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[Over breakfast] We discussed the 'novelisation' question…

“[Over breakfast] We discussed the 'novelisation' question. This is where the studio pay someone to novelise my script and sell it as Sense and Sensibility . I've said if this happens I will hang myself. Revolting notion. Beyond revolting. Lindsay [Doran] said that the executive she had discussed…” quote by Emma Thompson
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““[Over breakfast] We discussed the 'novelisation' question. This is where the studio pay someone to novelise my script and sell it as Sense and Sensibility . I've said if this happens I will hang myself. Revolting notion. Beyond revolting. Lindsay [Doran] said that the executive she had discussed it with had said 'as a human being I agree with you -- but ...' I laughed until my porridge was cool enough to swallow.””

Emma Thompson

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

She expresses strong disdain for studios turning her screenplay into a novel, calling the idea repulsive and threatening self-harm if forced.

In simple terms: She hates the idea of her script being novelized.

Key Takeaway

Refuse to compromise artistic integrity.

Themes

artistic integrity creative control industry pressure

Mood

frustrated angry determined

Type

personal defensive

When to use this quote

  • film production
  • screenwriting negotiations
  • publishing contracts
  • creative collaborations

Key Concepts

authorship commercialization adaptation

Questions to Reflect On

  • Do you ever feel pressured to alter your work for profit?
  • How can creators protect their vision?
A Different Perspective

The hyperbolic threat may be exaggerated, not a literal stance.

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