Ask The Agent
What’s Jack up to? He’s happy it’s Friday and ready for a fun filled day of play and bouncing around. Slow down Jack. It’s still way early.
Here’s this week’s Ask the Agent post with fab agent Elaine Spencer from The Knight Agency. Today she’s talking film rights! Very Interesting.Will a literary agent be more likely to gain a movie option for me than my small publisher?
A lot of authors have a lot of questions about film rights. Typically we find that these sub rights are an area where many authors have unrealistic expectations and misconceptions. A forewarning, my answer to this question is going to sound pessimistic. Unfortunately I feel this is a case where regardless of the pleasantness of the truth its something that needs to be said.
It often seems that authors fall into the trap of believing if their manuscript has the stuff to be turned into a novel, then naturally that novel would also make a great movie. This is just not the case.
To begin to understand why this is, one needs to have an in-depth understanding of the film business. While the ins and outs are far too complicated for me to explain here, (and in all honesty much more all-encompassing than I even understand) the best way to explain it is that it is a VERY different market than the publishing business. People need to remember that as with any differing markets the needs and demands for each are separate and unique to their own individual market. Its absurd to assume that what works with one is naturally going to work for the other.Plain and simple, you might in fact have the best book in the world, but unless the specifics of your story perfectly align with the needs of a production company, it is going to be a one in a million shot that you will find someone who is going to invest the time and money in making your book come to life.Books are unique in the fact that a large part of what makes them special is the individual voice and style that a reader finds as they travel the pages. We’ve heard it before, but its nearly impossible to find a “new story” – most novels these days are in some form or another the retelling of a formula that has been done before. It is the new tone and style that the author weaves into the pages that make it a new story. To translate that tone and voice off of the page and onto the screen is a very difficult task, so while something may feel magical on paper, when it goes “live” it may instead end up feeling very “done”.As to the specifics of your question, is an agent more likely to find you a deal than a small publisher. That depends on the agent I suppose. I can tell you that the Knight Agency (as similar with many other comparable literary agencies) is not looking to take on “film rights” to a project that has already been published. I can also tell you that when we are looking to sign on a new client, the salability of film rights associated with a prospective clients’ projects are far down the list of things we are concerned about. We are a literary agency and so our number one concern is the literary rights.Keeping that in mind, I don’t want to give off the false impression that we don’t work the film rights on behalf of our clients. We do, and we have seen great success in the sale of several notable projects this year alone. However, we do this in association with a film-agent. We know that we don’t know the film market as well as a film-agent will, so we pair ourselves with partners that become advocates on behalf of our clients interests in the film/TV industry.Whenever we are negotiating a book contract we try in as many instances as possible to retain the film rights for a project. We believe that we will in fact be more aggressive of these sub-rights than the publisher simply because we have an invested interest in the overall career growth of our authors on a more one-on-one basis than many publishers do. (And I’m not saying that publishers aren’t interested in film rights, I’m just asserting that a publisher’s number one concern is selling a profitable book).So in the case that we retain the rights, we then put together a film-rights list that we will in turn offer to a variety of film agents of varying specialties. Out of these rights, after having been reviewed, film agents typically are only interested in seeing @20% of the projects we offer to them. Again this is because they are using their expertise and they know that the project isn’t going to be sale-able to a production company (much in the same regard that literary agents only take on a small portion of projects pitched to them, believing that they will be unable to find an editor interested in buying the others). A film agent may fall in love with a book, but that doesn’t mean they are going to be able to sell the rights. You know how editors have standard rejections such as “I just didn’t fall in love”? Well In many cases film agents have these same response, the projects they see are too “soft” or lack the “high-concept” demanded by the film industry’s needs.Here it is also important that film agents, regardless of their specialty are going to be more inclined to look at a certain type of story. It is nearly impossible to sell the film rights to a straight Romance. And a thriller has to be amazingly different to stand out from the thousands of other thriller movies that have already been made. While this is frustrating it only makes sense when you really think about it. To write a good book it is important that authors follow certain conventions and rules, these rules and conventions then in turn work against you in the film business, hence the whole other business of “screen-writing” and the ability to use different rules.So in conclusion and in summary; Can an agent sell your rights more effectively than a small press? Probably. But I’m only saying this because I’m betting your small press most likely doesn’t have a very expansive department working your film rights as it wouldn’t be a profitable venture. Most importantly; Can an agent sell your film rights? Probably not, and if that is what is most important to you, perhaps you should re-evaluate the field you are writing in.So there it is. Thanks so much to Elaine. Please post your questions and comments in the comment section and we’ll see you next week.Best,KwanaShear Striaght
What’s Jack up to? He’s rocking out to Guitar Hero down in the basement as I’m typing this right now. Seems there’s no escaping it this summer since the DS in on some Guitar Hero quest. Sigh. Jack would like to go to sleep now and so would I.
