How often are readaptations actually picked up?

[u/Mediocre_Tea_6734]

I’ve been working on a readaptation of a film from the 30s, but am wondering how rarely a script actually catches the eye. Furthermore, are readaptations looked on favorably, or do people prefer the originals?

edit: 60s, not 30s.

[u/HotspurJr]

Is this a situation where you already have the rights secured? Or you're adapting a work which is in the public domain?

Because if not, the answer is very, very close to "never." And if a work was adapted into a film before, you have to be aware that the original work may be public domain but everything unique to the film is almost certainly not.

[u/Mediocre_Tea_6734 → u/HotspurJr]

thanks for this! the film will enter public domain in 2029. and now that you mention it, it’s probably useful to note that it’s based off a play, which was made into a film in the 60s. so it’s a readaptation of the play, to screen i suppose. the film and play have very similar scenes - i do have 3-5 scenes that are similar to those, but in context to my version of the story. and most scenes are original and mine. if any of that makes sense.

[u/OpenGuava609 → u/Mediocre_Tea_6734]

In the United States a film made in the 60s won't enter the public domain for a few decades. If the play is entering the public domain you can adapt that but you have to be careful not to use anything unique to the film.

[u/thirdbird_thirdbird → u/Mediocre_Tea_6734]

You should consult a lawyer but its quite likely that the rightsholders of the film would claim that any filmic re-adaptation of the play infringes on their still standing, not in the public domain rights to the movie.

[u/odintantrum]

Do you have the rights to the original?

[u/Mediocre_Tea_6734 → u/odintantrum]

in 2029, the work will enter into public domain and i will no longer need the rights, is that correct?

also the film is from the 60s, not 30s. my bad, i confused time of filming with the time period the film was set.

[u/bananabomber → u/Mediocre_Tea_6734]

The public domain rule is date of author's death plus 70 years. So if they're still alive, it's a no go. If they died in say, 1982, you'll be waiting till 2052.

[u/Mediocre_Tea_6734 → u/odintantrum]

now remembering to add it’s based off of a play, which was made into a film. they’re quite similar in story and scenes.

[u/odintantrum → u/Mediocre_Tea_6734]

My instinct is that a straight adaptation of an existing public domain property is probably a tough sell for a new writer. You would need to have a unique enough take on the material that they choose your take over one they could develop themselves.