Do Writers Get a Say When Their Books Are Adapted into Movies?

The question of whether writers retain any influence when their books are adapted into films has been a subject of much debate. In most cases, the answer is a resounding 'not much.' Once the film rights have been sold, the author often finds themselves on the sidelines, having little to no input as the story is transformed for the big screen.

However, some fortunate authors may retain a degree of influence, such as having a hand in writing the screenplay. This is not always guaranteed, and the extent of this involvement very much depends on the contract terms and the personalities involved. If the filmmakers choose to stick closely to the source material, writers are indeed extremely fortunate. Nevertheless, the primary goal is to create a cohesive and engaging film, often leading to significant changes and condensations of the original story.

The magical words that grace the credits might read ‘Based on the novel by,’ but behind the scenes, the writer's role is often reduced to little more than that of an inspiration. The novitiate in screenwriting often results in substantial differences between the book and the film, which can be frustrating for many authors. But hope remains; with the right contract terms and assurances, the writer's voice might still be heard.

The Economics of Adaptation Rights

Adaptation rights are a valuable commodity in the film industry, with the contracts varying in value based on numerous factors. An option for adapting a novel into a film is typically an exclusive right purchased by a producer or production company for a limited period. The value of an option is highly subjective and depends on the success of the novel, the profile of the author, and the genre of the work.

Prices for adaptation rights can range widely. Options often start at around $500 and skyrocket up to $5000, depending on the budget of the potential film. In today's market, the higher the film's budget, the more the production company is willing to pay for the rights. Notably, J.K. Rowling secured a significant sum for the adaptation rights of her 'Harry Potter' series, but she also maintained unprecedented creative control and was able to factor in other benefits within her contract.

The Limited Influence of Writers

Writers typically have the opportunity to sign the contract and say 'yes' or 'no' at this stage. However, this is often the extent of their involvement. From a historical perspective, the filmmakers' interpretation of the source material is often considered infallible. Novelist-turned-screenwriter, if they are involved, can provide valuable input, but even in such cases, the film's needs often take precedence over the author's vision. Screenwriting requires a different set of storytelling techniques, primarily visual and condensed, which means that a writer's verbal and expansive storytelling skills are often not directly applicable.

For instance, Pamela Travers had a notable and persistent presence during the production of 'Mary Poppins,' but such instances are rare and usually only occur when there are specific approval rights written into the contract. In most other cases, the author's input is limited to acknowledging the source material in the credits.

Overall, while the adaptation process can be a rollercoaster for the original author, contracts and the producers' vision often dictate the extent of influence one can have. It is crucial for both authors and filmmakers to have clear contracts that outline the terms of adaptation, including the possibility of screenwriting involvement and the extent of creative control.

Keywords: novel adaptation, film rights, screenplay writing