Book Adaptations

What happens when you sell the rights of your beloved book (or a series of books) to a production company, and a movie is made? There currently seems to be a lot of movies adapted from books. (Not like this is something new.) There are high dollar productions and series of films that have been stemming from books. The Hunger Games, Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, Twilight, Harry Potter, The Help, the Chronicles of Narnia, and The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo just to name a few.

The outcome could be in your favor. J.K. Rowling was pleased with the Harry Potter films. She was very much a part of the early process of creating the look of some of the locations. After all, these were all fictional places. Only she would know best. According to an interview on hypable.com she said, “I felt a huge protectiveness and loyalty to the readership. Once I knew it was running, it was fine.“ J.K. Rowling’s relationship with Warner Bros. was a good running one with the Harry Potter series that they have announces a new movie. According to insidemovies.ew.com this isn’t a prequel or a sequel to Harry Potter but a spin off of the wizarding world.

Unlike Harry Potter, the book Mary Poppins turned into a movie was so repugnant for P.L. Travers that Disney was able to make a movie out of that. Saving Mr. Banks is about the story of Walt Disney and P.L. Travers meeting about making Mary Poppins. It took Walt Disney around 20 years for P.L. Travers to give the rights to create the Mary Poppins movie. She was a very difficult woman to please, and Mary Poppins was very dear to her. She thought “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” and other songs were foolish. She didn’t like the relationship Disney added between Mary Poppins and Bert, and wanted the animated scenes cut out completely. After the film was completed. She was not openly invited to the release, but had to request her presence from Disney. Unlike the movie (which I haven’t seen, but heard the reviews) she was very displeased. There was no happy ending for P.L. Travers.

The importance of an artist or actor/actress manager

What is an artist or actor/actress manager? A manager is someone who can evolve with your career. From just getting you started, a manager is introducing you into the industry, and getting you the gigs. To later on managing your schedule, gigs/affairs, and keeping you on track, as well as, getting your agent, attorney, etc. into place once your career has kicked into full swing.  A manager is someone you end up having a business relationship with. Sometime that relationship can be an amazing 25-year journey, or go south due to creative differences.

According to deadline.com Jim Carrey is ending his 25-year run with his managers Jimmy Miller and Eric Gold. This split was agreeable to all parties. Jimmy and Eric were with Jim Carrey all the way back to his In Living Color days. Jim Carrey has gone from TV sketch comedy to mega movie hits like Dumb & Dumber, Ace Ventura, and all the way up to 20 million dollar payday from The Cable Guy. Jim Carrey has also played memorable roles like the Grinch in How the Grinch Stole Christmas and Andy Kaufman in Man in the Moon. According to celebritynetworth.com Jim Carrey’s net worth is $150 million. Jim Carrey has won two Golden Globes for his performances in Man in the Moon and The Truman Show as well as many other nominations.

Lady Gaga has fired her manager Troy Carter after being with him since 2007. According to forbes.com Troy Carter, along with his management company, is the reason that Lady Gaga is in the position she is in artist wise and financially. Lady Gaga has topped Forbes list of most powerful musicians. According to entertainmentwise.com the reason for the split is due to creative differences. Either way, Lady Gaga is without representation. She just released her new album Artpop. At this time now, more than ever, she will need to remain wise on her deals to remain at the top of her game. Pushing the envelope with her fashion and art will only go so far.

James Franco is someone else who is going on with his career without a current manager. He’s has been acting and directing in The Sound And The Fury. If you ask me, now more than ever, is he in need of a manager. James Franco has crossed over from not only acting, but also now writing and directing. He will need to continue with what is best in his career and his name.  Having a manager would only alleviate the stress and pressure of business issues for himself. He could then focus on what’s important to him, his work!

Having a manager in this business is so crucial and important; someone who is there to represent your interests and what’s best for you. Without having good manager in place you could end up like The Three Stooges or Creedence Clearwater Revival.