I've been invited, for want of a better word, to write a spec for WB based on their notes/logline/concept and it's my first offer since my manager took my work out to the town. Although I know this method has led to paid work for some - just like free options have worked out for some - my natural inclination is to stay away. I'm happy to write for free on my spec stuff but I don't want to write for somebody else for free, including numerous revisions, especially with the strong possibility nothing will come of it (other than they take whatever ideas they like to another writer). I am also not going to be the only writer presented with this, either.
By and large (because there's always exceptions) is my attitude right? Is it fair to expect to be paid for work we do? That writers pandering to studio demands to write for free are just making the situation worse for other writers as it becomes established as the norm?
I love writing and would love to make it (or at least get a payday) but I am not desperate therefore I feel no urge to bend over backwards and leave myself wide open to be taken advantage of - which working for free and optioning for free does in my book. The -work for a chance to work for real- leverage is no leverage over me.
Am I right or am I need of a reality check?
By and large (because there's always exceptions) is my attitude right? Is it fair to expect to be paid for work we do? That writers pandering to studio demands to write for free are just making the situation worse for other writers as it becomes established as the norm?
I love writing and would love to make it (or at least get a payday) but I am not desperate therefore I feel no urge to bend over backwards and leave myself wide open to be taken advantage of - which working for free and optioning for free does in my book. The -work for a chance to work for real- leverage is no leverage over me.
Am I right or am I need of a reality check?
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