I'm the author of twelve traditionally published novels. While I've sold enough to keep my small publisher coming back for more, my sales are far from best seller status. I'm writing a screenplay based on one of my novels. Since the sales aren't spectacular, should I mention that the screenplay is based on a novel when shopping the script, or just brush it under the rug? Would it be advisable to keep the same title or retitle it? Any thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks in advance!
Screenwriting : Book to Screenplay by Thom Reese
Book to Screenplay
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Hi Thom- for what's worth- I think keeping the title would be useful. Especially as it would be considered "IP". and if that title worked for you the first time, I'd say no reason it won't work again! That's my take anyway.
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That you have earlier been able to sell a lot means that you are a better storyteller than most screenwriters. So you should tell that your screenplay is based on a novel.
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Projects based on IPs (intellectual properties) are now their own economy within the film/TV ecosystem. Even if the numbers aren't great, having a property that is already out there means that there is a pre-existing audience that a company's marketing team can utilise when building up hype and marketing the adaptation.
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@Thom I second Ewan’s comment. Also, pre existing I.P gets more leverage with regard to the rights of any film.
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I would definitely mention the book. It can't hurt interest in a screenplay. My novel, FIREMAN DOWN, is my latest novel and I also wrote the screenplay. I have pitched it a few times to mediocre reviews. So, I went back to the computer and edited the script based on reviewers' suggestions that I agreed with. First and foremost, it was 136 pages. Just too long. So, I cut out 36 pages. The reviews were better, but it still needed work. At the moment I am busy producing my new TV show. But I will get back to it. My advice is let everyone know your script is based on your novel. All the best!
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I adapted my screenplays into novels Thom Reese
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Agreed with most about letting people know it's based on a novel. Good luck, Thom!