have Publishers and they all have movie agents. of course you have oddballs like Stephen King who optioned a short story for $1. Arrival and Blackkklansman's movie rights were optioned for $1 as well.

I suppose it just depends on a lot of different factors... Wild!

Besides selling dramatic rights, hiring or doing it yourself you could try collaborating with an able screenwriter.

If you write the screenplay it is your work unless someone pays you for it. You can’t use it as you don’t own the story rights.

The author also cannot use your screenplay as it is your unique artistic expression. So in your desk it must sit never to be seen. If they pay you, it is theirs. Just figure out how much you want.

Many novelists are bad screenwriters. It’s different muscles.

Craig, that's my concern. It is a completely different animal, but I may have to try! Dan, not sure I'm ready to give up 50% to someone adapting my novel to screenplay. If you have that deal, good for you!! Seriously!

THANKS to all of you for helping me with this. I guess if anyone knows a producer interested in a magical realism film series, point them in my direction. Best, Donnalyn