A friend of a friend (not a writer) came to me with a great concept three years ago. I wrote the screenplay and it was quickly optioned for a good amount. The producer renewed the option for the second year and it's about to expire (said producer wasn't able to secure the funds). The problem is that this guy, my so-called collaborator, turned out to be a total dick. Not just with me, but with the producer and even our attorney. Still, we are 50/50 partners on the deal.
With the option about to expire, I have serious interest from another producer, plus a manager wants an exclusive on it. My attorney said that technically I can make a deal with anyone I want. Of course, the collaborator will get half of what it earns. Even though my attorney says I can technically do that, I would obviously like the guy to be on the same page with me and I'd like to include him in any deal upfront. And I think any producer would want us both to be on the same page before they do a deal. Again, the problem is that this guy is a total dick and totally unreasonable.
So, has anyone here had a similar issue with a collaborator, keeping in mind that we are 50/50 partners? I did write the entire script, but I know a deal is a deal.
With the option about to expire, I have serious interest from another producer, plus a manager wants an exclusive on it. My attorney said that technically I can make a deal with anyone I want. Of course, the collaborator will get half of what it earns. Even though my attorney says I can technically do that, I would obviously like the guy to be on the same page with me and I'd like to include him in any deal upfront. And I think any producer would want us both to be on the same page before they do a deal. Again, the problem is that this guy is a total dick and totally unreasonable.
So, has anyone here had a similar issue with a collaborator, keeping in mind that we are 50/50 partners? I did write the entire script, but I know a deal is a deal.
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