How Do You Get Film Deals For Your Book?
A book to film adaptation is certainly something that many authors consider after they write a book. But how do you get film deals for your book? If you’re wondering what the process is like to adapt your book into a movie. Or to sell the rights to your novel to a filmmaker.
You’ve come to the right place! At Beverly Boy Productions, we specialize in producing book to film adaptations. As well as a variety of other film and television network productions.
Learn About Your Rights
Before we go into answering the question, “How do you get film deals for your book?” It is important that we help you understand the importance of learning about your rights. And the rights that you’re going to give up.
The wording of your book to film deal can make a major difference in the outcome. As well as in the rights that you will, or will not, retain.
To help you understand the rights that you have and how they pertain in getting your book produced into a movie.
Take a look at the various rights below:
Option Agreement
This provides the filmmaker an option to produce your book into a film and you get paid for allowing them the right to do so.
Additional terms might take away some of your rights. Or will otherwise outline the protections that will (or will not) be afforded to you if you agree to the deal.
Shopping Agreement
This provides the filmmaker with the right to share the idea they have of producing your book into a film. So that they can find financing from a film producer or investor before taking the next step and seeking an option agreement.
The shopping agreement provides limited rights to the filmmaker. And allows you to retain most rights until the later option agreement is entered into.
Green Light
While this is not a particular contract, if your book to film deal is greenlit you can bet it’s going to be produced. You can ask for up to 3% of the production budget as your selling price.
Additional terms may also be set when your book to film deal is greenlit so it’s important to hire an entertainment attorney at this time, or earlier to ensure you know what you’re getting into.
How Do You Get Film Deals for Your Book?
So, how exactly can you go about getting film deals for your book? The process generally varies and depends on your book.
If you have a NY Times Bestseller, you’re likely to be approached by filmmakers that are interested in making your book into a movie. But if you’ve written a less popularized book that you wish to have produced into a film? You’re going to have to shop around.
Finding Representation
Selling your book rights to have a film created can generally be achieved by hiring an agent to work with you. As well as help you pitch your book to film adaptation to producers that are most likely to interest in creating a film that is like your book.
If you’re unsure about hiring an agent, contact the area Film Commission to get details about local agents! They must be licensed and registered. Which can help you to know that they are in fact professional.
The Takeaway
Overall, the process of getting your book made into a movie or film begins with understanding the various rights that you will be granting. And working with an agent to help you connect with filmmakers that would have interest.
It’s a lengthy process. But as you figure out how to get film deals for your book you’ll find you focus more on the offers. And agreements in the contracts that are provided than you do on finding suitable production professionals.
