Writer's Digest

Film and Audio Rights 101

Publishing a book is a huge accomplishment. Once that’s done, though, thoughts turn to other things, such as film and audio rights.

Film deals don’t come along for every book, but if you do have film/TV interest, a contract should include such information as option money and purchase price, royalties, and the time frame for the option.

It’s the norm for a deal to include both film and TV rights. The producer will determine which of those is the right venue for the project. They can’t have someone trying to make a TV series out of something they are working on for film at the same time. Think of it like this: Your book wasn’t published by two publishers at the same time. One publisher bought your book and some subsidiary rights along with it. It’s a similar scenario for film/TV rights, although sometimes the license may be for just scripted rights or just unscripted rights.

There are

You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

More from Writer's Digest

Writer's Digest2 min read
Yourstory
THE CHALLENGE: Write a drabble—a short story of exactly 100 words—based on the photo prompt below. By Meriah Osterhout of Pepperell, Mass. A rancid smell seeps into the Aegean Sea. Keadia, a sea nymph, is miles away but senses the passing ship’s leak
Writer's Digest3 min read
Poetic Asides
Writing poetry is very helpful for processing emotions. Fall head over heels in love? Write a poem. Tumble down the stairs of a broken heart? Write a poem. Get in a heated argument? Write a poem. Dealing with the aftermath of a tragic event? Write a
Writer's Digest2 min read
Characterizing Through Relationships
Today is her forty-fifth birthday. She finds it hard to believe. Once she’d been young and she’d thought forty-five would come slow and impossible. She’d thought forty-five would be another world. But it came fast and it’s not what she thought it wou

Related Books & Audiobooks