ASK & DISCUSS INDEX

5 years, 5 months ago - Vinca .

Hi Bhavi,
I would suggest calling PACT or the Writers Guild for fee advice. Also if you have written a few scripts it might make sense to look for a literary agent.

5 years, 5 months ago - Brendan O'Neill

https://writersguild.org.uk/rates-agreements/

5 years, 5 months ago - Paul W Franklin

Congrats!
Depends on the budget, basically. Check the link above ^^
I'd also try get a cut of the profits, if it's not a huge budget.
P.

5 years, 5 months ago - Stephen Potts

If you are a member of WGGB you should expect WGGB rates, as per Brendan's link.
If you are not a member of WGGB you should join WGGB and charge WGGB rates.

Many independent producers offer payment much less than this, and often make it deferred ( ie you work up for nothing at all other than the hope of payment if/when the film is made.)

Most films don't make a profit, so don't accept an offer of a % of profit as your only payment.

I suggest you request a % of the budget, with a minimum payment in line with WGGB rates. The more you are expected to defer payment, the higher that % should be. something like 2.5% if they pay up front, rising to 4% if deferred, with a similar cut of profits.

Make sure any deal specifies the number of drafts, and the levels of payment for each draft, rewrite and polish, otherwise you can find yourself expected to write draft after draft for nothing at all.

I've been there!

5 years, 5 months ago - Paddy Robinson-Griffin

Oh this is a complex question with lots of "right" answers. Ultimately it comes down to what you bring to the table, what you are worth, what you can negotiate, and what benefit you will get from having a feature script produced. Is it an original story you're adapting, is it your own original work, who created the characters and scenario? Are you known for being a writer whose name the producer might use to get finance (eg if I have a Richard Curtis script I can start conversations that I can't with a Paddy R-G script!)? Does the producer want you specifically for another reason? Or are they kicking they tyres? Or are they fishing for a script you've already written and just want to option it? Would the value of having a produced script be high enough that you would reduce the cash claim and take some in equity?

If you're not supplying the story/characters and don't have a track record but want to get one, then it's probably a pretty small amount right now in reality, but depending on if you retain rights or how you handle it all it could be anywhere from maybe £0 - £25k. Mind you I know a guy who had a minorly known director ask for $1M to write a first draft (obviously that didn't happen) ;-$

5 years, 5 months ago - James Hancock

To my knowledge you can expect anywhere between 1% and 5% of the funding/ budget as the sole screenwriter. Typically the lesser amount if you are new/uncredited. You would get some of this up front for first draft, and then some more after the rewrites, and the remaining amount when all funding has been given. If it is your idea + script, already written, and a director/producer wants to shoot it, then you'll make an agreement + sign an option/contact instead of money up front. Either way, a contract with the details should be done.

5 years, 5 months ago - Ian Allardyce

Hi Bhavi, I'm looking to have some treatments written up. So it'd be good to get your details. Can you email me at ian@ianallardyce.com. Thanks, Ian.

5 years, 5 months ago - Jane Sanger

Hi I am a writer director, gone back to NFTS to further hone my craft in script writing. I think the variables are how well you are known, ie what is your body of work and how many awards have you got, what is the budget, who is the production company? Some can option a script and pay you nothing in the hope of raising funds in a specified time.going rate is 3-5% of the budget. You need an agent to negotiate the best deals for you, like an actor, go on alone on something bigger and you may get ripped off, Terms are no of rewrites, when, how much you will get paid. The hard facts are like actors, score writers and film makers, script writers get paid little unless they make the break which is a million to one chance but if they are offering payment grab it now! I think find out their budget, ask for 3% up front and agree to a number of rewrites. Get a contract.

5 years, 5 months ago - Jane Sanger

If you sell the treatment they can ditch you and get someone else to write the script. Agree on a contract to see it through