tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-993649290245605005.post1064439080954323483..comments2024-03-28T12:01:31.049-04:00Comments on Writers Who Kill: Selling an Option for FilmJim Jacksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15090252530437277145noreply@blogger.comBlogger29125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-993649290245605005.post-3784286561602191172014-04-21T23:36:06.980-04:002014-04-21T23:36:06.980-04:00Yes, Polly, I know folks who've made a lot of ...Yes, Polly, I know folks who've made a lot of money from options and never had a movie actually made from their work.Linda Rodriguezhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11913741596693442469noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-993649290245605005.post-75627068729569229192014-04-21T23:35:14.947-04:002014-04-21T23:35:14.947-04:00Thanks, Reine!
KM, Lawrence block probably had no...Thanks, Reine!<br /><br />KM, Lawrence block probably had no say over who played Bernie Rhodenbarr, much as happened with Lee Child and Tom Cruise. I won't have any say in who they cast. I won't have any say in the final version that's filmed. My optimism is because the screenwriter who shares my vision is a partner in the company (very rare in Hollywood), and I think that will protect me from things like that. But there is no legal protection against it.Linda Rodriguezhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11913741596693442469noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-993649290245605005.post-16502550637831951112014-04-21T23:25:02.213-04:002014-04-21T23:25:02.213-04:00How exciting, Linda. Sounds like you did everythin...How exciting, Linda. Sounds like you did everything right. I tried my hand a writing a screenplay of one of my books for a contest. It was a learning experience as words are cut to the minimum, but I'm glad I did it. My very first editor had a few options, and he said what Jim said. They kept reoptioning (if that's a word) the material and kept paying him every time. Best of luck. I'll look forward to hearing more about the movie. Crossing fingers.Polly Iyerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05729656119287702191noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-993649290245605005.post-61934486526031704222014-04-21T22:35:40.052-04:002014-04-21T22:35:40.052-04:00Congratulations, Linda. What a wonderful project!
...Congratulations, Linda. What a wonderful project!<br /><br />I admire your integrity in wanting to stay true to the story. I always wondered what was going through Lawrence Block's mind when he ended up with a movie with his Bernie Rhodenbarr played by Whoppee Goldberg. Although I did think that if Whoppee Goldberg could play a middle aged Jewish man, she must be even a better actress than I'd thought.<br /><br />I wish you all the bes with this adventure.KM Rockwoodhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03973749764907859829noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-993649290245605005.post-46471753948349043952014-04-21T20:59:01.355-04:002014-04-21T20:59:01.355-04:00Linda, I understand, and I think that first hurdle...Linda, I understand, and I think that first hurdle was admirable. All kinds of things may or may not happen, this was well done and worthy of congratulations. World view—so important in everything.Maureen Harringtonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03499876353651763590noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-993649290245605005.post-82721606275161623562014-04-21T19:22:39.889-04:002014-04-21T19:22:39.889-04:00Reine, I don't know for sure if it will ever m...Reine, I don't know for sure if it will ever make it to the screen, but I do believe if it does, it will be something I can be happy with. (It helps that the screenwriter is also Cherokee, even though there are no Cherokee characters in this story. but it means he has a similar worldview.)Linda Rodriguezhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11913741596693442469noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-993649290245605005.post-17455258551354926252014-04-21T19:05:54.909-04:002014-04-21T19:05:54.909-04:00Linda, thanks for posting the story of your proces...Linda, thanks for posting the story of your process of selling an option. You're absolutely right to be careful. I hope this sells and is produced, Because I'm sure it will make a great film. xoxoxoMaureen Harringtonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03499876353651763590noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-993649290245605005.post-23527044155497920302014-04-21T18:24:25.560-04:002014-04-21T18:24:25.560-04:00Thanks, Kara! From your mouth to God's ear!Thanks, Kara! From your mouth to God's ear!Linda Rodriguezhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11913741596693442469noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-993649290245605005.post-60167643799614475162014-04-21T17:54:23.476-04:002014-04-21T17:54:23.476-04:00Congratulations, Linda! How exciting. Thank you fo...Congratulations, Linda! How exciting. Thank you for sharing your story. I'll keep my fingers crossed that we'll be able to see your vision on the screen one day.Kara Cerisehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16484336785514235707noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-993649290245605005.post-54607612052385427482014-04-21T17:33:11.062-04:002014-04-21T17:33:11.062-04:00Thanks so much, Mary!Thanks so much, Mary!Linda Rodriguezhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11913741596693442469noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-993649290245605005.post-66584164543389275642014-04-21T16:27:28.238-04:002014-04-21T16:27:28.238-04:00What exciting news -- and well-deserved reward for...What exciting news -- and well-deserved reward for hard work. <3 Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-993649290245605005.post-78362333707864282902014-04-21T15:52:38.407-04:002014-04-21T15:52:38.407-04:00Gigi, I'd suggest to anyone considering a film...Gigi, I'd suggest to anyone considering a film option that they try to have conversations such as this. However, the reality of the business is that, if you don't know the people involved and if the screenwriter doesn't have a stake in the company (which is rare), you probably won't be able to. *sigh* But I know I was glad that Daniel Woodrell had talked about his process because it informed my own--and perhaps mine can help inform someone else's.Linda Rodriguezhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11913741596693442469noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-993649290245605005.post-77485506817034217792014-04-21T15:22:32.535-04:002014-04-21T15:22:32.535-04:00How exciting! And thanks for sharing the process o...How exciting! And thanks for sharing the process of how this happened for you and that you feel good about how the movie would be carried out. Movie options are such a mystery to me, so it was both cool to read about your success and to learn something :)Gigi Pandianhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15378365974242102657noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-993649290245605005.post-17340494402691249672014-04-21T13:27:19.056-04:002014-04-21T13:27:19.056-04:00Thanks, Gloria! I think the chances are better tha...Thanks, Gloria! I think the chances are better than most film options because the company plans to do a small-budget indie film if they can't get studio interest (which is unlikely because it's not a blockbuster with lots of CGI action). Then they'll do the festival circuit, hoping for awards and recognition that can bring a distribution deal. (Keep in mind, however, that even a small-budget film needs hundreds of thousands or even several million dollars.)Linda Rodriguezhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11913741596693442469noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-993649290245605005.post-59948574311650520922014-04-21T12:38:41.335-04:002014-04-21T12:38:41.335-04:00Congratulations, Linda!!!! That is so awesome and ...Congratulations, Linda!!!! That is so awesome and the fact that you know the screen writer and know he'll stay true to your characters is a real plus. I'll keep my fingers crossed that it will actually make it to the big screen.Gloria Aldenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13581719606924364447noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-993649290245605005.post-10307384505335470172014-04-21T11:33:11.944-04:002014-04-21T11:33:11.944-04:00Thanks, Barb! I will.Thanks, Barb! I will.Linda Rodriguezhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11913741596693442469noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-993649290245605005.post-43226174867578403122014-04-21T10:51:05.522-04:002014-04-21T10:51:05.522-04:00Very cool. Congratulations! And keep us informed, ...Very cool. Congratulations! And keep us informed, of course, if the film becomes a reality.Barb Goffmanhttp://www.barbgoffman.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-993649290245605005.post-89970204613769131842014-04-21T10:42:23.652-04:002014-04-21T10:42:23.652-04:00It is, Edith. I actually just did what Daniel Wood...It is, Edith. I actually just did what Daniel Woodrell said he'd done and had such a happy outcome of--after being burned with earlier books made into films he didn't like. Linda Rodriguezhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11913741596693442469noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-993649290245605005.post-9109921424521831392014-04-21T10:40:09.195-04:002014-04-21T10:40:09.195-04:00Hank, you are such a sweetheart! If it does open, ...Hank, you are such a sweetheart! If it does open, can I get you to substitute for me on the red carpet? That way I'll look fashionable and really attractive and poised without having to get out of my jeans. :-)<br />xoxoxoLinda Rodriguezhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11913741596693442469noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-993649290245605005.post-35663713579196718602014-04-21T10:30:20.188-04:002014-04-21T10:30:20.188-04:00What a thrill, Linda. Thanks for sharing your path...What a thrill, Linda. Thanks for sharing your path. It sounds like you pulled off the deal in a wise and considered way. I hope to be able to see the film!Edith Maxwellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01388006370860482509noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-993649290245605005.post-36004375535195408972014-04-21T10:30:05.452-04:002014-04-21T10:30:05.452-04:00FABULOUS! Whatever happens, congratulations! xxoxo...FABULOUS! Whatever happens, congratulations! xxoxo See you on the red carpet.Hank Phillippi Ryanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17420701704169428286noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-993649290245605005.post-55227612025970221472014-04-21T10:11:37.182-04:002014-04-21T10:11:37.182-04:00Thanks so much, Warren! I tend to write visually, ...Thanks so much, Warren! I tend to write visually, and I've learned that that works well for film, which is concerned more with images even than the dialogue or words.Linda Rodriguezhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11913741596693442469noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-993649290245605005.post-88882874903951075092014-04-21T10:09:30.581-04:002014-04-21T10:09:30.581-04:00Thanks, Shari! Yes, I do feel it's in good han...Thanks, Shari! Yes, I do feel it's in good hands. The story will form the first 2/3 of the movie with some changes that we discussed that will allow an action final act. Necessary for film success, but it will arise out of the story as it is and not be some alien thing grafted on.Linda Rodriguezhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11913741596693442469noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-993649290245605005.post-20965987994734338732014-04-21T09:44:07.136-04:002014-04-21T09:44:07.136-04:00Ha, Jim! I'm not interested in going the Elmor...Ha, Jim! I'm not interested in going the Elmore Leonard path. He wrote a number of his screenplays. I have folks ask me why I don't just write the movie myself. But screenwriting is a whole different field. To think that I'll walk off the street and write a good one is tantamount to all those non-writers who believe they can just toss off a bestselling book during their two-week vacation. Most screenwriters have degrees in it and have worked at their craft for many years--just as we novelists have. I'm happy to let them do what they do best and do what I do best.Linda Rodriguezhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11913741596693442469noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-993649290245605005.post-80538405675343183832014-04-21T09:42:57.661-04:002014-04-21T09:42:57.661-04:00Excellent! I've read your short story and it i...Excellent! I've read your short story and it is cinematic enough to make a wonderful movie. Congratulations! Warren Bullhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07789270258599769915noreply@blogger.com