ASK & DISCUSS
INDEXDoes anyone have any real life experience optioning a short story?
10 years, 5 months ago - Abbie brandon
I'd love to hear from people who have actually been through all or part of the process of optioning a short story to be adapted into a short film. It would be great to hear about the process and costs involved. I've heard about the Stephen King shorts being sold for a dollar, but I'm keen to hear a more typical account. No doubt experiences and costs will vary, but it would be great to hear a few of those straight from the horse's mouth.
Thanks in advance.
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10 years, 5 months ago - Lee 'Wozy' Warren
From my experience with full novels, every deal is different. There isn't a rule of thumb from what I have gleaned. Never optioned a short though!
Personally on a short I'd probably offer a small amount as there is no money for you to re-coup any investment when you make and try to market the short film...
Response from 10 years, 5 months ago - Lee 'Wozy' Warren SHOW
10 years, 5 months ago - Paddy Robinson-Griffin
I've tried to option a novel for a feature script - spent months dealing with a useless agent and finally got fed up and walked away when they weren't even relaying messages to the author accurately.
Shorts are rarely commercial, so offer low for a non-exclusive right.
Response from 10 years, 5 months ago - Paddy Robinson-Griffin SHOW