From novel to screenplay changes

therosesword 2021-02-26 18:57:12 UTC #1

A few of you know one of my novels here was optioned last year for a screenplay (not a film, just the screenplay, that's going to take more work)

A little explanation and then into discussion (if you feel like it)

The first draft was due this month but because of extenuating circumstances it's put off for a little and may be done in March. The contract allows for delays (something I actually insisted on... I don't want someone who's rushed to try and do a good job)

The contract had one thing in it that I insisted on: Not changing the lead to a female. It was a question during negotiations... "would you be willing to change the lead to female." I didn't even have to think about it, the answer was a flat "no."

I had my reasons. One of the being that it seems like that's happening so much just because it's the thing to do. There was no valid reason to change the lead. I acquiesced about a couple of the other characters (basically it's an all male cast... I mean, they're in a freaking monastery???)

I expect large changes. I'm not freaked by large changes, I understand it was the concept that attracted the people to this more than the story itself. I'm neither insulted nor dismayed by this. I'm just happy they liked it.

What kind of changes? More action. The lead's backstory will come into play, something I had preferred to keep tucked behind the veil. The inclusion of characters who were only mentioned and never seen. Other things like maybe more locations and more showing of the past of other characters.

Oh, and they'll probably change the title.

I wrote plays a long time ago so I'm used to handing over scripts to a director and coming back when the play is running to see what they've changed and what take the actors have on the words. The same thing with audio drama, hand it over and see what happens, from the director to the actors. Also, in the US a writer's words tend to not be sacrosanct when it comes to stage and film unless you're really high powered and you get producers/directors who have the same vision you do. (This I get confirmed from a lot of writerly friends overseas)

Will I okay the changes? Yup. Even if they change the lead's genre? Yup (not happy but, yup). Why? Because I've only sold the rights, not the book. The book, the copyright, will remain with me and if this thing ever gets done it will be done with the following credits: Based on a book by..... Hopefully that will lead to more readers.

Sooooo, reading all of the above...

How would you feel about selling the rights to your work to another medium that basically takes you out of the picture, except for the check that clears the bank?

joannekwan 2021-02-26 19:07:51 UTC #2

Heck, sign me up! So long as there's credit given to me via a 'based on X by' line.
There will always be people that may check out the original work if they come across the adaptation.
It's all just publicity for the original

darthmongoose 2021-02-26 19:09:06 UTC #3

So there's one very strong question for me in regards to this question, which is:
"Is the work being adapted Errant, or is it one of my other comics?"

If it's one of my other comics, YES, sell it, they can do whatever they like with it and if I don't like it, that's fine, I'll just be enjoying my money and the fans saying "ugh, you only saw the film? The original comic was WAY better."

...But if it's Errant.... ooh, owch that would be really hard. Errant is a much more personal comic than work I produce with clients or publishers in mind, and I feel like I would find it extremely painful to see them make changes like "we don't think this Subo guy should be a hairy Punjabi man, we're casting a generically handsome white man instead." Or "hmm, well, we like this Rekki character, but we think she should be more of a sexy 'girl boss' like Harley Quinn!" Or "Oh.... Jules is autistic? She needs to act more like movie autistic characters, so she's a young boy with a rucksack now who's superhumanly good at maths and loves trains." Oww, my poor soul may not be able to take it.

therosesword 2021-02-26 19:12:06 UTC #4

I was hoping you'd weigh in on this. Always enjoy our discussions. Thank you for not disappointing.

That's kind of how I look at it. I've got the "original." I've encountered plenty of people who rail against the idea but... this is a business and I'd really like to retire (not that it would pay that much) to Sicily and this would help.

But, I do have to say... I really hope they don't change it to a female lead. And, even though I have NO say (should they actually sell it) in who would play the lead, my choice is Qin Hao.

therosesword 2021-02-26 19:18:46 UTC #5

Yup... but remember... ka-ching... plus all those who love your work can write the miscreants and berate them and then turn around and tell everyone to buy the comic because it's SOOOO much better.

Flippancy aside....

I had to really clamp the sphincter when the first time they said: "can we change the lead to female?" I was expecting it but, man... that was tough.

You put so much work into your creation and then others come along and say they can make it better, or want to see it changed to what they want.

