Rushdie, BBC in row over book adaptation

Monday, June 9 1997

Rushdie, BBC in row over book adaptation

A K Dhar

LONDON, June 8: The fugitive Indian-born author, Salman Rushdie is embroiled in a serious row with the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) over financial terms for the film adaptation of his much acclaimed novel, Midnight's Children.

Rushdie, who has been forced to go into hiding due to death threats issued by Iranian leaders, feels hurt by what he calls ``uncomplimentary and partisan'' accusations made by the British media here. He has been accused of asking for ``exorbitant fees'' for writing a screenplay of his book for a five-part serial to be released in August to coincide with the 50th anniversary of India's Independence.

According to reports, Rushdie will be getting 200,000 pounds sterling for the television rights to the adaptation of his book and is asking for another 100,000 pounds sterling for writing the screenplay. He is said to have asserted that this is the normal price the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) pays for the serialisation of such themes.

However, the media begs to differ. It has gone to the extent of quoting BBC executives as saying, Midnight's Children is highbrow stuff which we are making for the BBC as part of public service.''

The media claims that ``the adaptation of Midnight's Children is not going to be an international hit nor can Rushdie expect to be paid for one''. The disagreement was reported this weekend during negotiations between Rushdie and the BBC top brass. The future of the serial, which is already reported to be behind schedule, will be decided at a top level meeting of the BBC this week.

Alan Yentob, head of BBC television and a close friend of Rushdie, had ordered work on the project three years ago after entering into a profit sharing agreement with the author for a record rights fee of 200,000 pounds sterling. Veteran dramatist Ken Taylor was roped in to produce the television script. Taylor's script was however, dropped and Rushdie took over the task of writing the screen version. The BBC was forced to mediate when Rushdie refused to share the onscreen credit with Taylor. resulting in a serious row.