On Shear Genus they have 1 hour to style the hair of women, some of whom have not cut it since maybe birth. And they are not allowed to cut any of it. Crazy. When judge Campbell used the word bridal on Charlie I thought he’d throw up in his mouth. Then he told Nicole she had six minutes and left could she take her style in another direction. As if?
Matthew was the winner of the challenge and he dedicated the win to his wife who he evidently styles hair with side by side. Everyone wanted to toast him, well suck up to him but Matt wanted none of it and had to be coaxed into the suckery.
Then for the elimination challenge it was red carpet hair and the stylists picked dresses before picking clients. Matthew took the opportunity to go on and on about how much he loves his wife again. We get it. You’re a male hair dresser, but you’re not gay. No need no say it again, Matthew. We’re not demanding video proof. It’s not that deep. If you say it a few more times I really won’t believe you.Matthew got to pick the order of who would choose their dresses and Nicole and Glenn were picked last. We see you didn’t suck up properly the night before
Matthew mentions his wife again and now I’m getting skeptical. And he just called Charlie a b$tch which makes me even more skeptical. I must read David Dust’s take on this.Daniel seems to have had too much coffee because he is way pumped up and nervous and making Rene nervous too. Eek.
The models have to walk out of a limo and down a red carpet in the daylight. Very unforgiving.Glenn, Charlie and Gail are the top 3. The winner was…Charlie! What tha-! Again?
The bottoms are Nicole, Matthew and Paulo. The loser is…Matthew. His final words? Something about how much he loves his wife and can’t want to get home to shag, maybe? Blah, blah, blah. Now I’m really not believing his story and I can’t stop laughing. I’d better watch out for that bolt of lightning that’s sure to strike me any moment. Poor on the DL Matt. Buh-Bye.
Best,
KwanaP.S.
The DS must have been reading my blog (see below) I’m deep into Highlander Bride at last night’s baseball game and what do I hear as he’s about to go up to bat in his Peter Brady hi-low voice but, “Mom, mom are you paying attention?” Sigh.Oh boy was I in trouble. But he had a great game. 3 base hits and they won I think 12 to 4 or something like that. It’s me ya know. I could be wrong about the score, but they did win.I’m no soccer mom
What’s Jack up to? I’ve decided Jack has way too many stuffed toys. Every time I turn around he’s underfoot with another toy for me to play fetch. Who has who trained here?
I’m trying to come to terms with my soccer mom, well baseball mom, status. My DS is on a travel baseball team this summer that has me constantly up and down the road. Ugh! Now it may not win me any prizes, but I really no soccer mom. Most times when I’m at the field my nose is usually buried in a romance book or I’ve got my lap top out and I’m hiding in my car. I just don’t quite fit in with the other Ubermoms that know all the kid’s names and the stats and have extra waters, Gatorade and ice packs at the ready. I never quite have it that together. Sue me.
Oh well. We all have our gifts I guess. To that end on the way to a game the other day I was feeling very 80’s and played this for the DS over and over while I sang at the top of my lungs. He laughed and tied to out sing me.
I think for today’s game we may rock this (thanks Megan):
I may not be a baseball mom but I know good music. That should get me some points. Right?
Best,
KwanaWell, well, well…
What’s Jack up to? He’s very barky at every little car that drives by as I’m typing this tonight. Feeling feisty Jack?
Well, I really don’t know what to say. The snowboarding, the jackets, the wings? Ugh!
All I can say in the end is that this video is for you Mel…Till another season…another show. Hey Project Runway is coming soon!
Best,
KwanaP.S. scrool down for cleanse update sigh…
Monday Monday
What’s Jack up to? He’s getting over the 4th of July weekend activities by relaxing. Big fun was had by man and beast alike.
So I made it for 5 days in the 21 day cleanse. Not so good huh? The July 4th holiday totally derailed me. I caved and had a cocktail or 2, okay three. Sigh…
Oh well. Then when it came down to the stupid cleanse or dinner with lovely friends. I went for dinner with friends and neighbors. Besides our electricity went out. A sure sign from God to head on out of the house and congregate with the friends and neighbors and a wee bit of cheese. I’m not sorry either. I will say I triumphed over coffee and sugar. I have not had any and I’m dying for some. Check out the video below blatantly stolen from Dooce. Just plug in the word coffee for cookie and it perfectly describes how I feel.I actually got a lot out of my few days on the cleanse. I didn’t lose an ounce, but I got a slightly clearer mind and a renewed energy toward my WW goals. I will be back to a meeting this week and back on track with that. So there’s a plus. And I know I’ll be eating cleaner. I also fell in love with Trader Joe’s gluten free pancakes and Morning Star farms veggie burgers and sausages. Who would have thunk that?
Till tomorrow. Who knows what track I’ll be on?
Best,
KwanaP.S.
It’s the big Bachelorette finale tonight. Will it be the roaming life or the ready made family for DeAnna? Oh and I hear Jeremy is not out for the count yet. Hmm…What I’m Watching… The joy!
