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Book-to-screen adaptations: The author and illustrator perspective

Having your book adapted for screen is a dream for authors and illustrators alike — the exposure can provide a terrific boost to your profile and work, open the door to new career opportunities, and lead to some welcome extra income. But what’s the reality? How does the optioning process work, what role can an author or an illustrator play in a book-to-screen adaptation, and how are they involved throughout the production process? 

Recent book-to-screen success stories, author Holden Sheppard and illustrator Heath McKenzie, will reveal what really goes on for authors and illustrators behind the scenes in this unmissable session.

Holden’s award-winning debut novel Invisible Boys was adapted for TV by Stan Australia and premiered in early 2025. Heath is the illustrator of the Do Not Open This Book picture book series, one of the most successful in Australian publishing history, and is providing art direction for the animated TV adaptation, Do Not Watch This Show, set to screen on ABC Family in 2025.

In this Q&A session, Holden and Heath will discuss:

  • How the process of optioning functions from the author and illustrator perspective.
  • What level of involvement might be offered to the author/illustrator after a book is optioned.
  • How an optioning agreement may differ from author to author, and illustrator to illustrator, and the kinds of provisions to look out for.
  • Who some of the key players will be in the adaptation process.
  • What are some of the common terms you need to know to navigate the development, production, and post-production phases of adaptation.
  • What the difference is between writing/illustrating for the page and for television.
  • How to cope with a loss of control over your original material, and tips for working with a screenwriter who is adapting your work.
  • What it’s like to see your imagined world brought to life on the screen.

There will be time for questions from participants.

Whether you’re a published author, established illustrator, or still working your way towards publication, you’ve likely wondered what goes into a book-to-screen adaptation. This is your opportunity to find out!

Please note, no legal advice will be provided in this session.

Who is this for?

  • Authors and illustrators interested in a behind-the-scenes look at the optioning process in the Australian television industry from the book creator’s perspective
  • Authors and illustrators curious to learn what their involvement might be in a screen adaptation of their work
  • Authors and illustrators seeking real-life examples of the book to screen experience to help guide them in future endeavours

About the Presenters

Heath McKenzie
Heath McKenzie
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Holden Sheppard
Holden Sheppard
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Can't make it to the live session?

No problem! Everyone booked in to this event will be emailed a link and passcode to access the recording afterwards. This recording will be available to view for 10 days after the live session. This also means that if you wish to revisit the session after attending it live to take further notes, you can do so!

After 10 days, the link will expire and the recording will no longer be available to view.