On the other hand, it is a business. And on another hand... there can always be the one piece you don't sell out on.

cherrystark 2021-02-26 19:39:09 UTC #6

My dream is to be in a John Rogers/Chris Downey-type situation where they both write and produce the series they collaborate on. I do have some requirements that I'd insist upon before signing the contract, but in the long run, I'd be okay with it.

therosesword 2021-02-26 19:47:35 UTC #7

My minor itty bitty teensy weensy forays into productions (film, stage and audio) taught me that I am best used sequestered away and out of everyone's hair, the door to my cubicle opened occasionally to throw me a Ferrero Rocher or Snickers bar.

It's important, I think, to make your requests and concerns known. If you're lucky you're dealing with reasonable people who aren't trying to rip you off (and hopefully you've got a good attorney at your side). Having everything out in the open obviously cuts back on surprises. And, like I mentioned to @darthmongoose, there's always that one "baby" you can hold back on.

Building a good rapport with people who will take your work further sets up a good future to do the piece you'd like to see done... your way. We've both got theatrical backgrounds so we know the importance of building those relationships.

There's an old story (don't know if it's true) of John Wayne agreeing to do a bunch of westerns if... IF... he could then get the movie "the Quiet Man" made.

djourner 2021-02-27 00:09:49 UTC #8

This is a topic I have daydreamed about before.
Mostly because I hope one day to go pro with my writing, I'm not sure if it will ever reach that point as to have an animation or movie.

On one hand, I love the idea of having an adaptation as it brings in so many more fans than the book ever could. But as you said, the changes are a concern.
I do realize that for some of these things a compromise would be nescessary... Maybe introducing the villain a bit ealier needs to be done because a movie or animation simply doesn't have the luxury of time the books possess... Maybe a character needs to have a different accent because the actor or voice actor can't perform the one you choose... Or some of the tougher questions the characters ask themselves need to not be asked because of audience appeal.

I'm on a similar mindset of sell the rights of script, not the books.
At the same time, some changes are way to damaging, not nescessarily to the plot, but to the overall message of the story, which arguably is more important... If the changes completely misrepresent the story itself, audiences might be too shellshocked to even give the book a try (Percy jackson movies comes to mind), and depending on the changes made the story and plot points might be tainted for future audiences.
Like in my story, any of my character (but especially the main character) would very much be target of the 'couldn't he just be a woman?' and to that i would say no for sure as it changes the core of the dynamic between the main trio and remove most of the the appeal the story has, it would make it look like a generic love triangle. as opposed to a real poly relationship.
In that case might as well pitch the idea to a competitor and say... 'I'm willing to take less money if you don't gut my baby quite as hard.'

Boy... There is a sentence I never thought i'd write.

therosesword 2021-02-27 00:28:59 UTC #9

Something like this pretty much depends on who you're dealing with and a big part on who your rep is and if you're a "llittle guy" (which I pretty much am)

We're only at the screenplay stage, there's much to be done after that, (work that I've been involved with in the past, loathe, and want nothing to do with) which is why I removed myself from writing the screenplay. I was asked if I wanted to but I was already heavily involved in my fantasy series and I know me... if I'm interrupted on something it will not get done. I've got files on my computer of unfinished work because I chose to chase the latest shiny object.

Also, (re: not writing the screenplay myself... something I already know how to do) three factors weighed heavily:

I surmised it was more the concept of the story than the story itself that was of interest which meant if I were to write the screenplay I stood a better than good chance of not hitting the mark.
I didn't want to invest the time. (remember the fantasy series)
(the big factor) I was done with the story. I had said what i wanted to say. I felt nothing needed embellishment (my tastes here) and therefore was willing to "let it go."

I learned a long time ago that you have to let the baby go at some point, at least I do. Also, I never had any intention of trying to sell this as a story for film. Audio yes because that's pretty much what I've been for over 20 years, an audio dramatist. It never crossed my mind to go film wise.. So having it picked up was a big surprise.

I've decided to embrace that surprise and see what happens. If it actually makes it to the screen cool (obviously probably not with the actor I would like). If it morphs into something other than what I wrote, well... I hope it pays enough I can at least fund part of my retirement to Sicily.