Playwright Riva Marker Adapts 'Is God Is' for Screen

Riva Marker, CEO of Linden Productions, identified the inherent cinematic qualities in Aleshea Harris's play 'Is God Is' upon reading its script.

She highlighted the play's unique voice and its characters' compelling journey, likening it to an Odyssey. This recognition immediately suggested a film adaptation with significant energy and pulse.

Linden Productions has cultivated expertise in transforming stage plays into successful screen productions. Their portfolio includes HBO's 'Reality,' also helmed by playwright Tina Satter, underscoring their capability in this niche.

Marker views storytelling as a unified art form across mediums like film, television, and theater. Linden often collaborates with stage artists seeking to translate their work into film, acting as a shepherd for these transitions.

While artist-driven, Marker balances creative ambitions with industry pragmatism. This involves discerning when projects align with market reception and when to temporarily shelve them, like the musical 'Fun Home,' awaiting better market conditions.

Marker embraces taking bets on emerging talent, including first-time directors, seeing it as a core aspect of producing. She values filmmakers who balance knowledge with an openness to learn, fostering trusting, long-term relationships.

Addressing the fully Black cast of 'Is God Is,' Marker acknowledges the pushback surrounding DEI initiatives. She asserts that authentic, specific stories resonate universally, advocating for greater representation beyond traditional demographics.

Discussing the interplay between stage and screen, Marker notes the current industry uncertainty. She points out the escalating costs of Broadway productions but emphasizes theater's irreplaceable value as a communal human experience.

She advises that adapting intellectual property from the stage requires instinct and vision, focusing on compelling characters, expansive worlds, narrative tension, and high stakes.

Linden navigates industry turmoil through nimbleness and strategic diversification across its production, management, and brand venture verticals. Their focus is on curating a slate that is both commercial and authored, spanning mainstream to prestigious plays.

Marker observes a gap in the market for original, genre-bending projects like 'Weapons,' combining horror and sexiness with high tension. Originality, as seen in 'Is God Is' and 'Sinners,' is a key pursuit. They are also exploring elevated horror and '90s-style romance and rom-coms.

For aspiring professionals, Marker advises against seeking permission, instead encouraging proactive stepping into identified gaps. She advocates for self-belief and taking on challenging roles, even when initially fearful, to foster career growth.