Film Deal (Not).

Ah bollocks. A month or so ago I got an email from a guy asking me about the film rights for Hilldiggers and, ever since, I was understandably keeping my fingers crossed what with the guy concerned being a story editor from 20th Century Fox. Unfortunately he couldn’t rally up enough interest amidst the executives. It seems that what I need is one or any combination of three things to become attached to said book: talent (I’m presuming we’re talking about some actor here), book-to-film agent or a producer. So if any of you guys know anything about this sort of stuff… It is annoying to google ‘book-to-film agent’ and find, for example, this on one screenplay agency site: Looking for completed feature sci-fi scripts. Only interested in big-budget summer blockbuster-type stories with strong fantastical elements that require lots of special effects. Damn, apart from the fact that none of my books are scripts, the second sentence describes them perfectly. I need to have a look at my screenplay writing stuff and maybe have a pop at it myself. Either that or try to get someone more experienced with this sort of thing onboard. Sigh.

10 thoughts on “Film Deal (Not).

  1. Neal? If possible, try to avoid Fox studios.

    They have the ability to corrupt anything good and turn it into yet another blockbuster movie of the week.

  2. Maybe best to write something yourself? I don't doubt script writing is a skill in itself but you may feel your work is butchered if it's done by someone else.

    Or you may not give a fuck and just run off into the sunset giggling and waving a big fat cheque.

    Don't know if I'd want to see the Skinner on film. I'd really hate my enjoyment of the Spatterjay books ruined by a shite transfer. Just maybe Peter Jackson and Weta could do them justice. Mind you King Kong was pish.

  3. cj, when it comes to something like this there's no guarantee of anyone doing it right, so I'd take my chances and a cheque.

    Paul, I posted about this before (I think). I'd love to see a CGI sail from The Skinner and I also think Cowl would translate well. With the Cormac books … maybe a miniseries: one season per book. (Then I woke up and it was time to get back to work)

    I'm looking into it Olaf but, as I've said elsewhere. Do I work at something speculative, or do I work at what I know pays.

  4. It's probably best to try and find a screenwriter, Neal: you could end up wasting six months on writing a script, when you could have used that time (as you pointed out) to write another book, that would pay your way onto some ex-pat beach with wall-to-wall sun, sand and beer in the afternoon.

    I'd also try and find a specific film agent too – the agent would probably end up hooking you up with a writer.

    I went to a "business of screenwriting" seminar with Julian Friedmann a year or so ago, and unless you're 100% happy with extremely legalese documentation then a film contract will befuddle you.

  5. Well it's in your head now and no way to get it out. The back of your brain might well work on something for you while you do the day job.

    you'll have an epiphany in the shower or on the crapper.

  6. I have to admit Hilldiggers is a fucking topper of a book. I was debating whether to buy it, I hated the name and the blurb didn't thrill me either but I thought hell it neal, I'll give it a go. REALLY glad I did.

    Drake Bodan.

  7. I’d love to see it cgi animation orrr a film . Agent cormac AND Spatterjay oooooh yes now that I would love to see. If you could get cgi animation it will show what an awesome writer you are and how it translates the amazing characters you have created . Netflix or Amazon I recon but that’s just my opinion and thought not expertise I’m afraid

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