OPTIONS - FILMS & TV (STORY OR SCRIPT)

SEE JOHN STORM'S NAVIGATOR OR RETURN TO BASE

Frankenstein is nothing new or original, with the story is well and truly out of copyright, and has been adapted and altered so many times as a folklore theme, that it cannot be taken as being live plagiarism, pertaining to the work of Mary Shelley, any more than dramatizing the life of Robin Hood, or any other historical, fictional character. In such a case, new works might be described as inspired by Mary Shelley. Introducing another fictional character as the lead scientist, in the quest to clone a 2,000 year old mummy, is an inspired work based on an original concept.

1. An exclusive: Film or TV Rights, Production & Development 'Option,' to obtain the life story of an individual

2. An exclusive: Film or TV Rights, Production & Development 'Option,' to obtain the book, short story, article or screenplay

In the motion picture industry, whether the producer wishes to obtain the life story of an individual, or a book, article or screenplay (collectively and generally known as literary property) for the purposes of making a motion picture, an option is used as a cost saving measure. From the producer’s perspective, the goal is to pay the least amount of money possible in order to allow the producer the maximum amount of time to finance the Picture and once financed, purchase the life story or literary property. This is accomplished by using an option. [See Writer's Guild Option template]

An option agreement (whether for life story or literary property) is an agreement whereby the purchaser (the Producer) pays a small amount of money so that the purchaser/producer may have the exclusive right to later purchase the movie rights associated with the life story or literary property. An option period could last from months to years. As a general rule, the producer will negotiate for an option for a period of six months to one year and pay the option payment to exclusively “tie up” the life story or literary property for that period of time. This means that the owner of such rights cannot give, sell or option the rights to anyone else during the option period. The option payment could be anywhere from one dollar to thousands of dollars. The producer may exercise the option by paying the purchase price for the life story or literary property pursuant to the option agreement. The purchase price may be based on a percentage of the budget (usually with a floor and ceiling of the amounts that the holder of the rights may receive). The purchase price may also include any combination of deferred fees (cash payments), contingent (back-end) profit participation, etc. If a screenplay is the subject of an option, the agreement may require the owner to prepare rewrites, polishes, etc., subject to the “notes” of the purchaser/producer.

The producer may also wish to extend the option for a further period of time by making an additional option payment (e.g. second option period, third option period). This is inserted into the option agreement when initially drafted. As a general rule, the initial option payment is applied to the purchase price whereas the subsequent extension option payments are not applied towards the purchase price.

Once the option is exercised and the life story or literary property is purchased, the producer is free to produce a film based upon the optioned life story or literary property.

In the case of a Franchise, there will be other caveats, such as use of websites for development communications, or even blanking of websites previously used as a promotional or development tool. And the use of trademarks, such as for merchandising or sub-licensing.

While everything is negotiable, an option can range from $500–$500,000. A good gauge is 10% of the purchase price if the story rights are later bought.

CLEOPATRA'S MUMMY - LITERARY PROPERTY

The concept of Cleopatra VII’s mummy being discovered and cloned is imaginative and innovative, as it can be developed in different ways and offer new perspectives on the Ancient Egyptian queen and her legacy. For instance, one could explore the ethical, political, and cultural implications of cloning an ancient ruler in the modern world. How would Cleopatra VII react to the changes in history, technology, and society? How would the world react to her presence and claims? What would be her goals and motivations? What challenges and conflicts would she face? These are some of the questions that would (and will) make a compelling story based on this concept.

The proposed adaptations of the Cleopatra stories, need not include the Elizabeth Swann. Though, the Egyptian Queen and her lover, Mark Antony, were very fond of boats and ships. Hence, the Swann could be Egyptian-ised in design, being part there already, as Solar Boats were a part of their beliefs, including the Sun God: Ra. Without any doubt, the weaponry onboard the Swann, would be of tremendous interest to the reborn Cleopatra VII, following her defeat at the Battle of Actium in 31BCE.

THE $BILLION DOLLAR WHALE - The Elizabeth Swann stands by as 'Kulo Luna,' the giant humpback whale leaps for victory, after sinking a second pirate whaling ship. This is an early adventure for the ocean conservationist: John Storm. Copyright art, Cleaner Ocean Foundation 2022. Inspired by the true story of Mocha Dick, a cetacean that sank many a whaling ship, during the time when the price of oil for lamps, made hunting these beautiful creatures, a very lucrative venture. With investors not caring as to inevitable extinction of species, if not curtailed.

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