Classic Book... to Cinema
While watching the Super Bowl last Sunday, I was taken with the number of advertised movie trailers; more than that, the number of movies that originated as classic books or novels. The Lorax, by Dr. Seuss; John Carter, by Edgar Rice Burroughs; and of course, Hunger Games, by Suzanne Collins; are just a few of the movies soon to be released that found their beginnings in a children's book.
The growing trend of Hollywood to transform a classic book, or novel, into a cinematic blockbuster seems to be at a fever pitch. While the big-hitter, Disney, has long enjoyed a partnership with classic children's books - now, the mainstream movie market also looks to authors for a ready-made hero's journey. Most writers, myself included, would be ecstatic to see their passion-filled pages merely in print; the thought of our novels being viewed on the silver screen, is the stuff that only happens in our dreams! However, it occurs to me that the well-prepared writer should take the time to consider the remote possibility that a movie house could come calling. Therefore, finding great literary and legal representation should include a discussion of movie rights. I have read of more than one account of an author who regretted her lack of knowledge when it came time to sit around the negotiating table.
This topic is definitely not something I need to worry about any time soon! However, watching all those movie trailers took my mind down a delightful bunny trail. I remember thinking, after I'd finished writing my first manuscript, that Vanessa Hudgens would be a great actress to portray my secondary character, Daphne the dryad! (^_^) Yeah, right.
Have you ever pondered what actor/actress might play your character?
