How to Sell Literary Films

Staff Writer: Samuntha Mackenzie

Strange how literature and film go together but are sometimes unsellable. Take for instance, Dorian Gray, a literary icon sits while a buyer is sought. Natalie Brenner, Head of Sales for Ealing Studios, was interviewed about the dichotomy.

At TIFF the mission is clear: sell your film. Brenner states: "While we’ve sold [distribution] for much of the world, including Canada, we still have America to sell and a few of the [other] major territories. A gala is a fantastic way to present it, a fantastic platform. If you can generate a few good reviews and word of mouth, that is the best way for your film to be seen. Toronto’s very valuable to us."

OHG has wrote in previous articles about generating buzz, some good reviews, and fan support. These factors garner an advantage in a competitive market.

Ealing confirms this need in order to sell a property. Moreover for a literature adaptation because of its complexity to the viewing audience. Brenner adds: "We’re waiting to see how the reviews come out. With a literary adaptation, the reality check is they’ll probably be mixed. When you adapt such a well-known property, you’re probably not going to please everyone. Some people are going to love it and some are going to feel it’s not the Dorian Gray of the book."

Dorian Gray fans in the US: don't give up hope. Though the number of distributors have dwindled in the slow economy, there are other companies out there. Fans can make it happen.

For more of this interview, please check out our source.

Source: TheAmpersand