Novel into a Screenplay.....Is it ok?

Question

I would like to know if it would be illegal to turn a novel that I read and loved, into a screenplay without the author's permission. Just a small-time thing...no Hollywood. Just for practice on for future endeavours. I mean...I would turn it into a movie eventually...but again. Only small-time. Like a Indie Film or something. So....would that be illegal without proper concession?

Answer 1

If it's strictly for practice *only*--as a guide for your own scriptwriting...? It shouldn't be an issue--so long as you don't try to do anything commercial with it.

Answer 2

I would write to the publisher, because they love suing people when they can.

Seriously, just write to them, and most likely give you permission as long as you receive no funds (money/profit) from your films, or the money is directed towards the publisher.

Answer 3

You know what the difference is between suing an indy film and suing a major studio?  The indy guys have to go hire a lawyer, the studio has a bunch of them already.

You can write a screen play on anything for fun, the minute you start making an actual movie, then it isn't just for fun anymore.

You can't just swipe someones work and make money off it, without expecting to be sued.