Legal Question in Entertainment Law in New York
Adapting a book into a script
If a writer registered a story, had it published by a book publisher and now wants to create a screenplay. Would the publisher get any profit from the script or movie?
3 Answers from Attorneys
Re: Adapting a book into a script
The first place to start is your agreement with the publisher.
Re: Adapting a book into a script
Look to the contract with the publisher. Let me know if you need assistance with this.
Re: Adapting a book into a script
I agree with Mssrs Nance and Riddle but maybe there's no contract, or the contract is vague. You, as the original creator, own the copyright so unless you have disposed of any rights to the publisher regarding a script or movie, you probably own everything in that regard. Care should be taken if the publisher provided any content to your book or if content came from a third party and your screenplay utilizes any such content. Finally, while unlikely, if your book were a work made for hire or written in the scope of employment for the publisher, you would be out of luck.
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