The other day I received word from my agent that someone was interested in making a movie out of one of my published books. Is that exciting? Not really. Let me explain.
The wheels of movie making—in my experience—move exceedingly slow. The first time I spoke to the person mentioned above was two and a half years ago. Or longer. I cannot remember. After a couple of conversations I heard nothing. That is not—for me—unusual. Over the years various people have taken film options on my books. It has happened maybe twelve times. One person held an option for eleven years. Another person held an option for three months. (I never learned who) I have a couple of books currently under option. One of them has gone on for five years. Do I ever hear from these folks? Never. Is there money involved? For that three month option I made eight hundred dollars. Over that eleven year option I earned more, but nothing I could live on.
The chief point is no one has ever made a movie with one of my books. I have come close. A film of True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle was two weeks from production, when one of the lead actors (he also had a financial interest in the production) was in a car accident. He was disabled for six months. The production was canceled.
Would I like to have a movie made from one of my books? I have a number of writing friends who have achieved this. Not one of them has said, “I thought they made a good film out of my book.” But all of them have said something like, “It was fun to be part of the process and the release of the movie enhanced the sale of my book.”
Again, would I like to have a movie made from one of my books? Sure. Do I think it will happen? No. Am I excited by the latest possibility? Experience has told me to stay with the keyboard. I am almost finished writing the first draft of a new book. Now that excites me.
8 thoughts on “Movie possibilities”
Pixar would be a good match for PERLOO THE BOLD. WOLF RIDER would be another I’d love to see on the silver screen. Until then, I’ll just have to re-read the books myself.
I still think True Confessions of Charlotte Dole would make a spectacular film. I was sad to learn the movie was cancelled.
While I would love to see a movie of Charlotte Doyle and many others– animated Poppy for example– I too am much more thrilled that there might be a new Avi title in the future. I think the place in my head where I envision what happens in the books is always better than what I get in a movie. There are rare times when the book was not that great, and then the movie can almost redeem it. But I’m sure that would not be one of yours.
AVI: My first novel, MAMA (Boyds Mills Press; paperback) has been in print for over three decades and optioned time and time again. Some of the actresses who were interested in the role are either too old or dead! Yes, the option process goes on and on.
Please just keep writing. I would much rather have more books to read than a new movie. Love your books!
I have to admit, I was terrified when I heard someone was making the True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle into a movie. There is no way the film would have lived up to the high standards in my head. I do hope you get your film, but maybe not that one… But a new book! Yes, please!
Yes, I’d rather see a new book as well. I remember seeing “Guardians of Ga’Hoole” and thinking that, despite the author being listed as a producer or something, it wasn’t very true to the series.
I am 70 plus years old and just finished Crispin The Edge of the World. I couldn’t put it down. And the cover from Thorndike Press is special.