I'm a non-WGA writer who recently handed in the first draft of an indie adaptation of a Chinese film.
My handshake agreement is that if the film goes into production I stand to receive a writing credit and payment.
I realize the questionable wisdom of doing this on a handshake. I also realize a million things can happen between now and "roll camera" in terms of story and other writers and all that. Those are risks I have accepted.
So, brush them aside for a second...
Assuming production moves forward with my draft (or enough of it to warrant a credit):
Thanks!
PS: Fwiw, the guy in charge of this is a cool guy with a good track record that I've known for years. He does, however, have a tendency to be a little too clever for his own good. In the event he tries to get tricky with me, I just want my s*** buttoned up.
My handshake agreement is that if the film goes into production I stand to receive a writing credit and payment.
I realize the questionable wisdom of doing this on a handshake. I also realize a million things can happen between now and "roll camera" in terms of story and other writers and all that. Those are risks I have accepted.
So, brush them aside for a second...
Assuming production moves forward with my draft (or enough of it to warrant a credit):
- What leverage do I have to ensure they follow through on their promise (mainly the credit portion)?
- How do I enforce this leverage, if nec, as a non-WGA writer (i.e. must a lawyer get involved)?
- Will I ever know how much of my script was/is utilized prior to the film being released?
Thanks!
PS: Fwiw, the guy in charge of this is a cool guy with a good track record that I've known for years. He does, however, have a tendency to be a little too clever for his own good. In the event he tries to get tricky with me, I just want my s*** buttoned up.
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