As producers arrive by the plane-load for the Toronto International Film Festival, Q&Q returns to its June 2011 issue, where seven Canadian production companies describe what they look for when adapting the printed word for film and TV.
DARIUS FILMS, TORONTO
Recently optioned: For Those About to Rock by Dave Bidini, Chump Change by David Eddie
What are they looking for? It’s not necessary for a book or writer to be ˜known,’ but anything that helps give us an advantage when marketing the project is great. Lately I’ve tried to read more short story collections, because it feels like that format, often being less dense, can lend itself well to adaptation. “Leah Jaunzems, development executive
Away From Her
FOUNDRY FILMS, TORONTO
Recently optioned: Away From Her by Alice Munro, Fruit by Brian Francis, Eleanor Rigby by Douglas Coupland, Helpless by Barbara Gowdy
What are they looking for? I look for something in the book that has cinematic possibilities, whether it is the setting, particular characters, something which triggers thoughts of a movie. “ Daniel Iron, producer
Federgreen Entertainment, Toronto
Recently optioned: Shelf Monkey by Corey Redekop, It Feels So Good When I Stop by Joe Pernice
What are they looking for? Great storytelling that’s commercial and can find an audience or have a built-in audience, and can be made for a reasonable budget. “ Avi Federgreen, producer
Markham Street Films, Toronto
Recently optioned: Heaven Is Small by Emily Schultz, Sailor Girl by Sheree-Lee Olson, An Audience by Chairs by Joan Clark
What are they looking for? Stories that we connect with emotionally. “ Judy Holm, producer/writer
Gang of 2, Vancouver
Recently optioned: The Case of Lena S. by David Bergen
What are they looking for? We look for what the book-buying public looks for: great story, rich characters, and well-realized themes. Novels that are deeply internal are tough to translate to the screen. “ Angus Fraser, writer/producer
Bloodletting & Miraculous Cures
SHAFTESBURY FILMS, TORONTO
Recently optioned: Short stories by Margaret Atwood and Carol Shields, Bloodletting & Miraculous Cures by Vincent Lam
What are they looking for? We’re looking for a fresh take on a world that is brought to life by very special characters. We’re always looking for the fresh idea, that fresh voice. “ Christina Jennings, chairman and co-CEO
The Englishman's Boy
MINDS EYE ENTERTAINMENT, REGINA
Recently optioned: Falling Angels by Barbara Gowdy, The Englishman’s Boy by Guy Vanderhaeghe
What are they looking for? Stories that will translate to a broad audience. Stories that are both visual and move people’s emotions. If books don’t make you feel emotion at some level then why read them? The same holds true for movies made from books. It’s about moving the audience. “ Kevin DeWalt, CEO
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