I had another brush with Hollywood with a possible screen adaptation of my work. A small production company wanted to adapt one of my short stories into a TV pilot. After a few months of back and forth, the deal is effectively dead. I came really close. There were scripts, contracts and everything, but my screen horse fell down at the final fence on that highest of fences—contracts. No IMDB credit for me. A bummer, yes, but it’s one of those things. Disappointing but I’m OK with it.
Seriously, I am OK with this deal not coming off. If this were a book deal, I would be pissed off, but when it comes to TV or film, I know I can’t allow myself to get too carried away. Years ago, a Hollywood friend warned me how difficult it was to get a project to screen. It was a warning borne out by author friends who’ve had books wrapped in option and development purgatory for years. Not surprising when you consider how few movies and TV shows are made each year. So like I say, when it comes to TV and movies, I don’t let myself get too wrapped up in it because I’m only setting myself up for heartbreaking disappointment.
That isn’t to say I wouldn’t love to see something of mine on screen at some point. Tomorrow would be nice, but it’s a fickle business and I know it may never happen.
I may be a little case hardened. This is about the fourth interaction with movie or TV people without success. The most interesting offer came from a Korean film company that wanted to make PAYING THE PIPER in Seoul, which would have been very cool. Sadly, that one never got much traction. ACCIDENTS WAITING TO HAPPEN and THE FALL GUYhave also been tapped for movie adaptation too with similar results. C’est la vie.
However probability says after four failed attempts to convert means I’m probably due a win with the next one. Here’s hoping anyway. I’ll be honest, it would be a dream come true to see one of my stories on the silver screen. It would do wonders for book sales. And I would finally be able to hire a butler I’ve always craved. Wow, I’m so grounded, it’s scary. So if there are any Hollywood types reading this, give me a call, let’s do lunch. 🙂
