ASK & DISCUSS INDEX

8 years, 11 months ago - Marlom Tander

It could be the best money you ever spent. Or a total waste.

Did you google them? Are they a company clearly involved with making things happen?

Can you afford to write off the money? (If not, don't, you can't take the risk).

8 years, 11 months ago - Carrie Galvau

A few things I would consider:
- is your project US/ UK focussed? If it's more of a UK-based project, you'll benefit more from sending it to someone in the UK. They can tell you more about local funding, filming, financiers, producers and talent. UK talent agencies have connections to the US, so it wouldn't prevent you from attaching US talent.
- how well-connected is the law firm/ packager? How much experience have they collectively had in the film industry - ie are they more likely to be able to open doors and get attachments? Do they have the right connections for your project - is it an indy, is it an animation etc?
- you may want to consider getting a producer/ executive producer on board now (you may be able to negotiate a lower upfront fee, but they may want a share of back-end). Whether you prefer this depends on your current cashflow.
- some producers have a legal background which means they can help to develop the project, manage the paperwork and with skin in the game, you can satisfy yourself that they will be committed to your project.

I'm a producer, based in the UK with a legal background.

I'd be happy to take a look at your script to advise further, if helpful.

Let me know!

8 years, 11 months ago - Nat Nollid

They seem impressive- i met lady at the Hollywood pitch fest in LA-will get advice from GB Writers Guild as am member-thanks for your advice.

8 years, 11 months ago - Nat Nollid

hi yes thankyou -Carrie may take you up on that my email is natnollid@yahoo.com

8 years, 11 months ago - Adam Ethan Crow

So now Law firms are script consultants? ...I think this is another way for people to take money from writers with ambition. ...In my opinion, ...Run!

8 years, 11 months ago - Dan Selakovich

This doesn't feel right. I've never heard of a law firm here in Hollywood doing this sort of thing. Maybe they are legit, but usually entertainment attorneys take a percentage of money made like a manager or agent. This seems like an advertisement for clients. Why didn't you name them? If it's a big firm with connections to managers and agents, it might be something. But again, it feels weird and isn't quite normal.

Typically here, it's the management companies that package films with their clients. Not law firms. And management companies don't charge a buck fifty a page. They take you on as a client or they don't. But hey, maybe they are trying something new that could be quite successful. It's hard to say without knowing who it is and whether they are part of a larger management company.

Are you a produced writer in the U.K., Nat? If so, why not try getting U.S. representation before trying this expensive route?