Many Bloggers and Bang2writers took a Mead Kerr Class with me in the last year, either in London or Edinburgh. I think these courses and Mead Kerr are great ‘cos unlike so many screenwriting classes, they’re not telling you what you already know for about three billion pounds; instead it’s about sharing information, identifying elements you need to work on (and not just craft either) and networking. In short, I can’t recommend them highly enough so when Adrian told me he’s got a new class for the new year, I said I’d post info. I even hope to go to this class too once I’ve sorted my finances out in January, so with a bit of luck I’ll see you there! Book now. You won’t regret it.
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Hi All,

Last week the highly respected industry publication Screen International reported that the film industry is going through an adaptation frenzy,

“A reasonable estimate is that adaptations make up around 80% of the projects currently being made.”

It isn’t just the best selling authors who have their work snapped up and turned into a movie franchise. A quick scan of the widely varying sources of material that have made it to the screen brings up –

The Baghdad Blogger, from blog to book to forthcoming movie

Beowulf, from ancient poem to movie

Secret Diary of a Call Girl, from blog to book to TV series, “Secret Diary of a Call Girl”.

Jane Austen’s Emma from book to teen movie “Clueless”.

Les Liaisons Dangereuses, from novel to play to many movies including “Cruel Intentions”, “Dangerous Liaisons” and “Valmont”.

Ghost World, from comic to movie.

No.1 Ladies Detective Agency, from book to forthcoming movie

The Watergate tapes, from newspaper article to movie “All The President’s Men”

By now I’m sure you are getting the message; clever re-imaginings of well known tales, strange or controversial blogs, news stories etc, are far more likely to get made than an original screenplay by an unknown writer. You need to understand the art and business of adaptation. But where do you start? How do you find the material or get hired to adapt someone else’s writing?

Fortunately we have done all the hard work for you. Mead Kerr have created THE ART AND BUSINESS OF ADAPTATION. This unique two-day course provides a clear and practical guide to the creative, legal and business aspects of adapting material for the screen.

Here’s what people have said about our most recent class –

This week’s Screen Lab was motivating, energizing and of immense practical use. I’m impressed by the techniques we learned, by the quality of advice offered, the clarity of its delivery and the ways in which you enabled us to really get a broad view of all the elements that go into developing the craft of screenwriting. Best wishes, Shelagh Young

Thanks a million for three amazing days, I’m still buzzing from all the information and tuition. Regards, Jim Sullivan

ScreenLab proved to be a great experience – enlightening, inspiring accessible and practical! Your enthusiasm was infectious and the guests who came along (especially the actors) were fantastic. Mandy Lee

It was a terrific seminar. I took away so much from the three days, most importantly the belief that making it in this particular industry was in my hands. Warm Regards, Michael

THE CLASS

THE ART AND BUSINESS OF ADAPTATION will provide you with all the tools you need to find and adapt work for the screen. Guest speakers ranging from screenwriters, novelists, producers and publishers will share their experience of finding, optioning, writing and selling work. Just a few of the areas we will cover are –

1. The Author –

When is your book, article or blog suitable for adaptation?

How can you publicise your work to the film and TV industry?

Selling the film and TV rights to your work.

Adapting your own work for the screen.

2. The Producer –

When is a book, article or blog suitable for adaptation?

Finding material for adaptation and establishing relationships with authors, journalists, agents and publicists.

Negotiating the film and TV rights.

Hiring the screenwriter.

3. The Screenwriter –

Creating a pitch for the job and your take on the work.

The adaptation process – finding the screenplay within the material.

Working with the producer and originator of the work.

And much, much more!

This is a brand new course and as always we will be providing the most up to date, career building advice, a relaxed and friendly networking opportunity and excellent speakers and panel members.

If you have not already attended one of our courses do some research by googling the tutor Adrian Mead and also check out the testimonials on our website or alternatively, Bang2writers can search “Adrian Mead” and/or “Mead Kerr” on this very blog or click on the links on the “Top 25” on the right hand side bar.

Having done both of these classes I came away fired up and probably bored my friends rigid as I couldn’t stop raving about it for weeks! I can’t recommend this enough!” Jane Walker

Think about that statement from Screen International,

“…adaptations make up around 80% of the projects currently being made.”

Faced with these kinds of statistics it is obvious that if you want a career as a screenwriter you need to do this course.

THE ART AND BUSINESS OF ADAPTATION

DATE: Sat 15 – Sun 16th March
VENUE: EDINBURGH city centre (TBC)
COST: £120 incl VAT and Lunch

BOOKING DETAILS:

To request a booking form or further information send us an e-mail, more testimonials can be seen at our website.

Wishing you all a happy time over the Christmas holiday and stellar success in the New Year.