"If a studio buys a book, it owns the character," he continued.

The studio bought the story and launched his career in television writing.

The studio bought rights to the story, but no film was made.

So many times, even good writers are writing formula, because they think that is what the studio will buy.

The subtle difference is that a few years ago, studios bought character pieces only after a major star or director had committed to the project.

Some studios and producers still bought film rights to books but only ones that had successful sales.

I think it's great that the studios didn't buy it on the terms first offered.

In addition, studios can usually buy an opening-week audience if they spend at least $5.5 million on advertising.

"But if the studios buy small companies and keep them entities with artistic autonomy, it's not a bad thing."

It is all the sort of publicity a studio cannot buy.