they said they might buy the idea, not the script

[whinywriter]

Ouch. I'll try not to cry. But a manager from a reputable company recently said he was interested in buying my idea but not my script (I think, because of the wording of his email, that they want it for a reality TV show idea). I have the script out to nine other agents/ managers and am waiting for feedback from them.

So...do I keep this guy on the back burner and wait to get representation? Or do I start talking to them about money?

[Bystander3]

First, ask them to be more specific, as in (1) how much they will offer for your idea and (2) what kind of credit or co-credit you will get ("Created by...," etc.) If they're talking about a possible TV deal, go ask some people who are involved in television. You might find some useful insights at www.tvwriter.com.

[Hugh Jardon]

Never discuss the terms of a potential deal yourself.
Best thing is to ascertain how serious they are with
moving forward, and get a good Ent. Atty to hammer
out the deal. You need to watch what you agree to
when buyers are giving you the honeymoon treatment,
even in casual conversation.

[Bystander3]

But you do have to make sure they aren't offering a dollar option or some other sleaze-ball deal before you go running to an attorney. The lawyer will want some serious coin up front.

So you do have to talk to them, at least enough to get some idea of what is being offered.

[Ivylilly]

If they really want to make a reality show out of your sctipt, go for it! There is A LOT of money in that potentially. Just make sure you get "created by" credit. then you'll get royalty for every episode made. And do make sure you have proper representation before discussing the terms. It is very easy to get screwed on a deal like that

[filmcarver]

Tell them that you are interested in seeing what they have to offer. If they return with an offer in contract, take that to an ent attorney who can advise you on getting the best deal possible that will further your career, including the above.

[Evil Elf the One and Only]

Not all lawyers will want cash up front. Mine doesn't; in fact, I've just paid a bill that's been owing to them for a year. Call around, get referrals and speak to at least three lawyers. It's worth it.

But if I were you, I'd still try for a first draft deal at guild minimum at least, knowing as we all do that they'll just throw it away anyway. Then again, what have I sold lately?

Blogs Want To Be Free (http://terminalcity.diary-x.com)

[whinywriter]

Thanks everyone.

Taking the advice of the only agent I know, a top TV guy at a big three agency, I asked them to elaborate. They said they are interested in optioning it as a feature, not a TV show, and hiring someone to rewrite it.

Question: is it better to have the agent deal with them, or to use an attorney? I can't tell how serious they are.

[LIMAMA]

Until they ask you for your agent (or lawyer) they're just blowing smoke up yer butt.

[filmcarver]

You are truly whiny, no offense. You need to listen and quit asking the same question.

What they are serious about will occur on a tangible reality-driven material commonly called, "paper". On this paper will be a deftly scribed description of your project, and how they will assume utter control and ownership of it as an entity forever plus one million years forward for a set payment to you and your new attorney.

Quit worrying about what you think they will or will not do, and ask them to draft their offer for your agent/attorney to look over. Then they will know you are as serious and businesslike as they are. As above, you need to have an agent/attorney name and address ready for their end to send it to.

You are likely to hear nothing back from them once they figure that out. Best of luck.

[Classy Dog]

If the original poster is telling us the truth, then it does appear that industry offers are actually ( if occasionally )made for just "ideas."

Even though this is rare, in this age of crazy, super competitive and short run reality shows popping up every week, maybe now it isn't or shouldn't be.

It's facts like this that keep me pitching my own TV show ideas. However, most of the time I feel this is just a waste of my time. And with nary a reponse to my enquiries, who wouldn't feel this way?

I accept that I am probably one of those "idea" kooks that serious writers constantly like to make fun of, but then I read how off-the-wall, capricious and unscientific the process of reviewing and accepting new TV show ideas can actually be! ( Seinfeld writer Tom Mehlman's article in last week's Entertainment Weekly shockingly exposes this )

Then I am back to thinking that a great idea doesn't always have to come from an established writer and I might as well throw mine into the mix!

I am not connected in any way to the industry and yet I believe I have an excellent idea for a new TV sitcom concept.
I have registered the idea with WGA and sent the idea to many agencies. So far I have heard nothing, but I am hopeful. Should I not be? You experienced Done Deal writers must know what the real story is here. What are my chances? A million to one?

I work in a very, very unique place and in this situation I deal with Hollywood types constantly. I cannot approach any of them about my idea ( believe me, I agree with this policy totally ) ...but when you are helping execs from Sony and major actors this is so frustrating. The humor and drama is just constant and delicious here and incredibly the cast members are sometimes real actors! It's like a show already except it's just not on TV!

If I had a hidden camera, I could capture enough funny action and words to instantly make a very watchable show with major actors! I am not going to actually go the "Bow Finger" route...but it is at times tempting. Just wish I could have 5 minutes with a serious TV production company to pitch my idea.

