Even very successful authors don't always get that sort of input offered contractually. It's one of the things that drives me so very batshit about Stephenie Meyer. Her experiences have been so out of the ordinary that she has no concept what it's like for most other authors. (Things like having input into things like Bella's engagement ring and wedding dress, etc.)
With Castle, I got the impression that yes, he's as successful as a James Patterson and could get input, should he so desire, but that he's just arrogant enough (in that charming Castle way) to not feel as if he needed it because who would change his words?
He may not have negotiated it, thinking that they would just listen to him. That's a failing of his agent, I would think.
Hollywood has no respect for authors. Seriously. It's not uncommon for multiple screen writers to completely change everything from characterization to outright major plot points and authors have no authority to do anything. Once they sell the rights, it's all about what the producer wants to do. If the producer wanted to change Nikki Heat to an upscale hooker who dabbles as a PI, they could and Castle would have no legal option aside from public indignation.
eta: i suspect Castle would have FANTASTIC public indignation, possibly enough to shame the producer into changing it back...but that's fiction. In actual Hollywood, authors have zero control over any aspect of a movie production unless they specifically get it written into a contract.
i suspect Castle would have FANTASTIC public indignation
Didn't he say he has half a million followers on Twitter?
Didn't he say he has half a million followers on Twitter?
That part might not be fiction. [link]
Okay, so they're stretching the number a bit.
In re Castle: I remember once hearing an author (Stephen King perhaps) in an interview say that the best thing to happen was have a studio pay for an option on a book, renew it over and over, but never make the movie.
Oh hah, I got one of the Castle books for Christmas but I haven't gotten around to it yet. Maybe this weekend.
(No surprise this is the show to namecheck meta.)
Neil Gaiman has said the same. Lots of money, nothing happens.
The Castle books are kind of like a longish episode. They're quick and fun.
With Castle, I got the impression that yes, he's as successful as a James Patterson and could get input, should he so desire, but that he's just arrogant enough (in that charming Castle way) to not feel as if he needed it because who would change his words?
Haven't seen the episode yet, but I've known a couple authors who've waived away input on film adaptations, because they couldn't be bothered. And I can imagine any agent who represents Castle saying, "You know what? Pay us a little more, and we can keep him out of it, all together. Really. Do you want him calling you at all hours with script ideas? It won't end. Trust me. I know."
