Is an Original screenplay worth more to ones writing career than an Adapted screenplay? Does one have more value over the other?
Original vs. Adapted Screenplay
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Re: Original vs. Adapted Screenplay
Here's a question. Let's say you're trying to get an assignment doing an adaptation. Does the fact that you've only written original ideas before play a part in whether you get hired? By that I mean, do the producers usually consider whether you've ever done an adaptation as an important part of the decision?
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Re: Original vs. Adapted Screenplay
Originally posted by emily blake View PostHere's a question. Let's say you're trying to get an assignment doing an adaptation. Does the fact that you've only written original ideas before play a part in whether you get hired? By that I mean, do the producers usually consider whether you've ever done an adaptation as an important part of the decision?
But I heard this back in film school, and can't remember the exact source, so I don't want to wager on what percentage of producers/studio execs actually care about such things.
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Re: Original vs. Adapted Screenplay
Originally posted by emily blake View PostHere's a question. Let's say you're trying to get an assignment doing an adaptation. Does the fact that you've only written original ideas before play a part in whether you get hired? By that I mean, do the producers usually consider whether you've ever done an adaptation as an important part of the decision?
Both are valuable skills to have, and having a writing sample of each (just like having a spec TV show and an original pilot for television) is ideal... but for the record I've never seen a writer with a great original script not get a job on an adaptation (or vice versa). This is strictly in a, "Gee, wouldn't it be nice" way, not in a "this is a rule and you must have both or you'll never get the job" kind of way.
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Re: Original vs. Adapted Screenplay
In my case I have a choice. I wrote a screenplay about a guy and he is still writing his book. I have had a couple of hours of video interviews, personal and telephone conversations and have read his 80 journal pages so it's definitely not an adaptation because there wasn't a book when I wrote the screenplay. The "guy" would love it to say "adapted from the book" but I think I'd rather be credited as the writer of an original screenplay.
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Re: Original vs. Adapted Screenplay
Originally posted by iDV8 View PostIn my case I have a choice. I wrote a screenplay about a guy and he is still writing his book. I have had a couple of hours of video interviews, personal and telephone conversations and have read his 80 journal pages so it's definitely not an adaptation because there wasn't a book when I wrote the screenplay. The "guy" would love it to say "adapted from the book" but I think I'd rather be credited as the writer of an original screenplay.
Still, The Social Network is considered an adaptation.
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Re: Original vs. Adapted Screenplay
Originally posted by iDV8 View PostIn my case I have a choice. I wrote a screenplay about a guy and he is still writing his book. I have had a couple of hours of video interviews, personal and telephone conversations and have read his 80 journal pages so it's definitely not an adaptation because there wasn't a book when I wrote the screenplay. The "guy" would love it to say "adapted from the book" but I think I'd rather be credited as the writer of an original screenplay.
sometimes adaptations are more marketable b/c they already have an audience who's read the story. i know yours is not that case but... if they came out simultaneously then you will definitely fare better in ticket sales.
however, true stories can also be more marketable than fiction. you have a really intriguing story. good luck with that.
Jaws is another example of near simultaneous novel & film release.
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