Adaption of a book to Screenplay - Optioning a NOVEL

GPS7PRO

GPS7PRO

Hello,

I have been working with an author of a book and converting it into a screenplay.

The author agrees to pay money for a first draft, second draft, and wants me to be a part of it all the way to the end.

I am wondering if anyone knows the steps I should take to keep my intellectual property and also to keep the author happy as I might change certain parts of the story to bring it to the big screen or to push it as a screenplay for funding or sold.

I am not an accomplished screenwriter but I am a good writer. I would like for this to make it.

and I would like to get paid and credit.

Let me know if you have any thoughts please

Thanks All

- GPS007
 
Get a lawyer, draw up a contract that gives you copyright of the screenplay and screen credit as first writer. Without a contract, you're building on sand.
 
GPS7PRO said:
I am wondering if anyone knows the steps I should take to keep my intellectual property and also to keep the author happy as I might change certain parts of the story to bring it to the big screen or to push it as a screenplay for funding or sold.
Click to expand...
Yep, draw up a contract.

Of course you can't, by contract, keep the original author happy but you can
establish the steps to payment, who owns the copyright of the script and
screen credit.
 
GPS7PRO said:
I am not an accomplished screenwriter but I am a good writer
Click to expand...
Novel writing and screenwriting are very different so make sure you read plenty of pro screenplays and understand the art of screenwriting.

These articles will help:

Screenwriting is Not Novel Writing
http://reelauthors.com/script-analysis-coverage/screenwriting-is-not-novel-writing.php

Stay in Present Tense and Active Voice
http://reelauthors.com/script-analysis-coverage/stay-in-present-tense-and-active-voice.php

Keep Descriptions Brief and Tight
http://reelauthors.com/script-analysis-coverage/keep-descriptions-brief-and-tight.php

...the above website has 40+ pro screenwriting articles that will be helpful to you
 
directorik said:
Yep, draw up a contract.

Of course you can't, by contract, keep the original author happy but you can
establish the steps to payment, who owns the copyright of the script and
screen credit.
Click to expand...

I called a entertainment lawyer, and she wants $750 for writing up a contract.

I wonder if I can write up a good contract myself and have a good plan for being paid as progress is made. Also to keep the credit as the screenwriter.


I wish I had a knowledgable producer that would work with me on all my projects.
 
GPS7PRO said:
I wonder if I can write up a good contract myself and have a good plan for being paid as progress is made. Also to keep the credit as the screenwriter.
Click to expand...
$750 is about right for a good contract.

Yes, you can draw up a contract that will hold up in court. Better
than having nothing if any agreement goes awry.
 
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