Film Copyrights In Adaptations

The millennium is the rise of adaptations. Film adaptation is a type of derivative work where a written work is transferred in part or in whole to a feature film. As an original story takes long to develop, it usually takes just 3 months to adapt a novel to a screenplay. Adaptations offer an easy way for producers to tap into the existing fan base. This invites non-readers due to their knowledge of that fan base. In a way, they are buying the fan base rather than the stories.

In Hollywood, almost two-thirds of movie productions are adapted from novels and comics. Since the earlier days, adaptations have been a filmmaking practice from various resources like plays, autobiography, and even other films. Studios like Warner Bros. Pictures, Walt Disney Pictures, and Sony Pictures are among those that produce intellectual property movies.

Here are a few examples of film adaptations from novels and comics:

From Novels (book-to-film adaptations)

· Fight Club – A comedy-drama film which was based on the novel of the same title written by Chuck Palahniuk.

· Silver Linings Playbook – A romantic comedy-drama film which was adapted from the novel by Matthew Quick.

· The Company You Keep – A TCYK LLC movie which was based on the novel of the same name; produced, directed, and starred by Robert Redford.

From Comics (comics-to-film adaptations)

· The Avengers – The Marvel team-up featuring iconic Super Heroes.

· Superman – The ultimate “man of steel” out to save the day.

· The Crow – The vengeful tale of a character resurrected by a crow.

Long-Running Series as of 2015

· The Fast and the Furious – on its 7th film

· 007 – has 24 films

Every adaptation is produced in the highest quality and packed with multiple film copyrights. Aside from the multiple copyrights; which include director’s copyright, screenwriter’s copyright, composer’s copyright, distribution rights, product placement, and performer’s rights; a film adaptation now includes rights of the existing work’s owners. This means copyrights, patents, and trademarks are also included.

Dearth of Originality

Any movie’s core is and should be a good, meaningful story. Popularity should not be the main focus; and with the way things are going, the film adaptation trend has become such a hit. However, bringing original content to the big screen may imply that filmmakers are running short on creative imagination and original ideas.

Nevertheless, fans should not infringe copyrighted films, may they be original or adapted.