This doesn't sound right to me

[dreamtowrite]

A reviewer told me I should remove the "Original Screenplay" from my title page . My screenplay had a lot of errors in it as a matter of fact I realize I never had a solid beginning, but I thought that was one thing that was right.

Am I wrong to be skeptical of this person?

[Chris Huntley]

Yes. The title page should have the title and author in the center of the page, and the contact information on the lower right side of the page, and nothing else. It is assumed that the script is original. If it is an adaptation, you may want to indicate the original source.

[forty]

The advice is correct.

[Merlin]

My screenplay is adapted from a novel written by someone else. Should this be noted on the title page?

[Chris Huntley]

My personal opinion is yes and no depending on how well known the novel is and whether or not you control the rights to the property.

If the book is well known and can add interest in your project (and you control the rights), then yes. Anything to increase interest in your script is good.

If the book is not well known (or you do not control the rights) then no, you do not want anything to impede interest in your script. You can deal with the rights issues AFTER there is interest in your script.

IMO

[Merlin]

Aww! The book is well known, but I don't control any rights. So it's yes and no…

Åke

[Chris Huntley]

You're on tricky ground then. If it's recognizably well known, I recommend changing the character names and other incidental identifying elements so that you don't get into a rights issue UNTIL and UNLESS you've got someone interested. That's the "I want someone to notice and want my script" approach. Otherwise be up front about the sourcing but realize a) your script is useless for production without the rights (but OK as a writing and adaptation sample), and b) someone may see that you've got a good take on adapting the project, procure the rights, and cut you out of the process.

Of course you could see who HAS the rights and pitch the idea to them for your screenplay version of the story but that's quite a long shot.

[Merlin]

Thanks Chris. I'm thinking that the book I'm working from is pretty well-known. It sold millions of copies. There is a good chance that a movie maker I talk to will have heard about it or read it. So what I'm looking for is someone who says "yeah, that's a great book, and I'd love to see it made into a movie. Why hasn't anyone done this before? Let me see that script of yours!"

Åke