So I'm told by a Hollywood producer to expect an option offer on my action script later this week. This will be my first option. I am not repped. I am considering hiring an entertainment attorney to review the document for me. Good idea? Anybody know one? What do they charge?
Screenwriting : Options and entertainment attorneys by Eric Christopherson
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It depends on what you need them to do, so I wouldn't want to speak for mine, but he's one of the better ones in the business. Joe Hart. One of the top Entertainment Attorneys. Check him out at: www.joehartlegal.com
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Eric, you're a sharp guy. Get an offer first before you give away $$$ to lawyers and rep commission fees. Get the offer in your hands first.
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It is a basic cost benefit. How much is the option? It should state the sale price in the option. How much is that?
An attorney is going to cost $1000 I am guessing. Is there a $1000 value in that expenditure.
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Like Dan M said get an offer first and see if it is worth hiring an entertainment attorney. You can get an agent which will cost you but they should be able to negotiate a better deal than you would on your own. I don't know Sam's attorney but if recommend one I am sure that attorney would be a good one.
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Check this entertainment lawyer by name Brandon Blake on Stage32 and on Facebook and connect. He's a real pro. All the best.
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Lots of good responses so far, Eric, but as I read them, I fear the idea of "getting an agent" has inadvertently been made to sound more straightforward than it is.
You can't hire a reputable agent the way you can an entertainment lawyer. The former will only be attracted to your project if the money and/or producer's name is big enough to make it worth their time since they don't get paid by the hour the way the latter does.
As others have said, get an offer first and then start with a recommended lawyer. They should be able to advise you on whether or not it's worth reaching out to an agent.
Congrats and best of luck!
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What Phil said is true. An agent isn't going to want to represent a lower budget project and they only will get paid if they actually start filming.
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Basically, you don't 'get' an Agent. An Agent will 'get' you as a client if s/he thinks your work is marketable.
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Hey thanks everyone for the input. Very helpful. Knew you would be.
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Good lucks man. Let us all know how it goes. Rooting for you.