Hello everyone:
If you have a feature that has obvious franchise possibilities and you've also adapted it to a TV Pilot what happens to the pilot if you option the feature? Can they remain separate?
I understand that the person optioning the feature might not be so keen on having the pilot still out there in the marketplace, right? Do you separate the two? If not, can you still use the pilot as a writing sample? Would you have to have that specified in the option agreement?
I would want to retain the novel rights. Or even graphic novel rights. Let's say it's a big epic-- what about merchandising considerations. Does that go into the option agreement or is that only part of the purchasing contract?
As you can tell, I'm pretty ignorant about this.
What would someone need to look out for, say if they wanted to have language that allows the original writer the opportunity at the first draft of any prequel/sequel to the feature? I seem to remember the Warner Bros 2-step blind deal had language that allowed the original creator the first draft of subsequent work.
Can you sell the feature rights and retain the TV rights?
Furthermore, when you option your feature do they establish the purchase price at that point or is that a separate deal that happens once they determine they have it packaged, financed and ready to purchase?
Is there a good book or resource that explains options and what to look out for? I realize that your agent and lawyer are supposed to help walk you through this stuff (aren't they?) but I have some special interests in my projects because they are written deliberately with franchising in mind.
And I do realize that I'm a peon, and I will not have the leverage of big guns, but the time that I have the most leverage is before I sell the rights. I won't get in the way of progress, but I do want to make sure that I have a good understanding of what's possible. And with a high budget franchise I want what's equitable as the creator.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
If you have a feature that has obvious franchise possibilities and you've also adapted it to a TV Pilot what happens to the pilot if you option the feature? Can they remain separate?
I understand that the person optioning the feature might not be so keen on having the pilot still out there in the marketplace, right? Do you separate the two? If not, can you still use the pilot as a writing sample? Would you have to have that specified in the option agreement?
I would want to retain the novel rights. Or even graphic novel rights. Let's say it's a big epic-- what about merchandising considerations. Does that go into the option agreement or is that only part of the purchasing contract?
As you can tell, I'm pretty ignorant about this.
What would someone need to look out for, say if they wanted to have language that allows the original writer the opportunity at the first draft of any prequel/sequel to the feature? I seem to remember the Warner Bros 2-step blind deal had language that allowed the original creator the first draft of subsequent work.
Can you sell the feature rights and retain the TV rights?
Furthermore, when you option your feature do they establish the purchase price at that point or is that a separate deal that happens once they determine they have it packaged, financed and ready to purchase?
Is there a good book or resource that explains options and what to look out for? I realize that your agent and lawyer are supposed to help walk you through this stuff (aren't they?) but I have some special interests in my projects because they are written deliberately with franchising in mind.
And I do realize that I'm a peon, and I will not have the leverage of big guns, but the time that I have the most leverage is before I sell the rights. I won't get in the way of progress, but I do want to make sure that I have a good understanding of what's possible. And with a high budget franchise I want what's equitable as the creator.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
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