New Misery Stage Adaptation

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Vapire

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Hello everyone,

I'm a Vienna (Europe) based director and my theatre company and me want to put on a stage version of SK's Misery. I know that there's Simon Moores version - which, in my opinion, doesn't do justice. I also know that this fall there will be William Goldmans new stage adaptation starring Bruce Willis on Broadway. And since Mr. Goldman also wrote the film version (which I think is great) I'd love to get my hands on this new stage version. Another option would be to write my own version of it - if allowed.

But somehow it seems impossible for me to find any information in regards to licensing, who holds the rights to what, if they are available at all, etc.

Any help regarding this is greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance!
 
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Vapire said:
Hello everyone,

I'm a Vienna (Europe) based director and my theatre company and me want to put on a stage version of SK's Misery. I know that there's Simon Moores version - which, in my opinion, doesn't do justice. I also know that this fall there will be William Goldmans new stage adaptation starring Bruce Willis on Broadway. And since Mr. Goldman also wrote the film version (which I think is great) I'd love to get my hands on this new stage version. Another option would be to write my own version of it - if allowed.

But somehow it seems impossible for me to find any information in regards to licensing, who holds the rights to what, if they are available at all, etc.

Any help regarding this is greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance!
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Sorry, but that's not something we can help with. You'd have to contact Warner Brothers as they own the rights but with the upcoming production of their own, it's my understanding they are not licensing the stage rights to anyone else. Doing your own version would be a violation of their rights and would not be (legally) allowed.
 
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king family fan

king family fan

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Moderator said:
Sorry, but that's not something we can help with. You'd have to contact Warner Brothers as they own the rights but with the upcoming production of their own, it's my understanding they are not licensing the stage rights to anyone else. Doing your own version would be a violation of their rights and would not be (legally) allowed.
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sorry must of been typing while you were posting.
 
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Vapire

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Moderator said:
Sorry, but that's not something we can help with. You'd have to contact Warner Brothers as they own the rights but with the upcoming production of their own, it's my understanding they are not licensing the stage rights to anyone else. Doing your own version would be a violation of their rights and would not be (legally) allowed.
Click to expand...

I know that simply writing my own version would be illegal :)

But Simon Moores adaptation is published by Samuel French, hence they have the rights to that specific adaption. According to Samuel French we could put on that version by simply paying royalties. How is that possible if Warner Bros. holds the stage rights, then? --> I'm completely confused with this...

Could you or Mr. King point me in the right direction where to ask (who exactly at Warner Bros.)? We are a professional theatre company and it always amazes me how difficult it is to find out who's in charge of rights.

Thanks for all the replies and help!
 
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Vapire said:
I know that simply writing my own version would be illegal :)

But Simon Moores adaptation is published by Samuel French, hence they have the rights to that specific adaption. According to Samuel French we could put on that version by simply paying royalties. How is that possible if Warner Bros. holds the stage rights, then? --> I'm completely confused with this...

Could you or Mr. King point me in the right direction where to ask (who exactly at Warner Bros.)? We are a professional theatre company and it always amazes me how difficult it is to find out who's in charge of rights.

Thanks for all the replies and help!
Click to expand...
The last I'd heard Samuel French was no longer assisting in licensing the stage rights and my understanding is that Simon Moore no longer has the rights because they were released to Warner Brothers but I was not in the loop on that deal. I'll have to get in touch with Stephen's film agent to find out if he has a direct contact at Warner Brothers to refer you as that's not something I have handy and neither would Stephen.
 
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Vapire

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Moderator said:
The last I'd heard Samuel French was no longer assisting in licensing the stage rights and my understanding is that Simon Moore no longer has the rights because they were released to Warner Brothers but I was not in the loop on that deal. I'll have to get in touch with Stephen's film agent to find out if he has a direct contact at Warner Brothers to refer you as that's not something I have handy and neither would Stephen.
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If you could do that, that would be perfect, thank you! Maybe it also has to do with overseas rights? I can only refer to Samuel French UK and they offer licencing of Simon Moores version...
 
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Vapire said:
If you could do that, that would be perfect, thank you! Maybe it also has to do with overseas rights? I can only refer to Samuel French UK and they offer licencing of Simon Moores version...
Click to expand...
Samuel French had stopped licensing the rights over a year ago in the U.S., though, and I believe it was because they were negotiating sale of the rights to Warner Brothers. Perhaps it does have something to do with the international rights that the UK can still offer them. Are you not able to go through them instead?
 
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Vapire

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Moderator said:
Samuel French had stopped licensing the rights over a year ago in the U.S., though, and I believe it was because they were negotiating sale of the rights to Warner Brothers. Perhaps it does have something to do with the international rights that the UK can still offer them. Are you not able to go through them instead?
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I tried, but they are only licensing Simon Moores version and are really not helpful if they can't make any money :)
The new version by William Goldman is not published yet and if Warner Bros. actually holds the rights they are the ones to contact, I guess...

UPDATE
I just checked the UK website of Samuel French again, and it now states that the rights are currently withdrawn...
 
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GNTLGNT

GNTLGNT

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kingricefan said:
...or his 'drawers'.....;;D
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7217c9b3b1eeac47dbe7d21762b11ea8.jpg
 
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Vapire said:
If you could do that, that would be perfect, thank you! Maybe it also has to do with overseas rights? I can only refer to Samuel French UK and they offer licencing of Simon Moores version...
Click to expand...
I've heard back from Stephen's agent. WB has worldwide stage rights and it's his opinion they would be unlikely to grant anyone else the rights for the Goldman book until next year after it has had the chance to open on Broadway (which won't be until this fall).
 
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Vapire

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Moderator said:
I've heard back from Stephen's agent. WB has worldwide stage rights and it's his opinion they would be unlikely to grant anyone else the rights for the Goldman book until next year after it has had the chance to open on Broadway (which won't be until this fall).
Click to expand...

I was prepared for this to happen, and of course it makes sense... Well, then I guess we will have to wait another year.

Thank you very much for investing your time in this! It is greatly appreciated!
 
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Rick Yaconis

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Any news on the latest here. I need the rights to the new version that closed on Broadway and want to produce this in 2017. Is there any update on rights availability?
 
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