What to do if a Prodco requests script?

[sstaubin]

Should I send a script to a Prodco if I'm unrepresented?

[Jake Schuster]

Not if they haven't requested it.

[wcmartell]

But YES if they have requested it.

- Bill

[sstaubin]

I have no intent to send a script unrequested. My question is about any disadvantage in sending it without an agent or laywer.

[Jake Schuster]

If they ask you to send it directly, then by all means do so. If they ask that you send it through your rep, then hire an entertainment attorney or find an agent or manager to submit it for you.

[wcmartell]

If they want to buy it or option it - get a lawyer... one with a hat like the one Jake is wearing in his photo would be a good idea.

- Bill

[writerman]

I think sstaubin (and please correct me if I'm wrong) might be concerned about how he is perceived by the Prodco if he submits a requested script without representation.

Does the Prodco have a one pile for scripts from writers with rep. and another larger pile for writers without? (The logic here being that if a writer had representation, then the writing must be good.)

Or does the work always speak for itself?

[ComicBent]

If they want to buy it or option it - get a lawyer.
I will ask just for the sake of the discussion ...

1. Do "entertainment attorneys" exist outside, say, L.A. and New York?

2. Am I correct that such attorneys generally charge as an agent does (a flat percent of any money paid to the writer) instead of bilking the client on the basis of "billable hours"?

3. Oh, and this question, too: Should the attorney not only have a Viking hat but also the beard? :)

[wcmartell]

I would guess there are entertainment lawyers in other major cities - for musicians and artists and writers.

Mine charges a flat rate (5%), but I talked to others who charged 10% if you don't have an agent. Also - some may charge by the hour for services until you are established as a guy who makes money for the firm.

Also - there are organizations like California Lawyers For The Arts that provide low cost legal advice for artists. Maybe a similar organization in your nearest big city. The reason why you need a lawyer is that *they* have a lawyer and their lawyer is going to try to make the best deal for their client (which is the worst deal for *you*).

The hat will frighten the producer's lawyers, but beards might make them look old... and no one wants to look older than 25 in Los Angeles.

- Bill

[butte123]

I know some lawyers who not only charge a flat rate to submit a script and also 4-5%, if the script is purchased. But only if you don't have an agent or manager to submit your script.

[Jake Schuster]

Who're you calling a Viking, Comic? That's Moondog! :D

[DMNY]

I know some lawyers who not only charge a flat rate to submit a script and also 4-5%, if the script is purchased. But only if you don't have an agent or manager to submit your script.
Every possible way to squeeze that poor lemon, huh?
and Jake...I miss your previous avatar, mon chèr ami.

[BROUGHCUT]

I know some lawyers who not only charge a flat rate to submit a script and also 4-5%, if the script is purchased. But only if you don't have an agent or manager to submit your script.

5% even if another agent or lawyer negotiates the contract? That sucks.

A writer who was entrapped like this could probably tell such a lawyer to go swivel.

Things may have changed since 2001, but AFAIK licensed attoneys are not exempt from the California Talent Agency Act and require a talent agency license to procure employment.... they are pretty much in the same boat as managers in this respect.

[BROUGHCUT]

Does the Prodco have a one pile for scripts from writers with rep. and another larger pile for writers without?
Yup.

[ComicBent]

JAKE: Who're you calling a Viking, Comic? That's Moondog!

I have zero knowledge of popular culture.

Is Moondog the same as Moon Doggy in the old Gidget movies from circa 1960?

:rolling:

[jodeb]

Send it and worry about it *when* the production company tells you they want to option or purchase it.

It's a nice worry, believe me. Post then and all the *comedians* here will be glad to help you.

[writerman]

...we've been able to milk for some decent option money.


Just out of curiosity, what is considered decent option money these days?

[rockridesva]

jodeb and boski hit it on the head. Send it now, use it to your advantage in conversation/query and worry about reps, etc. if they get in touch.

[Jake Schuster]

Moondog was a fixture on 53rd and Sixth Avenue in Manhattan years ago. A blind midwestern musician (known and respected by such as Charlie Parker and Thelonius Monk, by the way) with a loyal following, he'd stand on the sidewalk dressed as you see him here, playing his music.

I had the pleasure of meeting the horned man a few times--a sweet-tempered, intelligent fellow who cut a few records for Columbia before moving to Europe. He's much revered by musicians, and you can check him out on iTunes.

[Joe Unidos]

Moondog was a fixture on 53rd and Sixth Avenue in Manhattan years ago. A blind midwestern musician (known and respected by such as Charlie Parker and Thelonius Monk, by the way) with a loyal following, he'd stand on the sidewalk dressed as you see him here, playing his music.

I had the pleasure of meeting the horned man a few times--a sweet-tempered, intelligent fellow who cut a few records for Columbia before moving to Europe. He's much revered by musicians, and you can check him out on iTunes.

Jake--

Is it possible that this is not where you meant to post this?

:)

[magicghost2977]

I like that post...

Moondog also had alzheimers so it kinda fits...

plus it reads like a really extended version of Far Side caption...

[Jake Schuster]

Joe, that was in response to Comic's post a few inches down the page.:)

[Joe Unidos]

Joe, that was in response to Comic's post a few inches down the page.:)

Indeed. I see that now. Remember, the 'quote' feature is our friend. heehee.
:D

[Jake Schuster]

Damn, I forgot. Thanks for the heads-up, Joe.:D

[BROUGHCUT]

the horned man, didn't he turn into a unicorn?

[Joe Unidos]

I, for one, now fear I will be set upon by a pack of old, well-read vikings.

[writerman]

Our option experience is all with a Canadian prodco; good size for Canada but small compared to HW standards.

Hey BOSKI, anything happen with your options?

I've been told to be leery of Canadian companies because they are not held to the same standards (I haven't a clue of what those standards are...WGA maybe??) as HW.

Anyone have anything to add about the Pros and Cons of Canadian companies?

[DMNY]

I'm looking to be adopted by an American woman coughcoughNataliecough

[writerman]

Thanks for sharing, Boski. Good info and good advice.

If you know of any Canadian Prodco's looking for comedies, PM me.

[sstaubin]

Funny this post turned out discussing Canadian Producers. I started it with the intent of producers in general and where we stand when we're unrepresented.

I'm Canadian and this became important to me because I'm talking with Producers currently filming in Toronto. I'm not sure of the structure involved, but they seem to have relationships with US Producers.

Here's the companies I've talked too. Darius Films (Weirdsville), Serendipity Point Films (Fugitive Pieces), Sidney Kimmel Entertainment (Accordian, Charlie Bartlett, Talk to Me). Sidney Kimmel is not Canadian (LA and NY), but there filming 3 movies here.

How are things complicated further when there are Canadian and US Producers attached to one film?