When I spoke at the Rochester Writers Conference last month, I had the privilege of meeting the keynote speaker, Chip St. Clair, author of the Bestseller: “The Butterfly Garden: Surviving Childhood On The Run With One Of America’s Most Wanted”.
When Chip approached me after my session about doing an adaptation of his book, I was, needless to say, thrilled. It was readily apparent that Chip is one of the kindest and warmest people I had ever met. Chip gave me a personalized, autographed copy of his book.
I informed my agent and attorney about my good fortune of having met Chip, then hopped on a plane to New Jersey where I directed a three-day show for a friend. While on the plane, I read Chip’s book.
Chip’s story is compelling, amazing, and inspiring. What’s great about his book is that, not only is it a page-turner, it’s movie material, and it’s truly an important story. His book is helping many people who have been victims of child abuse to find strength to move on and “soar”.
Over the next several days, Chip and I shared a few phone conversations, which cemented our desire to work together.
Then, suddenly, the opportunity of a lifetime came up for Chip: his publisher called to inform him that he had been selected to appear on OPRAH. Oprah’s crew would come to Michigan to shoot B-Roll, then fly Chip and his wife to Chicago to tape the interview.
In the meantime, my agent, my attorney, and I considered what should be included in a simple deal letter to present to Chip (he doesn’t have a producer yet, but I am willing to begin work on a first draft, having the confidence that this amazing story will likely be snapped up in the near future). The agreement we came up with is simply between me and Chip, but is inclusive of Writers Guild of America “Minimum Basic Agreement” (MBA) terms, reserving the fine points for a contract that would be developed between me and a producer at a later date.
Then, another turn of events: due to logistical conflicts with Oprah’s camera crew, Chip got placed on standby and is now in the lineup to be taped for a future episode of Oprah’s show.
In the meantime, my agent and I had a chance to sit down at a lunch meeting with Chip and his wife. We came out of that meeting creatively fueled, and in agreement about the direction the adaptation would take.
So here’s where it stands now: Chip is happy with the agreement, and is meeting with his agent to discuss. Nothing is final yet, so the adventure continues. It’s an exciting place to be.
When Chip approached me after my session about doing an adaptation of his book, I was, needless to say, thrilled. It was readily apparent that Chip is one of the kindest and warmest people I had ever met. Chip gave me a personalized, autographed copy of his book.
I informed my agent and attorney about my good fortune of having met Chip, then hopped on a plane to New Jersey where I directed a three-day show for a friend. While on the plane, I read Chip’s book.
Chip’s story is compelling, amazing, and inspiring. What’s great about his book is that, not only is it a page-turner, it’s movie material, and it’s truly an important story. His book is helping many people who have been victims of child abuse to find strength to move on and “soar”.
Over the next several days, Chip and I shared a few phone conversations, which cemented our desire to work together.
Then, suddenly, the opportunity of a lifetime came up for Chip: his publisher called to inform him that he had been selected to appear on OPRAH. Oprah’s crew would come to Michigan to shoot B-Roll, then fly Chip and his wife to Chicago to tape the interview.
In the meantime, my agent, my attorney, and I considered what should be included in a simple deal letter to present to Chip (he doesn’t have a producer yet, but I am willing to begin work on a first draft, having the confidence that this amazing story will likely be snapped up in the near future). The agreement we came up with is simply between me and Chip, but is inclusive of Writers Guild of America “Minimum Basic Agreement” (MBA) terms, reserving the fine points for a contract that would be developed between me and a producer at a later date.
Then, another turn of events: due to logistical conflicts with Oprah’s camera crew, Chip got placed on standby and is now in the lineup to be taped for a future episode of Oprah’s show.
In the meantime, my agent and I had a chance to sit down at a lunch meeting with Chip and his wife. We came out of that meeting creatively fueled, and in agreement about the direction the adaptation would take.
So here’s where it stands now: Chip is happy with the agreement, and is meeting with his agent to discuss. Nothing is final yet, so the adventure continues. It’s an exciting place to be.
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