Tips on Books to Movies

What writer would not feel like a dream came true if a movie producer approached her and said, "I've read your book. It's just the story I've been looking for to make a feature film."?  Like any other news that seems too good to be true, it just might be. Proceed with caution. 

Still a novice in this arena, I cannot offer a lot of advice, but I feel qualified by my  personal experience to give three essential pieces of advice.  1) When you have an offer by a producer to make your book into film, and all you have to do is sign over the rights, do a thorough background check on the producer's qualifications and prior credits before agreeing to anything. 2) Get an agent, someone who knows the business well and will protect your interest in negotiating a contract. 3) Get your money up front. Do not agree to signing over rights on the promise that you will be paid later, when the film goes into principal photography, for example. 

There are many different types of contracts, and there are standard minimum payments set up by the Screen Writers Guild that you may use for guidelines. However, a large sum is no better than a small one if you never receive it. Even worse if you've lost chances to have the movie made elsewhere. 

Educate yourself. There are many good books on scriptwriting and filmmaking available. One important sentence in some I've read declare, "Any legitimate producer will pay in advance" for the option agreement and/or the film rights.  Familiarize yourself with how the industry works BEFORE you meet with the producer and his attorney or agent to draw up the contract. It is well worth it to hire your own representative to protect your rights.