ASK & DISCUSS INDEX

12 years, 2 months ago - Sacha Van Spall

?? He clearly states in the first line that he hasn't written it. I think the only person confused is your reading ability. He wants to know if there is some form of contract that he can make between himself and the writer that would allow him to pitch the project to producers to ensure that he remains attached to the project if it is accepted by a producer.

12 years, 2 months ago - Paddy Robinson-Griffin

I don't think you mean 'option'. I thought you wrote the script, now you want the writer to sign something... All very confusing, can you clarify a little maybe?

12 years, 2 months ago - riccardo sai

thanks people. I made a couple of enquiries and found out as a director I can option scripts which I wasn't entirely sure it was possible. Now I just need to find a simple option agreement for the script I want to option. Anyone can help? I am looking for something really simple a page or two as I assume when the project will get some interest we will have a proper contract.

12 years, 2 months ago - Dan Selakovich

Hi Riccardo, I've had a couple of options of my stuff, though I'm not comfortable sending you the contracts. You don't have to have a company. An option can be a simple contract between you and the writer. Most options are for 6 months, with an option to renew for another 6. The basics of any option is that the writer can not show his work around as long as you hold the option. This gives you time to raise the cash to produce the project without having the rug pulled out from under you. My options were pretty complex, as I was attached as director, but options can be as simple as a few paragraphs stating what the writer will be paid for the option, how much (in percentage of total budget) he'll be paid if the film goes into production, if he retains the rights for any rewrites, etc. It's a good idea to pay him SOMETHING for the option. And if you option it again, that he'll be paid the same for another 6 months (or however long the original option was). Within the option contract, you need to view yourself as the producer. If you want to direct the piece, that needs to be in there as well. Frankly, if you show the script around to producers with solid track records, and they like the script, but don't like you as director, they'll just wait for the option to lapse and contact the writer directly. These are just the risks that are common in the industry. It's best to have an entertainment attorney write an option, but if you don't have the money, I'm sure you can find some kind of option on the web that will serve your needs.

12 years, 2 months ago - Sarah Dixon

Hi Riccardo
A template like this one could be adapted for what you want: http://www.contractstore.com/A119-confidentiality
Best wishes
Sarah

12 years, 2 months ago - Vasco de Sousa

Mark Litwak's Contracts for the film and Television industry has a couple option agreements you can look at. They are made for US law, so they might need to be adapted if you are outside the USA (or if you or the writer doesn't think the terms fit your needs.)