[DUCPHO]

Ditto Hugh... don't talk terms! They have affirmed their interest in your work contact a reputable Entertainment Atty. and bring him up to speed as to where you are. You have an interested party at this point, nothing more!

If you don't have any money and the Attorney wants up-front cash to attempt to close the deal, because as far as he knows, the so called deal could fly south along with his fee.

If this happens ask the potential buyer for a letter addressing their interest in your work. Take this to the Attorney and you should not have a big problem in securing him or another attorney if the firm affirming their interest is a known entity.

If you have an agent or manager yourself, they should have an attorney on staff or one they work with.

Best of luck... sounds great!:smokin

[jodeb]

>>>>Thanks everyone.

Taking the advice of the only agent I know, a top TV guy at a big three agency, I asked them to elaborate. They said they are interested in optioning it as a feature, not a TV show, and hiring someone to rewrite it.

Question: is it better to have the agent deal with them, or to use an attorney? I can't tell how serious >>>>>


I agree with a lot that was said here, but only to a point. If you are in the *pauper* category as many of us, including myself here are, IMO, you first have to ask yourself the question, "How much would you take to give up *your* baby?"

And the next question: Since they said they are interested in *optioning* and not buying outright, *How much would you accept in an option agreement?"

Don't forget, you may get advice from a lawyer or agent on how much you should get, but in the long run, you will have to make the final decision.

I see no harm (after you come up with your *lows* in your own mind) in discussing both of these money issues with the production company *before* you spend money on advice from the outside.

I optioned two scripts and did a write for hire the same way. Although, I have a WGA agent, I did all the negotiating myself and it worked out fine. For whatever reason, I had found all three leads on my own, made the initial contact and discussed all the terms (in all three cases) on the telephone.

After the terms were agreed to, they wrote up a contract and only at that point, did I show it to my agent (I did tell her about the negotiations before, of course) and we both went over the fine points, together and there were a few things to be ironed out (nothing major) and the deals were made.

Funny sidebar: On one script, they offered me more than my low, (the one in my mind) so that was fine, on the other, they offered WGA minimum as the floor and six figures as the ceiling.

However, my deals weren't going to be definite rewrites by another writer as yours is. At the point of signing and still, I am the only writer.

However, in all three cases, they did have the option to bring in another writer, but my monies and perks were not going to change. Some back end points, percentages on sequels, stuff like that.

If they are reputable as you say, the contract might be better than you think. One of mine was much better than I had hoped for..

The one thing that I never budged on and I think you must stick to your guns on, is the writer's credit with your name appearing on screen. Even if you lose your idea to another writer, it must still be credited to you.

Again, only you know what will be acceptable to you as far as amount is concerned. Once that is agreeable to both parties and in writing, the other points can be worked out.

On my write for hire, the contract had to be amended several times, but it all worked out.

One thing that may affect your decision is *how many screenplays* do you have? If it is one, you might want to reconsider selling the idea. If you've got a lot of kids at home and this one isn't your favorite, it may be less painful to give it up for the right price.

[Classy Dog]

Dear Jodeb;

Would you consider taking on someone else's new TV sitcom concept and helping to develop and pitch this?

I have seen countless postings and sites of people who offer these services but they seem like obvious scams.

However, the idea of having someone experienced in this area do this for a concept that you truly believe in does makes sense. And I noticed in your post that you definitely have this experience and I felt such an honesty in your generous offering of good advice and even encouragement to someone you don't know ( for free!) even though you acknowledge not being on the wealthier side of screenwritingville.

I don't know the legalities of such an offer, but if it is at all workable and you feel like making a few up front dollars...let me know. If you don't like the offer or my concept, we just drop it right there. Thanks, JB

[jodeb]

Thank you so much for your kind words. Yes, I was being sincere and trying to help by offering my own experiences.

I, too, don't know the legalities of such a thing, but if you would like, drop me a PM and we certainly can toss it around.

Happy New Year.

Jodeb

[Classy Dog]

Jodeb, what's a PM? How else do I contact you?

[jodeb]

I never used the option, but I think PM is a personal message. I tried to send you one, but it seems something is disabled on your profile as well as mine.

Unfortunately, I'm not terribly computer literate, so I'm not sure how to enable my profile.

If you don't mind posting your email addy, I will contact you and we can chat some.

Somehow, I also get the feeling that some kind person will give us both instructions. :D

[Classy Dog]

Will wait a day to see if someone can tell us how to do this. Not too sure about putting my personal e-mail up on the board.

[jodeb]

I'm enabled, lol.

You can send me a personal message. Just click on my name next to my post and you'll see where to send it.

I'm so proud. I did it all by myself. :D

[Classy Dog]

Jodeb, I did as your post instructed. I got your info page and clicked on "send me a message" but from there I can't figure it out. ???

[jodeb]

Once you click on *send me a message* a page with a space for your message under my name should appear.

Just type it in and send it. I should get it with no problem.