Working with an Author... Got questions.

[marjamar]

Hello all,

I have a good friend who has written a SF trilogy and has self-published the 1st book. He was interested in an idea I had spoke to him about a couple of years ago concerning producing a short commercial trailer or something of the kind to help promote this work. Even though we had talked back then, not having a good way to do this sort of put the breaks on any real discussion, more just the idea.

Well, now that I have a very good camera I'm sort of wondering what the possibilities may be of resurrecting these discussions and whether or not it is a good idea or could develop into one, or just one of those things that run through your head at the time and better left alone.

Anyone have any thoughts or maybe had worked something like this already feel like sharing? I for one don't count myself as the "right person" for this job, but since I am friend, I kinda feel obliged to re-make the offer and really if it was something I could do, I would like to help.

So, what sayest thou?

-Rodger

BTW - I did read his first book and it is really an exceptional piece of writing. Many who have read it, compare it to something George Lucas could have wrote. I'm not exactly sure about that, but it is for sure in the upper 3/4 of all I've read.

[David Jimerson]

I'm not sure what your question is, Rodger.

[marjamar]

I'm not sure what your question is, Rodger.

Ok, short version ;D.

Anyone ever do a video trailer for book publisher/author to help promote his book(s).

If so, any good ideas would be helpful.

Any thoughts on whether or not this idea could work or what would be better.

Thanks again.

-Rodger

[David Jimerson]

You mean . . . should you "act out" part of the book? A little mini-movie adaption?

[Zoomforce]

Fantastic Concept Rodger.

I know of a few people that have done this, but it was for Specs, where they took a book and made a commercial out of it to add to their reel. I never actually have ever thought about doing it for a real product.

[David Jimerson]

I'm pretty sure I've seen something like it done, so there's precedent. And dang, it could be a lot of fun.

[marjamar]

I think that's what ran through my head back then. Sort of a short story/synopsis or as they say now a trailer, but not for a movie, but a book.

The idea was to produce to DVD and make available at book signings and other places yet to be explored. But also on his website for d/l. Sort of a commercial for a book over the internet and on DVD.

Obviously, it would have to be less then expensive to promote a book, but still done well enough to encourage buying the book.

-Rodger

[marjamar]

Actually, there is a bit more to tell, but kinda didn't what to ruffle to many feather at one time.

This same person is also now a book publisher. He and a partner started up a couple of years ago and I guess it's going pretty well. They are helping alot of non-published writers to get a start. Not just in publishing their work, but also in counseling of sorts from what I understand.

Anyway, this idea was (in my mind ) a away to help him back then before he was published, but now it maybe something he could use to help other authors get their works off the ground and get recognized as well.

-Rodger

[David Jimerson]

Sounds good to me -- you got no reason not to try. Go for it! ;D

[marjamar]

Well, got a reply from him and he's interested. Seems he and his wife (also a good friend of my wife) were talking the past few days about something of a similar nature. Seems very serendipitous.

Here's another question. Although he's a writer and author, I wonder if it would be better to have a screen writer read his book and do a short screenplay. I don't know what his feelings are yet, but thought it might be good to have someone who actually does screenplays do the script.

Comments?

-Rodger

[Neil Rowe]

i would have a screen writer adapt it... writing for reading, and writing for the screen are pretty different things. at least shooting would be way easier with a formal script, and screen play done up. to do storyborads , and such from.

[marjamar]

Kinda what I was thinking too. Also, since this is more or less pushing me into an area of shooting I really wasn't thinking of going to, it would be nice to have script in hand so to speak to help avoid some of the less obvious mistakes I would surely make otherwise.

-Rodger

[marjamar]

Well, had a phone conversation with the author and we are very much thinking along the same lines it seems. *Talked to him about using a screen writer and he's open to it. *He will need to pick out portions of the book he feels will best promote his work and in fact will do some paraphrasing to those portions.

So, I guess I'm looking for interested screen writers at this point. *Since this is new stuff to us, we will need someone who has had experience enough to do a little hand holding as well as fashioning good dialog, scene depiction and overall continuity. *The premise is going to be EXACTLY as a trailer would be produce from an actual movie -- Except we are only doing these clips. *So, what in effect the viewer will be left with after watching, is EXACTLY the same feeling as he would have watching a good trailer for a new movie release.

Also, I'm going to be looking at some set building software, and one got any recommendations here.

Talent. *I'm thinking of our local universities drama/film students here in Colorado as a source. *Any good advise here would also be appreciated.

I realize I'm asking alot, but then again I've always enjoyed sharing what little knowledge I may have from time to time, so I sure most of us aren't too different in this regard.

Thanks a bunch.

-Rodger

[marjamar]

Well I got the PDF file from the author. I'll have to read the through as I guess he's added a few chapters and added more content to some portions. It's been maybe 4 years since I read the original manuscript anyway. He sent me an autographed hardcover, but never read it in true book form. This manuscript is 346 single spaced 8x11 pages -- Alot of book!

He has selected certain segments for which clips he feels will offer the best content for the trailer, which I will be looking at closely as I read.

Still looking for a screen writer. I hope I don't have to put on that hat too.

-Rodger