15 pieces of advice to a studio adapting a book series

I have much!

1. Actually read the full series. This sounds like a basic but I really mean read every book cover to cover, not just the gist
2. Read fan fiction. This will give you such insight into the fandom
3. Attend conventions. Again this gives insight into the fandom
4. Utilize the book's wiki. Fans have put together great references
5. Start the movie/show's wiki early so you have a good reference
6. Research the inspirations for the work. A lot of series have historical, cultural, literary, and other inspirations so gaining a deeper insight into the series as a whole
7. Have the author give lectures to the team. This builds a bond and helps the team gain insight into the series
8. Include the author on casting
9. Have Easter eggs, especially for things that are going to get cut due to length etc.
10. Don't be afraid to change problematic parts of the original work. Lots of books can be improved
11. Include the author for script writing
12. Ask the author for their notes on the world and character background. Often some stuff never made it explicitly through but there are hints of so it's good to know what the hints were for
13. If the series isn't over, have meetings with the author about where the series is going
14. Don't be afraid to include fans on early versions of things to get their opinions. Maybe share storyboards with focus groups or something like that
15. Don't let fans stop you from having fun with it

(Prompt by Kimisha Cassidy)

"Personal Spaces" by Thad Zajdowicz