Have Option / Need Agent

[Dawn Larue]

Has anyone on the board ever received an option for their script that they weren't too crazy about (the terms of the option anyway) and thus decided to go about finding an agent to see if they could negotiate better terms? I don't have an agent/manager/attorney, but now that I have someone who wants to option my script, I feel like I need a rep. in my corner. Thanks for any advice you may give.

DL

[writorman]

Your best bet is to get an attorney.

[magnoliastar]

Has anyone on the board ever received an option for their script that they weren't too crazy about (the terms of the option anyway) and thus decided to go about finding an agent to see if they could negotiate better terms? I don't have an agent/manager/attorney, but now that I have someone who wants to option my script, I feel like I need a rep. in my corner. Thanks for any advice you may give.

DL


Yup, same thing happened to me about 1.5 years ago. The producer (albeit a fairly green producer with much enthusiasm and energy) had some very reputable producing partners. Although the company itself was new they had some great connections in the biz which ultimately got my script read at some top studios as well as a couple of name directors (something I could not have done on my own).

But before the producer shopped my script we had to negotiate an option first and the intial option I recieved was not the "typical" or "standard, run-of-the-mill" option he insisted it was. My first thought was YAY, my first option, who cares, it's my FIRST option but it really does matter and I'm so glad I followed my gut and didn't sign. I dont' think the producer was necessarily trying to rip me off, he was just inexperienced.

I had fortunately connected with an agent I had pitched to a few months earlier at a conference and long story short, she agreed to rep me on this particular project and boy, once they were on it and once they presented their option agreement I realized how much I hadn't been protected by with the earlier agreement. It was an excellent lesson for a newbie like me. What was also great was that I did't have to talk back and forward over the nuts and bolts part of the option - my agent handled that directly with the producer. It took an immense load of pressure off of me and I learned considerably as I watched what I should or shoudn't do and what information truly protects me etc.

So after the option was mutually agreeable and signed by producer and myself, my script went "out" and it was the most thrilling few weeks of my life. Of course despite positive feedback from the various places reading it my script was, alas, passed on (too similar to *fill in blank*, have something in production that is very similar, etc). It was a heck of an adrenalin ride and I'm still pretty rapt that the script was read by some of the people (or their assistants) who I had no way of getting in to pitch to.

If you have any agent, manager or entertainment attorneys you've made contacts with I'd encourage you to give them a call and state your situation. Is the option for any money? Either way, this may prove to be a door in to entice the agent/manager to consider repp'g you. However far more experienced DD'ers could probably advise you better. This was just my experience. Ultimately, whatever you decide to do, I do believe it would be beneficial for you to have an experienced, objective set of eyes have a look at the option before you sign. Lastly, I believe Done Deal's site offers examples of standard option agreements here (WGA does the same I think) so you could compare and look over the differences and make sure you're protected.

Good luck.

[Dawn Larue]

Magnolia,

Thanks so much for sharing your experience. I'm going to IM you sometime today to discuss further. Thanks again!

DL