Casey Anthony Book, Movie, TV Deal on the Way?
What is next for Casey Anthony
The American public is reacting to what many say was a shocking verdict in the Casey Anthony trial. However, less than two days after being found not guilty of murdering her two-year-old daughter, analysts are saying Anthony could very well be on her way to a book and movie deal worth millions.
Although Anthony was acquitted of murder, the jury convicted her of four misdemeanor counts of lying to police investigators. She will be sentenced on Thursday morning in the Orange County Courthouse, but some legal experts think she'll likely go home with time served since she's been in prison for three years already.
Legal analysts say Anthony will be signing a deal by the beginning of next week, even if she is still in jail.
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If Anthony receives the maximum sentence it will be four years in prison for lying to law enforcement, but that does not bar her from making book, movie or TV deals.
She can also make money off her story even if she is on probation, court officials said.
Linda Konner, a New York City literary agent who has worked deals for actors, singers and lawmakers, told reporters Wednesday that it's "not impossible" to expect Anthony to get an advance between $750,000 and $1 million for her memoirs.
On top of that, she said, Anthony could receive a cut from the sales of the book. If a TV or film studio acquires the rights to it, she would profit even more, according to the interview.
However, some are questioning whether or not Anthony can walk the streets of Orlando safely, saying she will have to go into hiding for a period of time due to the public outcry.
"Casey did not murder Caylee. It is just that simple," lead defense attorney Jose Baez said outside the courtroom after the verdict was read.
"While we are happy for Casey, there are no winners in this case. I hope she can take time to grieve and to grow and get her life together.”
While public protests are staged and outraged citizens remark on social networking sites about the verdict there remains a heavy interest from major media outlets in getting an exclusive Anthony interview.
However, shortly after the verdict was announced Tuesday afternoon, Facebook postings revealed thousands who posted about potential boycotts of advertisers and any show that features Anthony.
But it is being reported that book publishers in New York are in a bidding war to land Anthony’s tell-all book. The price tag is up to $3 million, according to ABC News.
Publishing agents also told ABC News that Anthony could make upwards of $750,000 with a book deal just a month after being released from jail. It's likely that television and movie producers will also compete to score the rights to her life story.
"I am horrified about this case and the verdict," said Lowell Jenkins, a resident of Mobile, Ala., who has been following the case.
"It is horrible that this precious little girl is gone. A book, however, would probably answer some nagging questions we all have about Casey and what makes her tick. I mean who acts that way if your daughter is dead?"
Many are questioning how Anthony could make money off of the tragic story and death of her two-year-old, but Dr. Paul Mattiuzzi, a psychologist that specializes in the field of criminal forensic psychology, said the public is endlessly fascinated with murder and it goes far beyond the practical.
He said even those under scrutiny for murder hold the public's attention because people want to know what motivates their behavior and what goes through the minds of suspected killers.
“When it’s on the news, we may recoil in shock and horror, but often homicide is a source of entertainment,” said Mattiuzzi.
“We wonder why people kill and we are intrigued by the ways in which the deed is accomplished.”
He said the crime of murder is a most fundamental taboo and also, perhaps, a most fundamental human impulse.
In the Book of Genesis, Adam and Eve's original sin is quickly followed by the original crime: Cain's slaying of his brother Abel. In Exodus, the law is handed down by God in the Ten Commandments, “Thou shall not kill.”
However, Mattiuzzi said, people are also naturally intrigued by the infinite number of ways the crime can be committed or even how an accidental death is covered up.
If Anthony does sell her story, it is almost certain she will have to talk about what happened to Caylee, said defense attorney Jeff Brown in a recent interview.
"If she is willing to talk about the incident, she will make a fortune," Brown said..
"I don't know how anyone could do a book or a movie without the answer to those questions. Baez said it was a drowning, but no one else has. You know the question has to be part of the interview. People aren't going to pay a half-million for the interview to have ground rules saying she can't talk about the case.
Anthony wrote a letter to a friend not too long ago while in the Florida prison saying she dreamt of writing a book. She described it as a "partial memoir/comedy/relationship advice book for those not in the know."
She said that it would be a way to settle many rumors and to share insight about love, life, and God.
Public records show Anthony has already purchased more than 20 pens in the jail commissary.
Despite the fact that Anthony is one of the most hated women in history, a book about her life would probably do well and sell, according to Konner.
The rule isn't universal, but judges generally do try to prevent people from profiting from their own wrongs.
Anthony would not be the first to make money off their alleged crimes and high-profile cases.
The book “Small Sacrifices: A True Story of Passion and Murder” sold millions. It is Ann Rule's shocking story about the destructive forces that drove Diane Downs, a beautiful young mother, to shoot her three young children in cold blood.
Over six weeks on the New York Times Bestseller List was the book “Top Mob Hitman. Devoted Family Man. Doting Father,” which sold to millions.
For thirty years, Richard “The Iceman” Kuklinski led a shocking double life, becoming the most notorious professional assassin in American history.
“The Most Evil Women in History” is a book about the lives and careers of fifteen women whose crimes were recorded.
“The Night Stalker: The Life and Crimes of Richard Ramirez” sold millions. It told the story of America's most feared serial murderer, based on sixty hours of personal interviews with Richard Ramirez himself.
Where Anthony will reside is a big question in the public’s mind. Analysts say she cannot go back to her Orlando family home where most think she is not welcome.
Through their attorney Mark Lippman, George, Cindy and Lee Anthony released a statement after the jury announced the verdict saying "While the family may never know what has happened to Caylee Marie Anthony, they now have closure for this chapter of their life. They will now begin the long process of rebuilding their lives."
Within the statement, the Anthony’s pleaded with the public by saying “above all-we hope people will remember that through all of this there was a little girl who lost her life.”
