Anything Goes : Stage adaptation of a movie by Jenny Tucker

I would try looking at a book specifically for adaptions from stage to film. It would outline what the differences are, and may help you to bring it from the screen to the stage.

hello Jenny, This sounds like a terrific idea and quite do-able esp for an old movie. Many old films do seem like stage plays. As for how to begin, depending on how true you want to be to the original movie, you might want to get a hold of the screenplay and see how much of the story you want to bring to the stage, and let go of the elements that may not lend themselves so well in a different medium, or may seem superfluous. I assume you'll want to condense the plot... I have never done this, so please take my advice with a grain of salt! I'm curious to know what movie it is.... Best of luck

Thanks guys. So, would I contact for studio for the rights to the screenplay then? Obviously not something I've done before. I would like to stay true to the film - there are a few things that would have to go but basically I think it could work. Just wasn't sure who to contact first.

I TELL THE ONE TO DO JUST CHANGE THE NAME AND TWEEK THE STORY ?KEY LARGO". I WOULD LIKE TO REDO ASA FILM

I intern for a studio and yes unless its in the public domain you have to get the rights. You can simply use google to figure out if its in the public domain. depending on the film it may be hard to get rights to use the material, but if you're willing to give the studio some creative control and profit you may be able to get it. I advise against just changing the name and same material because unless it is a generic story they can sue easily. There is a book titled producer to producer that had a chapter outlining ways to go about obtaining or optioning rights.

Well I found out its in the public domain so... does that mean that I can start working on it without too much trouble? I don't think hiring an entertainment lawyer is anything I need to worry about just yet - maybe after I've got something to show someone.

Hey Jenny. The PD laws are different in each country, so make sure you cover all your bases. If a movie is in the PD in the states for example but still under copyright in the U.K, you end up making something that is very restrictive regarding distribution. Remember as well that there is so much that gets copyrighted in a film that it isn't just about the end product. Are the characters protected by copyright? The script? The score? The music they used? You may end up being sued by something in there you never found important. This is why it's so much safer to look at literary material in the public domain. Good luck.

Creatively, I would think of the central element you want to bring to the stage. I have thought long and hard about drafting the film, "In The Bedroom," to suit the stage. The reason--the stage can be a better place to explore inner turmoil--what is your central theme? How do you bring that theme to life?

Start here: http://www.stage32.com/profile/61289/screenplay/three-zombies-baby-0 This was an Oscar winning movie called: The 3 Godfathers ... (and Zombies, lol) Or read my work called : MY RESUME. -måx

If it's in the public domain than you are free to use the materials.

I would like to do a musical so I'm guessing I would need to copyright to a couple of the more popular songs from the movie but I think I can find that info. I have some ideas already, but want to get the hurdles I know I will need cleared before I spend too much time and effort on it.

musical is good idea there a little hot right now.

Go with one key location to the core of the story and center on the dramatic climax and centerpiece of the film thereby creating a heightened sense of space and movement for the theater audience,

That's why I would love to do key largo for the theater for those exact reasons,

As others have mentioned, rights are an issue. I wouldn't do a thing until I had sorted this out. The idea seems to be playing on your mind, so the passion is there. Good luck.

Jenny -- I would invest a little money to get the advice of the entertainment lawyer. The last thing you want to do is get 100% invested in your hard work only to discover the rights belong to someone else. Writing is hard enough as it is.

I think you are right. Looking into it. Thank you!

Key Largo was first a play written by Maxwell Anderson

Chuck is right. You must own the rights to the film and get the permission of the estate or studio before you write it. Try finding out when the screenplay's copyright ran out and who owns it if at all. You can try to get permission from the estate if the writer is no longer alive. I've done this and it is a lot of work only to get told no or pay 1million plus for the rights. Most studios own the rights to work in their back book, even if the original production company is no longer in operation. If a script and movie is worth anything, someone owns it.

Annie Hall is a great idea.

The Band Wagon

its a 1953 musical comedy film

no the first thing you would need to do is decide what movie you want to play with how can you contact anyone with a nagging hair-brained idea Your not sure what you want? i say do a google search decide on what you want and then it would be a good time to contact someone. untill then its just a nagging hair-brained idea

in need of hair spray.

