Agents, producers, and screenwriters are always searching for the next great story, but not all writers start from scratch. Ideas may come from the things we see, read, write and hear and, more pragmatically, studios want to invest in “pre-aware” audiences. The challenge for many is how to translate materials from their original form of a book, article, or story into a screenplay or series bible.
During this interactive session, enjoy unique access to a panel of professionals who have done just that.
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN:
- Why adaptations are so popular and why they work
- The power and pitfalls of adaptations
- Benefits of using an adaptation approach vs. starting from scratch
- 7 ways to locate common sources for your story or script
- Find your story by taking a Hollywood producer’s point of view
- How to effectively answer the question, “So, what’s your script about?” based on the adaptation source
- Fool-proof ways to develop a reputation as an adaptation resource
ABOUT THE PANELISTS:
Jennifer S. Wilkov (Moderator) is an international best-selling award-winning author, freelance writer, and a book & business consultant in her business,“Your Book Is Your Hook!” She has led classes and programs at the SVA, MPA, and NYWIFT, The Writers Store, Writers Digest, festivals, and conferences.
Maria C. Miles, Esq., is the founding partner of an entertainment law firm in New York. Ms. Miles’ practice focuses on all areas of entertainment law including, film, music, publishing, fashion and new media.
Erica Saleh is a TV writer and playwright. She was the Creator and Showrunner of ONE OF US IS LYING for Peacock, which she adapted from the best selling novel by Karen M. McManus. She also developed a pilot for Apple adapted from the novel The Golden Couple by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen. Other TV credits include HAPPY FACE, EVIL, INSTINCT, WISDOM OF THE CROWD, and CHANNEL ZERO. She is currently serving her first term as the WGAE’s VP for the Film/TV/Streaming sector.
Mary Pender spent the early part of her career as a TV and Radio journalist. Her first stint at the William Morris Agency was in an assistant role, when manuscripts were still submitted in blue boxes via messenger. She became a literary scout at Maria B. Campbell Associates, focusing on international publishers seeking juvenile books and scouting material for Warner Bros. to option for feature films. Mary joined UTA’s Media Rights Department in New York in 2015. Her first major deal was setting up Angie Thomas’s THE HATE U GIVE with Fox 2000. She rejoined WME in 2024.
David Magee is a screenwriter whose many adaptations include screenplays for LIFE OF PI, FINDING NEVERLAND, THE LITTLE MERMAID, MARY POPPINS RETURNS, LADY CHATTERLEY’s LOVER, and A MAN CALLED OTTO. He has been nominated for two Academy Awards for Best Adapted Screenplay. Other honors he has received for his work include a WGA nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay, The Humanitas Prize, a Golden Globe nomination, two BAFTA nominations and UCLA’s Screenwriter of the Year Award.
