During the pandemic, film productions stopped for the most part. Theaters were closed. Television programs were put on hold. Streaming content was at an all time high in demand but low in supply. More than ever though, aspiring and established authors sat down to write. As a result, we have seen a substantial movement of book rights being acquired and adapted to theatrical, broadcast and on demand content adaptations. The genre of films and television programs, based on true stories has always been popular but is even more so. The author, due to this pent up demand, also has a wider range of options in credits, creative control, licensing, royalties and revenue sharing in the contracts being negotiated.

Not every book necessarily lends itself to a film or television adaptation but many do. There are those who may instead pursue the educational, webinar, speaking, live/virtual event or professional industry platforms. Nevertheless, it is very important to consider, as an author, all of your creative rights, the strategic order of delivery of your book and its adaptation to other media, the funding mechanisms, the various distribution outlets and the book-to-film or film-to-book potentials. Having a publisher who also has the film contacts and experience, in additional to the entertainment law and industry knowledge, gives an author the extra leverage to maximize all assets of one’s project.

As with writing a book, the marketing strategy of your film adaptation starts in the development and pre-production. The audience, the budget, the story and so much more is analyzed beforehand. With an appropriate consultation, overview and research, you can be assured success vs. never having your book and/or film seen, let alone made.

As a film strategist, I invite you to reach out and discuss a potential adaptation of a book you’ve already written or published. However, if you’ve not yet begun your book or are in the initial stages, let’s consider all of your options now.