The film and TV industry is constantly on the lookout for fresh ideas to bring to the screen, with novels, novellas, and short stories long serving as rich sources of brilliant, original material. And authors and literary agents are turning their attention to film and TV adaptations, often seeing them as a potential silver bullet for boosting their incomes. While it’s true that these deals can sometimes eclipse traditional publishing contracts, it’s important to remember that the big headlines often overshadow the reality of most deals. Just like in the publishing world, film and TV options can vary widely—from a few hundred pounds to astronomical sums.

When it comes to film and TV adaptations, deals are typically handled by a specialized agent with expertise in the entertainment industry. These agents - often called media rights agents, book-to-film agents, or screen agents - are key to navigating the complexities of film and TV deals.

Some literary agents also handle rights directly, and almost all literary agents will play a role in the process. Whether they’re guiding you through the deal, pitching your work to production companies, handling contracts, or just helping you understand your options, they’ll be there to ensure your interests are represented every step of the way.

So, what does a film or TV deal really look like?

Option Agreement
When a production company expresses interest in adapting your novel into a film or TV series, they don’t outright buy the rights. Instead, they enter into an option agreement. This means they pay you a set amount for the exclusive right to purchase the film or TV rights to your work at a later date. It might feel like selling your book twice, but this is a crucial step for the industry. Since large-scale productions often rely on multiple financial backers, the production company uses this time to secure funding from studios and investors, develop a script, and attach potential talent. The more elements they can lock in during this period, the more likely your story will make it to the screen.

Re-optioning
In many cases, a film or TV deal includes a clause that allows the production company to extend the option period for a set fee. This happens when they’re confident in the project’s potential but need more time to line up the necessary pieces—like securing the budget or finalizing the cast. It’s not a bad sign if this happens; in fact, it might mean they’re truly invested.

Purchase/Execution
If the project moves from the option phase to actual production, congratulations—you’ve reached a major milestone! This is when the production company pays you a purchase fee, which is typically larger than the option fee. The total amount depends on factors like the budget of the adaptation and the platform it will appear on (TV or streaming). This fee is usually paid on the first day of filming, which means there could be a tense waiting game until cameras start rolling. It’s important to know that payments often don’t come through until filming officially begins, as that’s when the financiers release the funds and the insurance kicks in.

What happens next?
For many authors, the dream of meeting big-name directors, actors, and screenwriters is appealing. However, it’s more likely that you’ll have limited involvement in the adaptation process. Once an option agreement is signed, you’ll probably have little say in the script or creative direction. Film and TV are entirely different beasts from books, and you’ll need to be prepared to let go of creative control. After all, what works on the page doesn’t always translate to the screen.

What if my book is never adapted?
It can be frustrating to have a project "optioned" but not see any movement. While your agent will do their best to keep you updated, it’s not uncommon for things to stall in development, sometimes for years. Despite the uncertainty, there’s a silver lining: each time the option agreement is extended, you’ll receive an additional payment. And if the production company eventually lets go of the option, the rights could revert back to you, opening up the possibility of working with a new company. So, even if things are moving slowly, it’s not always a lost cause.

Will this boost sales of my book?
It’s likely, but not guaranteed. If your book’s been out for a while, an adaptation can bring fresh attention. A well-publicized film or TV series can lead to a surge in sales, especially if a new edition is released with tie-in artwork. However, the level of success depends on how much attention the adaptation gets. A high-profile release on a major streaming platform will generate more buzz than a low-key launch. And, of course, if the adaptation flops, it probably won’t do much to boost book sales.

Can I write the adaptation?
In most cases, the answer is no. Production companies typically bring in experienced screenwriters to handle the adaptation, and while it’s not impossible for you to be involved creatively, it’s rare. If you push too hard for creative control, you might limit the number of production companies willing to take on your project.

What if I don’t agree with the production company’s vision?
It’s common for authors to have different ideas about how their story should be adapted for the screen. Producers and directors will likely have a different vision, and that’s part of the process. Film and TV are distinct from books, each with its own set of creative challenges. It’s important to understand that once you sign the option agreement, you’re relinquishing a degree of control. My advice: view the adaptation as a new, separate work. Your characters might look different, the dialogue will likely change, and sometimes even the ending can be altered (just look at Breakfast at Tiffany’s). Adaptations are often more about bringing something fresh to the screen than preserving every detail of the original.

Film and TV options and adaptations offer significant opportunities for authors, but they also come with their own set of challenges and uncertainties. The process involves complex negotiations, and the reality of having your work adapted may not always align with the initial excitement of securing a deal. Authors must be prepared to relinquish creative control and accept that adaptations often take on a life of their own. But in a world of stagnating publishing advances the film and TV world can offer an increasingly important revenue stream for writers and, when the stars align, an exciting and potentially career changing moment for an author.

What are my options? - Alexander Cochran on demystifying Film and TV deals