Executive Producer-Susan B. Flanagan
Reverse Screenplay Adaptation / RSA
Bidwell Tyler
RSA is the process by which
your script is adapted to a manuscript, published as a novel and
distributed traditionally and online to a worldwide market.
By now, many of you know that the
film, TV industry, and talent agencies are following book sales and their
number of followers on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube, etc. As told to us by
several industry executives, collateral marketing data from book sales are
solid numbers that can’t be ignored and indicates there is public interest in
the project. This can help influence the decision for a project to get funding
or being sent to series (TV/Cable.)
The advantages of adapting your
script to a novel are many. Some of the more important advantages of
adapting your script to a novel is the potential for creating a revenue stream
from the book sales. Additionally you do not need an agent, there’s no approval
process, and while your book is being sold traditionally and/or online
(e-Books), you can simultaneously continue seeking investors to fund your script
and/or submitting it to the networks.
Additionally, since publishing
companies began using the internet to publish and distribute books; it has
streamlined the process and reduced the cost of publishing, thereby making the
distribution of books easier through book stores (hard / soft cover) and/or by
using e-books, iPad, Tablets and New Media.
Keep in mind, just like not every
script that is written gets funded or licensed and not every film or TV
show becomes a box office hit, or number one in ratings. We are not
suggesting that RSA will work for every script or become a best-seller once it
is distributed online or traditionally. Additionally as we all know,
writing a manuscript is very different from writing a script. Also, there is
the need to understand the business process for getting your book published,
distributed and marketed. If you need assistance or guidance, do not hesitate
to contact us.
Given the fact that for many
independents who are trying to get their scripts funded or TV shows licensed
but are unable to secure the assistance they need, RSA may be an option to
consider. That's why we believe the advantages of RSA outweigh the disadvantages.
And considering that the studios and networks have made publishing companies a
major part of their marketing strategy, are aggressively adapting scripts to
novels and have increased significantly the number of books being made into
films, it appears they too believe the risks are minimal compared to the
potential rewards.
Also keep in mind, regardless if
an investor or network shows interest in your project or not, your royalties
from book sales will continue as long as anyone is buying your book.
