I’ve written a screenplay adaptation of a young adult novel.
The rights to the novel are available, and a one-year option can be had for
a not-cheap but do-able fee. Does it give me any advantage or protection to
option the book myself before shopping the script to studios and production
companies? Obviously what I want to avoid is introducing a buyer to the book
by way of my screenplay and then seeing them pursue the story without me. Would
buyers be just as likely to wait out any option I have if they like the book,
but not my script, as they would be to "steal" the idea if I don’t
option it?
–SP
Most
scripts don’t become movies, and a hundred things could go wrong
in the process. You might end up shouting at people, suing people, or
being shut out. But if you’re really interested in making a movie
from this book, go for it. The only way to never get hurt in the film
business is to never get in the film business.
Have you tried to option the book yourself? Even if it’s out of your
price range, it may be worth trying to forge a relationship with the author,
or at least the author’s agent. If they like your approach to the
material, they’re much more likely to stick up for you down the
road.
If you can’t get the agent to take you at all seriously, then you’re
going to have to get someone more powerful involved. A producer/production
company is one option, as is an attorney working on your behalf. Whatever
happens, remember that a good screenplay has value beyond its produce-ability.
Even if your script never gets made, it may open up other opportunities
for you as a writing sample. But it won’t if you never show it
out of fear.