Is the writer/creator of a tv series the one who procures the funding, or is that to be undertaken by the producer? I have found conflicting information on this and wish to clarify. I am a creator/writer of a 65+ episode television series and would like to know. Thank you in advance.
Emily A Dinwiddie Its a producer's job to find the funding or fund it the project. The writer may also be the producer. Usually though writers just sell or option their script to a producer who takes it from there.
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Thank you Shadow, was just curious as I've been questioned as to if there is any funding in place for my tv series.
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Emily A Dinwiddie I see. Well if that question is from a "producer" then depending on the context I would consider it an expression of interest on the one hand, or a slightly inept attempt at information fishing on the other.
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An Executive Producer is responsible for providing funding (in kind or in cash) or securing it through investors. A Development Producer, previously known as a Creative Producer, is responsible for the creation of the content (as you have). You can do both jobs. I say squabble over titles when you sign contracts, but until then, just get the work done. This is why a lot of writers become producers because they are securing the funding for their own scripts.
Does the scriptwriter sell his script at a certain price? Or can you choose to sell it for a percentage of the sales collected?
I always have doubts about that!!!
Hey Emily A Dinwiddie - great to have you here on Stage 32. I am the Director of Script Services. I would be happy to help you navigate this - feel free to email me directly at j.mirch@stage32.com. We have a number of executives, producers, and managers who work in Television that will help guide your path through our Script Services. Look forward to hearing from you!
Hey Alejandro Marello - for features, it generally it depends on what is negotiated and whether the writer is a WGA writer or not. WGA sets "minimums" for an amount a screenwriter must be paid for a script. Non-WGA writers are a little bit more at the mercy of buyers when it comes to fees. Ultimately a sale may be a percentage of final budget when the project goes into production or a negotiated fee plus any additional work or "steps" done by the writer during the development process. Buyers are usually studios or independent financiers who "buy" scripts for the producers to produce. Hope that helps! Happy to discuss further over email j.mirch@stage32.com
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Alejandro Marello It's your script - you can make whatever deal you want. It just depends on what the buyer is wiling to agree to.