Aimee Friedman on Sea Change’s Adaptation Into a Lifetime TV Pilot
Young adult novels have been attracting Hollywood’s attention since before the category existed (The Outsiders, anyone?), and in recent years, many of the most successful box office hits and buzziest television series have come directly from the YA shelves. Page to Screen is a series in which authors whose novels have been adapted for the screen share their unique perspectives on the process. Some have little to no involvement, others are writing scripts and sitting in monogrammed chairs on set, but all have experienced seeing their work in a new way.
Today, bestselling author Aimee Friedman shares the story of how her 2009 novel Sea Change got a new life on film seven years after its release. Check out previous Page to Screen posts here.
Sea Change
Paperback $8.99
Sea Change
Paperback $8.99
Sea Change came out in 2009, so when did the page-to-screen process start?
A producer contacted me back in 2009…which goes to show how long this process can take! It was thrilling just to hear that people thought there might be film/TV potential in my story, and I almost didn’t allow myself to daydream much beyond that. First, I signed a shopping agreement with the producer and his partner, which, unlike an option, doesn’t include payment, but grants the interested party the right to shop the idea around to studios, networks, etc. in the hopes of getting an actual option. There were lots of stops and starts along the way—moments of getting my hopes way up, and then way down. It was good, in a sense, because it helped me develop a thicker skin and a realistic attitude about how these things unfold. I also learned the fine art of patience. The original producers stuck with the project, though, and for that I am forever grateful!
When did the shopping agreement become an option?
In 2012, MarVista Entertainment optioned the book, which was an exciting step. But after that there were again lots of stops and starts. I got busy working on new projects, and I tried to mostly put Sea Change out of my head; so much time had passed that I wasn’t sure anything would really develop. And then, in March of 2016, I got the most amazing phone call ever, from the producer who had been with me from the very start. It turned out MarVista had partnered with Lifetime on the project, and it was a “go”—filming was to begin in July 2016 in Canada! I’m pretty sure I was speechless for about five solid minutes on the phone (and people who know me well know that I am rarely speechless!).
Not to be crass, but did this news mean a paycheck for you?
Yes, most options come with money attached, and the amount varies widely. My option payment came in stages, which I think is standard as well. I received one amount upon signing of the option agreement, and then I received another sum once filming commenced.
After the call came, did you have any involvement in the project?
Everyone involved in this production, from the producers to the writer to the network, has been absolutely wonderful. I lucked out! I got to read the scripts as they came along and I was updated on casting once that process began. I don’t have any official say or approval; generally, once you sign an option agreement, your book baby becomes their movie/TV baby. And I totally get that! It’s a different medium and I’m happy to hand the reins over to the experts. But it was amazing to be able to read the script and see what was changed in the story and what stayed the same. And of course I loved finding out about each actor they cast…and I have to say, the casting was perfect.
And you got to visit the set, yes?
Yes! The set visit definitely ranks up there among the most surreal and unforgettable experiences in my life. The pilot was filmed in Halifax, Nova Scotia; I’d never been there before and it’s spectacularly beautiful—wild beaches, lush greenery, the perfect setting for the story.
I got to spend two full days on set when they were filming on a beach. They even set me up with my own headphones so I could watch all the action being filmed while sitting with the director, screenwriter, director of photography, producers, and script supervisor in “video village.” It was incredible to get a peek into the process; I was blown away by the talent, hard work, commitment, enthusiasm, and drive of the entire cast and crew—everyone really comes together as a team to make sure the final product is as great as it can be.
How was it interacting with the cast members?
The entire team was so unbelievably kind and welcoming, and eager to chat with me about the book. When I met Emily Rudd, the actress playing Miranda (the protagonist), I basically cried—she looked exactly as I pictured Miranda in my head when I wrote the book, all those years ago. I think that was the craziest thing, seeing these characters I dreamed up truly come to life. ALL the actors were so on point with what I had imagined—plus talented and gorgeous and sweet!
On my last night there, I went out to dinner with bunch of the cast and crew, and we were gifted these awesome T-shirts that say “Welcome to Selkie Island” (where the story takes place). That was another emotional moment for me—when I’d thought up Selkie Island years ago, I couldn’t have ever guessed that it would one day be immortalized on a T-shirt!
That’s amazing! Have you seen the pilot yet?
I have yet to see the finished product. It’s in post-production right now, which means it’s getting edited and spiffied up with special effects, music, etc. I can’t wait to see it once it’s ready! (Spoiler alert based on what I’ve heard so far: it seems to be terrific.) Once the pilot is ready it will be shown to the network and they will decide if they want to pick it up for series.
Does the show feel separate from your book, like its own thing, or does it feel closely connected?
The show feels like its own entity—it has its own clear, brilliant voice and vision. There were also certain changes made from the book; for instance, Selkie Island in the book is off the coast of Georgia, but for the show, it’s been moved to off the coast of Maine. But the characters and the romance and the themes feel very closely connected to the book, which is special for me.
It’s not a show yet, but even filming a pilot is incredible. Is the buzz helping sales?
It’s been great to get new fans and followers on social media, who discovered the book via the announcements in Deadline, etc. about the show. Also, the incredible cast members each have lots of fans, so there’s been new buzz and outreach that way as well. It’s too early to say if there will be a new edition of the book…though how cool would that be?
Sea Change came out in 2009, so when did the page-to-screen process start?
A producer contacted me back in 2009…which goes to show how long this process can take! It was thrilling just to hear that people thought there might be film/TV potential in my story, and I almost didn’t allow myself to daydream much beyond that. First, I signed a shopping agreement with the producer and his partner, which, unlike an option, doesn’t include payment, but grants the interested party the right to shop the idea around to studios, networks, etc. in the hopes of getting an actual option. There were lots of stops and starts along the way—moments of getting my hopes way up, and then way down. It was good, in a sense, because it helped me develop a thicker skin and a realistic attitude about how these things unfold. I also learned the fine art of patience. The original producers stuck with the project, though, and for that I am forever grateful!
When did the shopping agreement become an option?
In 2012, MarVista Entertainment optioned the book, which was an exciting step. But after that there were again lots of stops and starts. I got busy working on new projects, and I tried to mostly put Sea Change out of my head; so much time had passed that I wasn’t sure anything would really develop. And then, in March of 2016, I got the most amazing phone call ever, from the producer who had been with me from the very start. It turned out MarVista had partnered with Lifetime on the project, and it was a “go”—filming was to begin in July 2016 in Canada! I’m pretty sure I was speechless for about five solid minutes on the phone (and people who know me well know that I am rarely speechless!).
Not to be crass, but did this news mean a paycheck for you?
Yes, most options come with money attached, and the amount varies widely. My option payment came in stages, which I think is standard as well. I received one amount upon signing of the option agreement, and then I received another sum once filming commenced.
After the call came, did you have any involvement in the project?
Everyone involved in this production, from the producers to the writer to the network, has been absolutely wonderful. I lucked out! I got to read the scripts as they came along and I was updated on casting once that process began. I don’t have any official say or approval; generally, once you sign an option agreement, your book baby becomes their movie/TV baby. And I totally get that! It’s a different medium and I’m happy to hand the reins over to the experts. But it was amazing to be able to read the script and see what was changed in the story and what stayed the same. And of course I loved finding out about each actor they cast…and I have to say, the casting was perfect.
And you got to visit the set, yes?
Yes! The set visit definitely ranks up there among the most surreal and unforgettable experiences in my life. The pilot was filmed in Halifax, Nova Scotia; I’d never been there before and it’s spectacularly beautiful—wild beaches, lush greenery, the perfect setting for the story.
I got to spend two full days on set when they were filming on a beach. They even set me up with my own headphones so I could watch all the action being filmed while sitting with the director, screenwriter, director of photography, producers, and script supervisor in “video village.” It was incredible to get a peek into the process; I was blown away by the talent, hard work, commitment, enthusiasm, and drive of the entire cast and crew—everyone really comes together as a team to make sure the final product is as great as it can be.
How was it interacting with the cast members?
The entire team was so unbelievably kind and welcoming, and eager to chat with me about the book. When I met Emily Rudd, the actress playing Miranda (the protagonist), I basically cried—she looked exactly as I pictured Miranda in my head when I wrote the book, all those years ago. I think that was the craziest thing, seeing these characters I dreamed up truly come to life. ALL the actors were so on point with what I had imagined—plus talented and gorgeous and sweet!
On my last night there, I went out to dinner with bunch of the cast and crew, and we were gifted these awesome T-shirts that say “Welcome to Selkie Island” (where the story takes place). That was another emotional moment for me—when I’d thought up Selkie Island years ago, I couldn’t have ever guessed that it would one day be immortalized on a T-shirt!
That’s amazing! Have you seen the pilot yet?
I have yet to see the finished product. It’s in post-production right now, which means it’s getting edited and spiffied up with special effects, music, etc. I can’t wait to see it once it’s ready! (Spoiler alert based on what I’ve heard so far: it seems to be terrific.) Once the pilot is ready it will be shown to the network and they will decide if they want to pick it up for series.
Does the show feel separate from your book, like its own thing, or does it feel closely connected?
The show feels like its own entity—it has its own clear, brilliant voice and vision. There were also certain changes made from the book; for instance, Selkie Island in the book is off the coast of Georgia, but for the show, it’s been moved to off the coast of Maine. But the characters and the romance and the themes feel very closely connected to the book, which is special for me.
It’s not a show yet, but even filming a pilot is incredible. Is the buzz helping sales?
It’s been great to get new fans and followers on social media, who discovered the book via the announcements in Deadline, etc. about the show. Also, the incredible cast members each have lots of fans, so there’s been new buzz and outreach that way as well. It’s too early to say if there will be a new edition of the book…though how cool would that be?
Two Summers
Hardcover $17.99
Two Summers
Hardcover $17.99
Congratulations, Aimee! What’s next for you?
I was busy this year promoting my new book, Two Summers, which is like a Sliding Doors for YA. Now I’m starting work on a new standalone project—I’m very superstitious in the early stages of writing so all I can say right now is that I think it will be another love story set in the summer (like Sea Change!). I guess I can’t get enough of those…
Congratulations, Aimee! What’s next for you?
I was busy this year promoting my new book, Two Summers, which is like a Sliding Doors for YA. Now I’m starting work on a new standalone project—I’m very superstitious in the early stages of writing so all I can say right now is that I think it will be another love story set in the summer (like Sea Change!). I guess I can’t get enough of those…