It used to be highly common, when they bought original material, rather than only commissioning adaptations of already-existent "popular" Intellectual Property. Usually back then, under 40% of what was bought (never for full price, but optioned against full payment when made, the option depending on the enthusiasm of the buyer) got made. When the Intergalactic Widget-Makers took over, they stopped that.
That's a real shame.
It used to be highly common, when they bought original material, rather than only commissioning adaptations of already-existent "popular" Intellectual Property. Usually back then, under 40% of what was bought (never for full price, but optioned against full payment when made, the option depending on the enthusiasm of the buyer) got made. When the Intergalactic Widget-Makers took over, they stopped that.