From Book To Hollywood Film With Ken Atchity

Many authors have a goal of seeing their book made into a film or TV series, but how can you maximize the chances of that happening? Ken Atchity has some tips for creating loglines and standing out in a crowded content market in today's show.

In my personal update, Productivity for Authors is now available in all formats, and I am almost finished the draft of Audio for Authors: Audiobooks, Podcasting, and Voice Technologies. I talk about the impact of Google BERT on search and how it might impact you if you do content marketing, as well as some thoughts on spring cleaning in your author business. If you have an older website like me, check out SEO 2020. Plus, the Writer's Ink podcast with J. Thorn and JD Barker.

Today's show is sponsored by Draft2Digital, where you can get free ebook formatting, free distribution to multiple stores, and a host of other benefits. Get your free Author Marketing Guide at www.draft2digital.com/penn

Dr. Ken Atchity is an author, producer, literary manager, and editor. He and his story merchant companies have written and developed books, screenplays, and films for television and cinema. His books for authors include Tell Your Story to the World and Sell it for Millions. And his films include the action, adventure, thriller, The Meg, which I personally loved.

You can listen above or on your favorite podcast app or read the notes and links below. Here are the highlights and the full transcript below.

Show Notes

* How Ken went from academia to Hollywood

* What the journey looks like for a book that becomes a film

* Why it’s a good time for storytellers in Hollywood

* Tips on writing a treatment

* Why a clear premise sells a story

* Why character matters when finding a story’s premise

* Why it helps to have a representative in Hollywood

* Should you think about the budget when writing for the screen?

You can find Ken Atchity at StoryMerchant.com and on Twitter @kennja

Transcript of Interview with Ken Atchity

Joanna Penn: Dr. Ken Atchity is an author, producer, literary manager, and editor. He and his story merchant companies have written and developed books, screenplays, and films for television and cinema. His books for authors include Tell Your Story to the World and Sell it for Millions. And his films include the action, adventure, thriller, The Meg, which I personally loved.

Welcome to the show. Ken.

Ken Atchity: Well, thank you so much. Thanks for having me. It's a pleasure to be with you.

Joanna Penn: This is very cool.

Tell us about you and your writing background and how you got into film and TV because you have a bit more of a classical background.