Cable Television Writers' Fees - Reality Check

[lulalouise]

After working on a full-length television script with a partner, I wrote the whole script. I kept both our names in the Written By credits. A friend informed me that by doing so I will restrict our rights to royalties, because royalties are only given to sole authors. Right now a cable television channel is looking at it, and has expressed a modicum of interest so far. What can I expect to earn (I am not a WGA member) and will we not be eligible for royalties now because 2 names are attached to the script? I don't have an agent.:shrug

[Hamboogul]

I think you've been misinformed. Check with the WGA.org for detailed guidelines. You are so wrong on all those accounts but that being said, I know only partial truths so I'd rather not post them for fear of looking like an idiot.

[lulalouise]

Thanks, Hamboogul - I did visit their site and their language suggested that writers would receive residuals of 2% or something like that. But I wondered if there was some fine print of which I am not aware.

[A Pathetic Writer]

You, as partners, will split the residuals equally, subject to WGA arbitration, if you suppose.

This is easily remedied, if you find it necessary to do so, by killing your partner.

[lulalouise]

LOL. I'm more concerned about both of us getting paid. We signed our own agreement to split things 50-50, and either of us would let the other get credit, and trust that the other would hand over a fee. Sounds like wishful thinking, but so far, it's working. My motto is you can't have an ego if you've gotten nowhere by yourself.

Thanks! Lulalouise

[NikeeGoddess]

no offense but, you're very a very naive and anyone who knows you will take full advantage. either your writing partner is one of these jerks or he/she is just too stupid to find out the facts. tudos for you for seeking the truth!

write on!

[lulalouise]

Naive people trust what they're told. I am a novice, not naive. I am also extremely thorough. It was a friend who told me of her belief (she happens to be an attorney, which I forgot to add). So, I'm doing what is called, due diligence, NikeeGoddess. My writing partner are doing fine, thanks.

[NikeeGoddess]

just like doctors, attorneys specialize. it is practically impossible for anyone in these fields to know absolutely everything and every law. in this industry we use "entertainment" attorneys because we're not criminals and we're not buying real estate. ;)

[lulalouise]

huh?

[NikeeGoddess]

It was a friend who told me of her belief (she happens to be an attorney, which I forgot to add).

"belief" is the key word here. just b/c she's an attorney doesn't mean she knows all the details of entertainment law. what's her specialty?