ASK & DISCUSS
INDEXAdapting a stage play for screen
11 years ago - Matt Jamie
Does anyone have experience of adapting a stage play for screen in terms of what the appropriate contract/terms might be used, and how copyright works on the adapted script? The screenplay would be likely to be "based on" the play rather than a literal adaptation so I'm also interested in how much "creative freedom" one might have or how much the playwright might still have control over...? I have a working relationship with the author already so it's not a total unknown approaching, but I'd be interested to know what experience people have had and what the challenges are.
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11 years ago - Matt Jamie
(I'm looking here at "optioning" the play from the writer, in essence, not asking the playwright to write the screenplay for me)
Response from 11 years ago - Matt Jamie SHOW
11 years ago - Paddy Robinson-Griffin
You can agree whatever terms you want, just make sure they're clear and when it gets to the point of going into production you get the whole chain of title formalised via a media lawyer (it'll be critical later)
Response from 11 years ago - Paddy Robinson-Griffin SHOW
11 years ago - Marlom Tander
As a writer, I'd strongly suggest sitting down with potential writers who have read (or, better still, SEEN) the play and not letting any of them start work until everyone is agreed that their approach is one you like. And you must start with the assumption that it will be a BASED ON because film is a different medium. If turns out that Literal works best, fine, but as an objective, it would be a straightjacket.
On a business note, be clear up front when any money kicks in. Will you be able to pay the chosen writer for his first draft? Or do you want it all on spec?
Response from 11 years ago - Marlom Tander SHOW