Linden Productions CEO Riva Marker on Adapting Plays for Screen and the Art of Letting Go

Linden Productions CEO Riva Marker first encountered Aleshea Harris’ play Is God Is as a writing sample. From the first read, she recognized its potential for a successful theatrical adaptation. Marker was particularly struck by Harris’ distinctive voice, especially in her portrayal of the revenge-seeking twins at the heart of the story—twins tasked with killing their father at their mother’s behest.

“There was a real driving aspect to her tone, to her words and to the journey—this sort of Odysseyian-like journey that the characters go on,” Marker told TheWrap’s Office With a View. “It felt like a movie from the jump, and it felt like something that had a real pulse to it, a real energy to it.”

Linden Productions’ Focus on Stage-to-Screen Adaptations

With a background in both film and stage plays, Marker has positioned Linden Productions as a leader in stage-to-screen adaptations. The company’s portfolio includes HBO’s Reality, starring Sydney Sweeney, which, like Is God Is, was adapted for film by playwright Tina Satter.

“The art form of storytelling is one art form … whether it’s for the medium of television or film or theater or whatever it is,” Marker said. “We get to work with a lot of different artists who are doing something on stage, and then they come to us, and they’re like … ‘this is a movie we want to tell, could you help us shepherd this film?’”

The Producer’s Balancing Act: Creativity and Industry Realities

While Marker describes herself as artist-forward, she acknowledges the need to balance creative vision with the realities of the entertainment industry. Not all projects receive industry support or get picked up, and sometimes the market signals that a project should be shelved—at least temporarily.

“If the market is feverishly telling you there is no market for this thing,” Marker explained, “it might mean knowing when it’s time to shelve projects.” However, shelving a project doesn’t necessarily mean abandoning it. She pointed to the musical Fun Home, based on Alison Bechdel’s graphic novel, as an example of a project Linden has nurtured for years.

“The world isn’t ready for this movie yet, but ultimately it will be.”

Marker emphasized the importance of persistence and adaptability in producing. “It’s a journey of learning to ride that wave … knowing that everything you go out with—it’s unlikely that everything is going to hit, and you have to have enough balls in the air that you can keep moving things forward,” she said. “There is the right producer, just like there’s the right filmmaker for every project, and often that aligns. And sometimes you just have to let your babies go.”

Advice for First-Time Directors and Producers

Marker also reflected on her partnership with Aleshea Harris and her history of betting on first-time directors. She shared insights into what she looks for in emerging talent and how she mentors them through their first major project.

“Part of what I love about being a producer is taking bets on people and seeing something in them.”