Comments on: We Want Options, Too

By: Sabra

Sabra — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 21:32:08 +0000

Hey, what about Micky, Ticky, Boo! for cartoons (it’s a picture book) http://www.MickyTickyBoo.com

How do you propose those interested in turning our books into film approach the execs (pitching?). If so, how can we be guaranteed that it will not be stolen. (I think this is a valid question)…

By: carlasarratt

carlasarratt — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 02:38:55 +0000

Ditto, Paula! I can definitely see your Del Rio Bay crew being a show in the lineup with I, Carly and Tru Jackson.

Riley, I’m not sure if this makes a difference, but the books I selected in my initial blog are all young adult fiction and Fox Kids might not be the best fit for them as you outlined in your response. But maybe Fox Kids would be great for picture books and middle grade titles. Off of the top of my head, I would love to see Willimena Rules by Valerie Wilson Wesley made as a movie or become a TV series.

By: Paula

Paula — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 02:28:24 +0000

Geez, a girl takes a break from reading the blog and look what happens. It’s so good to see so much response to this thread.

Riley brings up a good point about big screen vs. small. When I look at Nickelodeon and The N and the shows they produce, I see books like mine fitting there. So I’m not picky TV or film I’d simply like to see more Af-Am books adapted.

By: carlasarratt

carlasarratt — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 01:49:37 +0000

Wow, the response has been tremendous to this blog entry. Thanks, everyone!

Riley, thank you for weighing in from the studio’s perspective. I think your POV is invaluable to us understanding as authors how books are optioned into movies for the big screen as well as TV.

By: RILEY

RILEY — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 22:04:46 +0000

Being one of those studio execs who seeks out children’s and YA literature to make into movies, i would like you all to know that hollywood is actually quite eager to make family movies starring african americans. however, most of the titles already mentioned are issue oriented, involving abuse, teen pregnancy and other dramatic plots which, unfortunately, are very difficult to market in the feature film world. these ARE great books. but cable tv is an easier arena for their realization to film because the production and distribution costs are so much easier to control. but i will continue to peruse this blog and if anything with potential comes up, i will happily seek out the rights holders!

By: Sabra

Sabra — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 15:45:23 +0000

I wanted to follow up to my comment earlier about pitching your book to execs. I wanted to mention that I did that for my book, Micky, Ticky, Boo! Says Hello in 2004 in Los Angeles via the yearly Screenwriting Expo conference. I had the opportunity to volunteer for the team (thus my free ticket) and pitch to Fox Kids (and so did everyone else with their crazy costumes). Here is the link: http://www.screenwritingexpo.com
Good pitching!

By: Sabra

Sabra — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 15:04:21 +0000

Great post, Carla. Now, whose going to do the pitching to those big studio execs? :-)

By: Don Tate

Don Tate — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 05:53:48 +0000

Carla, an interesting side note. I highlighted a book today called GUARDIAN by Julius Lester. In an author’s note, he mentions how the book had originally been intended for a movie, after he’d been approached by a Hollywood director interested in doing a movie with lynching as the subject matter. But Lester wanted to write a story about “a little white boy who goes to a lynching with his father,” as demonstrated on postcards depicting lynchings. The director was looking for a movie told from the point of view of a Black, but Lester found no creative challenge in writing that story. So, they parted ways.

I wish there could have been some resolution because Lester’s story is so compelling, it would have made a great movie.

By: Kelly Starling Lyons

Kelly Starling Lyons — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 14:14:18 +0000

Great post, Carla! I’d love to see Paula’s So Not the Drama made into a movie. It’s smart, fun, has a multicultural cast.

Another pick would be Dana Davidson’s Played.

By: carlasarratt

carlasarratt — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 22:05:36 +0000

Derrick, no hate here on my end or trying to leave a brotha hanging. I weighed in with my choices and now it is time for you, our blogging audience to do the same. I can definitely see your book being made into a movie. :)