One of the most amusing false narratives in the publishing industry is the idea that video streaming is a threat to books.
In fact a look at the book charts at almost any time will show books that have a film or TV adaptation, or books derived from a film or TV original, are up there with the best text-only bestsellers.
Not only do books provide the core content for most successful films but the films then drive the sales of those books.
And in the era of longform television books are increasingly the core source for TV content too.
The idea that booklovers are somehow going to give up their reading time and abandon their love of books to binge on the latest video streaming sensation is frankly ludicrous, but it may well encourage them to read the book of the latest film.
Which means getting young children to watch film adaptations of books and read the books of the film is a great way to instill a love of literature.
On the North Atlantic island of Bermuda (650 miles off North Carolina) the Bermuda International Film Festival (BIFF) has been running “book to film” sessions for primary school children to introduce the kids to film-making while encouraging them to read.
Image via Bermuda News
A session for middle grade and high school kids is called Real Talk.
Explained Artistic and Education director Nicky Gurret:
The Books to Film programme is the Festival’s initiative focusing on visual literacy learning in primary schools. Classes from Primary 1-4 are invited to come experience an exciting programme of reading and film. Story books are read to primary school children followed by the screening of a film adaptation.
The format is designed to encourage enthusiasm for both reading and high-quality films.
Over 1000 primary schools children will attend the Books to Film programme. That’s 1.5% of the Bermudan population!
