Optioning Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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optioning
[ˈɑːpʃənɪŋ ]
Definition
business decision
Optioning refers to the process of acquiring the rights to a piece of content, usually a screenplay or a book, for potential development into a film or television production. This usually involves a financial agreement where the production company pays the original creator for exclusive rights to their work for a specified time period.
Synonyms
acquiring, contracting, securing.
Examples of usage
- The studio is optioning the bestselling novel for adaptation.
- After optioning the script, they started casting actors.
- He is currently optioning several of his works to gain wider exposure.
- Optioning a story can secure it from competitors in the industry.
Translations
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Origin of 'optioning'
The term 'optioning' stems from the noun 'option', which has its roots in the Latin word 'optio', meaning 'a choice' or 'the act of choosing'. In a business context, particularly in the entertainment industry, it has evolved to denote the legal right to develop a creative work. The process of optioning began to gain prominence in the mid-20th century as the film and television industries expanded, leading to a demand for fresh content. As more authors and creators sought to have their work translated into visual media, the practice of optioning became a vital component of producing new films and series. Over the years, optioning has grown into a structured legal action involving contracts and financial negotiations to ensure that both parties benefit from the agreement.