Anyone ever have their screenplay produced and not receive any compensation? Early on I used to receive offers from indy producers to make my script into a film with the only compensation being a copy of the movie. I always turned them down. What do you all think about this scenario?
Writing for $0
- Thread starter Wtrailer
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Indy producers still sell their movies to small theatres and online, don't they? I wouldn't work for nothing when they're (potentially) making a profit unless I truly loved a project.
That's what I thought. However, it's tempting to see your script turned into a movie.
There should be a back end deal. If you give it to them for nothing and it actually makes it to the theaters, then they got paid. You should get a % of whatever the buyout price was. Call the WGA and see if they have a boilerplate contract you can use as a base. I have never NOT been paid for anything was produced. If it makes it to the theaters, somebody got paid.
Ditto.
Actual short scripts that I have lying around? Sure, take em. If I'm not going to produce, nothing else is going to happen.
A feature? No, you made the right choice.
Actual short scripts that I have lying around? Sure, take em. If I'm not going to produce, nothing else is going to happen.
A feature? No, you made the right choice.
Well I was given a pittance , but still I sold a script . While I am trying to sell my other three scripts and I aim a bit high . With God 's grace i hope to sell the same.
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This happens in the movie Gentlemen Broncos (which everyone here should watch, by the way). A terrible "filmmaker" (his films are largely low-budget trailers starring him and his friends) buys the "film rights" to the protagonist's novel for five hundred dollars. Benjamin tries to cash the check and the bank tells him it's postdated for next year.
You know that phrase "don't sell yourself short"? This is literally what that's about.
You know that phrase "don't sell yourself short"? This is literally what that's about.
I used to post a sign on my office door. It said:
The complete answer and all the gory details: $10
Just the answer without the details: $5
Educated guess: $1
Monthly special - dumb looks: FREE
I'm sure there is an equivalent in the publishing world.
-cb
The complete answer and all the gory details: $10
Just the answer without the details: $5
Educated guess: $1
Monthly special - dumb looks: FREE
I'm sure there is an equivalent in the publishing world.
-cb