Ask HN: So I want to create an adaptation

My friend and I are working on a digital adaptation of a board game, with the hope and dream that it will one day be a nice source of side income.

However, this board game is quite unique and we want to engage with the IP owners for their consent.

We've come up with some questions that would be pretty universal with others who have some similar dream:

* When should we reach out to the IP owners?

* How should we engage? With an attorney or just firing off an email?

* How does profit sharing work in situations like this?

I can't think of any extras right now, but I'm sure discussion will spark some more.

So, does anybody have suggestions on how to answer these?