Dear writer's team!
I need your input and clarification about using a book and turn it into a script.
1- When do you use "based on" and "inspired from"? I'm currently working on a project where the world and certain characters are front the book but the arc of the story and the ending isn't the same then the book. What terminology should I use?
2- In this case, what type of agreement or contract should I ask for? the book was written in 1968.
Thanks for your help and insight.
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Great question! If I remember correctly, "Based on" refers to a manuscript, so "based on the best-selling novel by Stephen King" whereas "inspired by" would refer to a real event or person that may only be written up in articles and magazines, maybe public records to pull from. That is to say "inspired by true events" or we're not basing this screenplay on a previously narrative version of this story.
As for a contract, you should really consult a lawyer - such things should not be generalized for your safety and benefit.
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Hello Rita, just to say the above from Karen is correct. I would also add, and this is my opinion only (so I could be wrong), but ‘inspired from’ would refer to a term the original author or writer would use regarding the story. If you’re adapting a book then the script would be ‘based on’ said book. Hope that helps. Defo hire a lawyer for contracts and finer details!
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Awesome, thank you so much for that confirmation, Annaliese Morgan! Always good to get a consensus.
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I agree with Karen and Annaliese, also keep in mind you'd probably need the rights to the book or copyright permission before selling your project.
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Hi Rita Lamotte. I'm in the process of doing this myself for some of my thriller novels. Good luck with it. I absolutely agree with Annaliese Morgan, you'll need a lawyer to get you through the finer details, the last thing you want to do is get sued!
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Hi further author do any of you guys know how I can turn my book into a movie it’s called pressure of success
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Hi Karen. I have written a screenplay about my Great Grandparents, I had to make a lot up and build a story around the truth of their story, so I always say it's based on the true story of my Great Grandparents.
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https://screencraft.org/blog/is-your-script-based-on-or-inspired-by-a-tr... This may help...
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Rita - Without the rights to the book, a producer could buy those rights and then cut you out of the process. That might have already happened. Do you know if the rights are currently available?
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Sorry, just realised, I should have addressed my comment to Rita lol.