What’s Jack up to? Getting over the July 4th festivities. Oh the hangover!
So check out what I finally got out of the library. I only had to wait forever.
With such horribly campy lines as “I shot the sheriff” and “No, you shot the deputy.” I had to wonder who was writing this thing and what were they thinking?Then the question arises why would I watch something with lines this bad?
Need I say more?
Best,Kwana
Happy Independence Day!
What’s Jack up to? Just chillin’ by the grill today for the 4th of July BBQ! We hope you have a great July 4th. Stay cool!! Jack will.
Since it’s the holiday today we’re talking a break from Ask The Agent. Fab Agent and I will be back next week. Have a wonderful holiday weekend. Enjoy yourself and have loads of fun.
Enjoy your Independence!How much do I love this movie?! Wayyy too much.
Best,
Kwana
P.S.
If you missed any past Ask the Agent posts please click on the Ask the Agent label to the right or below to read the old posts. They are great. Elaine gives loads of insight into the agent’s mind.
Shearly Perfect
What’s Jack up to? A person would never know that Jack went to obedience training with the way he tries to attack all delivery men and workers that come to my house. I do apologize to the electricians that came by and got scared out of their wits by my Yorkie yesterday. I swear he’s all bark. Well mostly.
First off I just want to say: I WANT COFFEE!!!!!! WITH MILK AND SUGAR!!!! A big ol super iced coffee from Dunkin Donuts would be nice and heavenly. Freakin herbal tea ain’t cuttin’ it. Can you tell I’m getting cranky in the cleanse? And in further proof the DH only occasionally scans my blog, and only half listens to me, he came home with an ice coffee for me from Starbucks last night. What a sweet DH enabling he is. Crack would have been easier to resist. But resist I did. UGH!!! Lord help me! Ok rant over. See me in 10 minutes for my next rant.
Yay for Sheer Genius! It’s still so much fun.
The shortcut challenge was taking clients hair from long to short and Daniel as the winner last week picked first and the order. Then before time ran out Jaclyn said scissors down and the guest judge, the witch Tabitha from last season arrived full of vim and venom. Screech!
I loved all the back talk on the walk through with Tabitha. My what a talkative crew this is! The Shortcut winner was Charlie but I thought it should have been Nicole the runner up.The elimination Challenge causes squeals of delight. It’s the Real Housewives of Orange County! Daniel turns out to be a total groupie and a bit nuts, dressing to watch Lauri’s wedding on TV. I love that amount of crazy.
The housewives are lots of fun to watch especially Vicki who seems thrilled to be back in the spotlight again. Whoo Hoo!
Kim Vo coined the phrase Blonderexic last night if I heard correctly while crunching on my sugar free energy bite. Perfect. As if he’s one to talk.
The Winner of the challenge was Charlie! It was his night.
The loser this week is…Parker. But not before Daniel has a little melt down and Charlie is a witchy. Ouch!Best,
KwanaShiny and New
What’s Jack up to? He’s trying to get used to having the kids around most of the day. I know it’s strange, huh, Jack. I’m trying to figure the whole thing out too.So I’ve been consumed with thoughts lately of the whole cleansing thing that been all over the place. On Oprah, and I’ve had friends do their own version and then this past week the cleanse idea has been popping up all over the blogs with Dooce giving it a go and making it about 8 valiant days and Isuwannee saying she wants to give it a try too.So since it’s been so on my mind I woke up yesterday morning feeling like today’s the day. As if that would be so easy. But I’ve been feeling so sluggish and run down that I felt that I needed some sort of jump start to get me on track.
The idea is to eliminate: sugar, caffeine, alcohol, gluten and animal products. I seem to be able to make it though most of a day pretty well, but by dinner I’m dying for some meat. So I’m doing the gently leaning in thing that Kathy Freston talked about and taking it slow.What do you all think of all this crazy cleanse talk, anybody gave it a try?Best,KwanaColor Me Shocked!
What’s Jack up to? Things are heating up so Jack’s been lounging around a bit. He’s like me when it comes to the heat. Ugh.
Well, well, well, I don’t really know what to say about last night’s Bachelorette. How could DeAnna get rid of Jeremy and not Jesse? Man, I just don’t understand love. You know it’s good TV when you’re Nana calls you screaming, “What the–!”I know there are quite a few of you out there that called Jesse from the beginning (Mel) but I just could not see it and still can’t. Is DeAnna going to follow him around the slopes and live all willy nilly happy with whatever he wants to do once he grows up? And the wings. I can’t even start on the wings! Somebody get me some clippers!At this point I say take whoever you want DeAnna. More power to ya girl. Will it be the man/boy who is not quite ready to grow up or the ready made family? Talk about apples and oranges.Sidebar: I have a feeling with Jeremy we’re looking at the next Bachelor. What do you think?
Best,Kwana
