The Road to Forever ~ The Sequel to Modern Fairytale

Beast of Burden

Regina sat in the conference room of Blanchard and Mills beside one of her biggest literary clients, August Booth. She received the call from him shortly after Thanksgiving about a few producers and screenwriters reaching out to him to turn Once Upon a Time into a television series. She was thrilled for him, but this also meant she was needed to negotiate for him in terms of copyright and contractual agreements. Across the table from her were the writers who were interested in pursuing the rights for the piece, Adam Horowitz and Edward Kitsis. She recognized their names as co-producers and writers from Lost so she knew they were legitimate.

"What drew us to the story were the backstories," Adam said.

Eddie nodded in agreement, "Absolutely. It's refreshing to see that these fairytale characters are not what they appear to be on the surface. Snow White isn't this vulnerable princess and the Queen is not just a cold hearted witch; there's history there and we believe it's something the people need to see."

"That's all fine, gentlemen, but I'm not here to listen to your reasons for wanting the piece. I've read the novels and agree they are brilliant, but what are you aiming for?" Regina asked, wanting to discuss matters in a more legal sense.

"We want to stay true to the story and would love to have August collaborate in the writing of the pilot," the bigger man said.

"And if the pilot is picked up for an entire season? What then?" She asked.

The smaller man pushed up his glasses and stated, "August would be part of the entire creative process. He knows the characters inside and out. His insight would be valuable to ensuring the story is told exactly as it should be."

"These characters are complex," August leaned forward, wanting them to understand this was more than just a story to him, "They're people to me, not just some fairytale figures. I'll agree to collaborate for the entire first season and if it continues, I don't want to be pushed aside."

"August would like to be named Executive Producer. He can assist in funding the project along with his contributions to the scripts," Regina stared them down, daring them to counter her.

"We'd love that," Eddie nodded, "But Adam and I would like to be named the sole creators of the series. We have a certain vision for these characters and as much as we appreciate your creation of them in literary form, it's our job to bring them to life on screen."

Regina looked at August as he considered their counter. He nodded and she turned her attention back to the men, "Fine."

"Will I be able to have a hand in casting for the show?" The author asked, crossing his arms to signify that he wouldn't have it any other way.

"As part of the collaboration," Adam began, "You'd be able to contribute certain criteria for our casting department to follow, but we can't guarantee you'd be involved in choosing the cast."

"I think we can compromise," Regina leaned back and crossed her legs, "August sits in on final readings for callbacks to help steer the casting team in the right direction. I believe that's fair enough considering he's providing the rights to the story and funding a large majority of the series."

The men looked at one another, unsure if they were willing to make that compromise. August chuckled as he watched them, gaining their attention when he said, "If I had my choice, Regina would play the Queen. So I'd take the deal if I were you."