[irishjuggler]

The author of the book that became the movie “Sideways” was griping a week or two ago about the pittance that he’s made off that film. Same situation. At some point, a deal is a deal. No one has a crystal ball about whether a movie will even be made, let alone become a hit. At the time this woman sold the movie rights to her book for $400k, she undoubtedly thought it was a good deal. And if the movie had never been made or it turned into a flop, her $400k would look pretty good. If you want to avoid having to watch your work turn into a blockbuster you’re not profiting from, then ask for the Alec Guinness deal (i.e., a percentage of the gross rather than a lump sum).

[poinq]

Also, if Tina Fey did not own the name Mean Girls, she would have done the same thing under a different name that she did own and told a slightly different story. Mean Girls the musical exists because Fey owns the rights. Not because anyone read this ladies book.

[nickcarraway]

Winstom Groom, who wrote the movie Forrest Gump was based on, was supposed to get 3% of NET. But of course the movie, which made $678 million in box office, on a $55 million budget, lost money, so he got no money.

[Vermont Lt]

My wife’s lifelong friend wrote a really good novel. She was paid a lot of money for the rights. She sold the audio book rights and movie rights for six figures.

The book died on the shelves.

I wonder how many of THOSE deals are out there?