How Do I get My Book Made into a Movie?
Like most authors, I really, really want my book made into a movie, and I also believe, like most authors, that I have a unique story that lends itself to a screenplay.
The question is how do I get my book in the hands of the perfect Hollywood producer who will fall in love with my story?
First, let me tell you what happened to me on the day I launched my first book: Freeways to Flip-Flops: A Family’s Year of gutsy Living on a Tropical Island.
I received a phone call from an associate producer of a new TV talk show scheduled to air in the Fall. They found me online by Googling keywords like family/travel/adventure/gutsy. Marianne, the associate producer prepped me for the show, and although things were changed at the last minute, she helped me develop a pitch and suggested I contact (GMA) Good Morning America. Here was the pitch she developed for me: “I took my affluent teenagers to live in the jungle.” I followed her advice but had no luck with (GMA).
But I won’t give up, so I’ve been spending time listening to webinars on how to get your book made into a movie and all of them have asked me to pay a fee for either:
Turning my book into a screenplay or
Guaranteeing that my material will be reviewed by producers without the need of an agent. All I have to do is purchase a set of books and videos (offered at a one-time special low fee) that will help me prepare a 3-5 page in depth description and analysis of my book and capture the attention of real producers.
I asked an award-winning playwright if this is how I should proceed and she said:
“The way this usually works is the producer should be the one paying to option your book, not the other way around. And there would need to be a written option agreement between you.”
She added:
“Unless the person is clearly a working screenwriter in Hollywood with LOTS of connections, even if he wrote the script, the chances he could get it produced are small. You think the publishing world is tough? Hollywood is worse.”
I have come to the conclusion that the best way to get your movie in the hands of a producer, is to either:
Know a Producer
Have a contact in the film industry who knows a producer, or who is close friends with an agent/producer/someone in the business
Have a bestseller if you’re indie-published, which will bring attention to your book; think Amanda Hocking
If you have a literary agent, have them help you with their film agent contacts
Make things happen yourself through networking at conferences, asking people you meet.
In a article by Warren Adler in the Huffington Post, Warren states:
“It is difficult to explain this reality to an eager questioner who believes he or she has created a work of genius. My usual answer is to advise them to find a way to attract the attention of the “Hollywood agentry,” those intrepid and seasoned soldiers whose experience and contacts are geared to gain the attention of stars, producers, studios, writers and the entire gaggle of entrepreneurs who put their judgment on the line and find the money to reach the entertainment marketplace.”
“The real future for novelists may be in venues yet to come made possible by technology that might be just beginning to emerge.”
I am curious what Warren means in this last statement. Sounds interesting.
Warren Adler, best known for “The War of the Roses” garnered outstanding box office and critical success with Golden Globe, BAFTA and multiple award nominations internationally, Adler went on to sell movie and film rights for 12 books, all noted for his character driven and masterful storytelling.
Here is another article I found helpful, “Turn You Book Into a Movie: Tips and Guidelines.”
Even in this article, they stress the importance of contacts.
“In any business, it’s important to make great contacts. If you’ve got big dreams of being a Hollywood blockbuster writer, then it may be time to launch yourself full-on into the Tinsel Town community.”
(Please note, I’m an indie author who is passionate about marketing and sharing with other indie authors on my blog. Please join our Gutsy Indie Publishers Facebook Group where we welcome you to ask questions.
If you’d like links to webinars on this topic, please e-mail me at: Sonia@soniamarsh.com
I hope you join me in Making things happen yourself through networking at conferences, and asking people you meet.
I refuse to give up.
What about you?
