Some projects are meant to be.

At least, that's what I'm starting to believe regarding this book adaptation story that launched this journal. Briefly: met a friend who wants to produce, he loves a book and my writing, he got the rights to the book, but attached another producer and because of incompetence (not mine -- I just watched) the project died.

Enter the Writers Script Network. (Not to be confused with the Scriptwriters Network.)

These folks send e-mails about producers or directors seeking projects. Normally, they're looking for ultra-low-budget films targeted toward a specific audience (must be set in England, teen comedy, Hispanic movie, etc.)

Today one came into my box that matches the adaptation to a T. It's also listed with a name talent (name withheld) and budgeted at 5 million. Again, a perfect fit. What the heck. I e-mail the notice to my friend to see what his reaction is. I'll call him Tom ('cause I know there's a Dick and Harry somewhere in the future).

He is, naturally, thrilled. Yes, the request fits the book's story. We meet for lunch and I lay out my cards. I want to work on the project, but he's got to secure the rights again. (They expired in November.) Once that happens, I'll send the information to the production company and see if they're interested. Whatever else Tom wants to do with the work, or where ever else he wants to market it, is fine with me -- but that's his thing and this time he's got to do the work. We reach a mutual understanding (not hard -- we've always had a good relationship), and part.

Tom immediately called the author, who's thrilled that Tom's still interested in seeing the project go forward. Will he option it again to Tom? Yes! Not only that, but Tom, the author and I are meeting for lunch next week. We'll all get to know one another, and it is my hope that Tom's newfound independence and enthusiasm will cause him to act like a producer and get things done.

So, now that the option has an agreement, I forwarded the project's information to the production company, and I will see if they are at all interested.

In the very least, I remain amused at the resilience that this adaptation appears to have. The more it crops up, the more I think it's destined to go to film someday!