Not such a hair-brained idea. FIRST: Google -> en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_films_in_the_public_domain_in_the_United_States#Films SECOND: No flashbacks. THIRD: Distinctive mise-en-scène(s) FOURTH: Distinctive/powerful voice for main character FIFTH: Minimal supporting characters SIXTH: Topical SEVENTH: Shortened EIGHTH: No animals, children, skydiving, bungee-jumping or water scenes. SO WHY NOT? This is not a new idea. I'm thinking, Phantom of the Opera. And there are others I'm sure.

Look, I know the movie I want to work with, just wasn't planning on posting it here. I'm calling the studio on Monday and will take the necessary steps to move forward. Thanks all.

Pls keep us up to date. I would know if it's possible!!! tnx mark

glad you asked and see the great reply's and Pls keep us up to date now my next big question? if you already knew what you wanted why ask?

I was asking because I don't want to waste time in the process of putting it together. Originally when I found out it was in the public domain I thought I could just move forward from there, but thankfully others mentioned the copyright issue so I'm looking into that now. Its this type of advice I was looking for. In my original post, I never said I'm looking for a movie. I knew from the beginning and have ideas on how to move forward with the piece I want, just thought I'd see if there's anyone here who's already been through this type of project who might be willing to give me tips. Thanks everyone for all the help so far. I really appreciate it.

I figured that was the case and yes, Annie Hall is a good idea. Go for it!

Dinner theater version of this movie would be scrumptious: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Babette%27s_Feast This is story writing at its finest and most delicious. Makes me hungry and loving just thinking about this movie.

Fun idea, Jenny. Lots of material out there. Get those rights, of course.

Well, keeping on with the keeping on and ideas are forming about songs, script, etc., but having trouble getting anyone from the studio to call me back about obtaining rights for usage. Anyone know a specific someone at Paramount Pics who I could talk to? The film is definitely public domain but there are 3 songs at least from the film that I want to use for sure or it wouldn't be the same without them. Anyone out there in the Dallas area that has experience writing the book for a musical? I'd love to collaborate and pick their brain a little when the time comes. Thanks!

Jenny, I have some contacts at Paramount. What song rights do you think Paramount owns? Typically the rights to songs are owned by the publisher. Are you sure you need to speak to someone at Paramount?

Update, finally heard back from Paramount who said that the film is not under public domain and I was not given any permission to use it and could not purchase the rights. Guess, that means that I need to find something else. Sigh...

Now that this is no longer top secret - what is the film you wanted to adapt?

Here Comes the Groom

so what did Paramount offer as proof? Paramount is as good as their attorneys. i say play poker. show what you got and ask them to show their hand :+} i love Kenny rogers music.

i was thinking make Paramount worry and think like ''Weird Al'' Yankovic. :+} If You Don't Know Who This guy is You Don't Listen to much music :+}

I know, Laura, but this is what they told me..."Thank you for your request to use the Property in connection with a stage production. It is not in the public domain. Due to certain confidential legal and business complexities, Paramount Licensing, Inc., the licensing entity for Paramount Pictures, is unable to grant your request. However, we appreciate your interest in the Property." So, when I asked if I could purchase the rights/license, they basically said it wasn't possible without giving me any real reason why. Its been a bit of a downer, but still a learning experience.

when you give up Weird Al'' Yankovic what kind of movie will you burn?

I think if you could get through all the copyright issues and such, Wuthering Heights would be interesting to see adapted to stage. I know it was originally a book, the movie was descent, I just always thought it would be neat to see on stage. =]

There have been 23 plays,14 musicals and 3 operas of Wuthering Heights

and only one of Here Comes the Groom. gee you would think people would stop playing monopoly or in this case movie studio. makes you to never want to buy a movie stamped Paramount ever again

@Rik Thank you for that. I never would have known otherwise.

With all due respect to everyone, I am sure you will all agree but maybe nobody has said it yet ... Why ask what other people think? If you want to write it, write it. Write it your way. If that turns out the same as the film then at least it's out of your system. Good luck.

I agree with Tom and when your finished get a high colonic and get it all out!! LOL

Tom Rooney hey now stop stealing my idear :+} i gave her the hint Weird Al" Yankovic that should have told her what you just said and the advise was not taken

It's the way I say it. :)