"Producer's Attachment Agreement"

punchdrunk · 12-27-2005, 06:24 PM

Can someone enlighten me about this, and whether it's commonplace? Is it unusual for a producer to ask you to work on a script, to get it up to commercial speed, without ANY PAY? And if things don't work out between you, you are simply out time and $$$???

Thanks.

Writer1 · 12-27-2005, 07:16 PM

Who's script is it? His or yours?

wcmartell · 12-27-2005, 07:47 PM

No. Producers pay writers. The money needs to flow *to* the writer, not away from the writer.

So here's the big question: what has this person produced?

- Bill

punchdrunk · 12-27-2005, 08:32 PM

It's a newly formed Production Co., but they have projects in the works, one major one with Warner Bros. The people involved have credits, and connections. Just seems to me that some $$$ should be exchanged before the writer rewrites his or her script. Also, if a producer "attaches" himself to your work, his reputation no doubt travels with you? I'm a curious outsider observing this, and don't want to be caught in a similar situation, as one of the producing partners has expressed interest in my current project. A solo opportunist? Thoughts?

ptandjc · 12-27-2005, 08:55 PM

Are they offering an option? Even a free one?

BROUGHCUT · 12-27-2005, 10:58 PM

Sounds like a fancy (and slightly fishy) way of saying "free option". You need to verify those projects exist, don't just take their word for it. If you PM me co name I will look them up for you.

Do the changes help the script? Do you retain 100% copyright on all unpaid revisions?

Thread here: Rewrite for free?

I think it's unusual they are talking about free rewrites at the same time as formal agreements (that presumably tie up your script, and your free revisions, in some manner, without any payment). Pi$$take? Probably.

ptandjc · 12-28-2005, 09:42 AM

Also find out if they are THE production company on this movie with Warner - anyone can get a producing credit these days. Are they associate producers or what?

If the script needs a rewrite anyway, do the rewrite, but I wouldn't tie it up with anyone - especially for free. The same thing happened to me (was offered a free option by a reputable prodco, albeit relatively new) but I passed. If they don't have money to pay you from a discretionary fund - even a small amount in good faith - how are they going to have money to make a film?

12-27-2005, 06:24 PM	#1
punchdrunk New User Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 11	"Producer's Attachment Agreement" Can someone enlighten me about this, and whether it's commonplace? Is it unusual for a producer to ask you to work on a script, to get it up to commercial speed, without ANY PAY? And if things don't work out between you, you are simply out time and $$$??? Thanks.

12-27-2005, 07:16 PM	#2
Writer1 Member Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 680	Re: "Producer's Attachment Agreement" Who's script is it? His or yours?

12-27-2005, 07:47 PM	#3
wcmartell Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: studio city Posts: 5,520	Re: "Producer's Attachment Agreement" No. Producers pay writers. The money needs to flow to the writer, not away from the writer. So here's the big question: what has this person produced? - Bill __________________ Free Script Tips: http://www.scriptsecrets.net

12-27-2005, 08:32 PM	#4
punchdrunk New User Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 11	Re: "Producer's Attachment Agreement" It's a newly formed Production Co., but they have projects in the works, one major one with Warner Bros. The people involved have credits, and connections. Just seems to me that some $$$ should be exchanged before the writer rewrites his or her script. Also, if a producer "attaches" himself to your work, his reputation no doubt travels with you? I'm a curious outsider observing this, and don't want to be caught in a similar situation, as one of the producing partners has expressed interest in my current project. A solo opportunist? Thoughts?

12-27-2005, 08:55 PM	#5
ptandjc User Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 99	Re: "Producer's Attachment Agreement" Are they offering an option? Even a free one?

12-27-2005, 10:58 PM	#6
BROUGHCUT Member Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 2,298	Re: "Producer's Attachment Agreement" Sounds like a fancy (and slightly fishy) way of saying "free option". You need to verify those projects exist, don't just take their word for it. If you PM me co name I will look them up for you. Do the changes help the script? Do you retain 100% copyright on all unpaid revisions? Thread here: Rewrite for free? I think it's unusual they are talking about free rewrites at the same time as formal agreements (that presumably tie up your script, and your free revisions, in some manner, without any payment). Pi$$take? Probably. __________________ The Complete IfilmPro DEVELOPMENT FORUM (PDF)

12-28-2005, 09:42 AM	#7
ptandjc User Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 99	Re: "Producer's Attachment Agreement" Also find out if they are THE production company on this movie with Warner - anyone can get a producing credit these days. Are they associate producers or what? If the script needs a rewrite anyway, do the rewrite, but I wouldn't tie it up with anyone - especially for free. The same thing happened to me (was offered a free option by a reputable prodco, albeit relatively new) but I passed. If they don't have money to pay you from a discretionary fund - even a small amount in good faith - how are they going to have money to make a film?

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode