I think most authors dream of the possibility that one or all of their
books will someday be made into a movie or a TV series. I mean, think about it.
Imagine seeing the characters and the story you created on the big screen or,
more likely these days, on television. What a thrill, right? Not to mention the
money you’d be paid for the movie rights. Sounds too good to be true, doesn’t
it? The fact is, I think it just might be.
Off the top of my head I can only think of two instances where I read a
book, later watched the movie and was pleased with the casting choices and the
way the producers adhered to the storyline. The
Godfather and Gone with the Wind.
I’m sure there are lots of others but, for me, they were the exceptions because
most movies I’ve watched recently, which were adapted from novels I’d read, did
NOT stay true to the book. And, to be honest, that bothers me.
For example, I love the Hallmark mystery movies and I think, overall, they
do a great job producing them. I especially enjoy the movies based on books I haven’t read because watching them is my
introduction to the characters and the story.
However, some of the ones I’ve watched - where I had previously read
the book/s - were disappointing. Why? Because there were too many discrepancies
between what the author wrote and what I was watching. In some cases the
producers omitted elements of the novels that I believed were crucial to the
plot. And, in other cases, their choice of an actor/actors was lacking. The
actor simply was not like the main
character or supporting character I’d grown to love and care about. So, for me,
the movies lost a lot of their appeal.
Well, you might ask, doesn’t the author have a say in choosing the
actors and approving the script? From what I understand, they do and they
don’t. In other words, although their opinions are requested and sometimes honored,
the producers have the final word.
Authors:
Now for the big question: If you were offered the opportunity to have your
books made into movies, would you accept?
Readers:
Given the opportunity to read the book or watch the movie – or both –
which would you choose?
I once attended a conference where one of the speaks was a script writer. He said that almost anyone connected to the movie can ask for changes and get them. He said you might not want to watch the movie that's based on your book. He said the author has very little say-so in what happens with their story. Good advice. With that said, considering the money, I'd probably go for it. (I'm shrugging as I say this.)
ReplyDeleteI'm with you, Marja. I'd probably do the same thing - because of the money and the fact that people who aren't readers would, hopefully, watch the movie/s and benefit from them. One of the main reasons I write.
DeleteTo answer the first question, yes, I'd love to have a film made of one of my books. There are few better ways for an author to be introduced to a wider audience. And--of course--the money would be welcome.
ReplyDeleteSecond, books are (usually) the work of one person. Films are the work of a committee and the author/scriptwriter generally has little to say about the outcome. I enjoy books and film, but I seldom find a film that captures the essence of a book. Two entirely different mediums.
Well said, John. And, who knows? Maybe one of these days one (or more) of your books will be made into a movie. Hope so.
DeleteI'd go for the movie too, but I can't imagine who would play my characters because everyone has their own idea of what your characters look like, and they're not always the same as mine. As a reader, the only movie that is practically word for word from the book is Now Voyager. The TV series I was really disappointed in was the Agatha Raisin mysteries by M.C. Beaton. The main character wasn't anything like the book. So disappointed. And poor Ms. Beaton had no input, so she just had to accept it.
ReplyDeleteEvelyn,
DeleteEach of our characters is unique. I've been asked what actor I pictured playing Ann or Marnie in a movie. Like you, I have no idea!
Dreaming...Movies for mine, and the sooner the better!(smile)
ReplyDeleteI think the British adaptions of some of my idols, (Christie, Marsh, Allingham) are sometimes even better than the books.
That's true, Madeline. Sometimes, the movie is better than the book. As a general rule, I prefer one or the other. But, if your books are ever made into movies, I'll gladly break that rule. :)
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