I just received an email that has myself and my manager scratching our heads. We reached out to an actor and his agent for an Letter of Intent for a role in the story I've written. They love the story, he wants the part, but they are "revising the script" and will get back to me on Monday. Is it normal for an agent to "revise" your screenplay before their client will sign an LOI?
Screenwriting : Actor's agent revising my script? by David M Hyde
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If the guy is a major name actor see what he comes up with. Since you don't have an agreement, you have nothing to lose. They may make an offer at the same time to option the work.
That is weird. Did you make a money offer? If not, the actor becomes a producer, right? Not unusual for a producer to want to turn a gritty action script into a frothy musical.
Before you agree to any changes the agent is making, I'd ask 1) did s/he revise scripts of previous projects the actor has worked on, and if yes what are the titles of those projects, and 2) who receives byline credit for the revised script? One thing I've learned as I try to break into screenwriting is that it seems everybody in Hollywood believes anyone can be a writer. The agent may be a frustrated screenwriter. It's also possible the agent believes your script won't be a good vehicle for his/her client unless the actor's role is enlarged. There are other reasons the agent may have for wanting to revise your script. Who knows. I wouldn't ask why, but here's why I'd ask the two questions I suggested: 1) If the agent has revised scripts that ended up being produced as hit movies, maybe the agent knows his or her stuff and this amounts to a learning opportunity for you. In that case, I'd be cooperative, unless: 2) If the agent expects to receive all credit for the screenplay, you've got a dilemma. In the hypothetical scenario where the agent has revised scripts that turned out to be hit movies, make sure you at least get "Story By" credit, and preferably co-writer credit. At minimum, get "Story By" credit so that it becomes part of your "resume," so to speak. Otherwise, no matter what payment you receive, you officially had nothing to do with creating the story. (See the book "Writing Movies for Fun and Profit," by Garant & Lennon.)
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Somebody wants their name on the script.
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To answer the question, no it's not normal. But before ruffling any feathers, I'd suggest replying and asking for clarification about what the agent and/or the actor are doing to the script. With clearer info, you can make decisions about how to proceed.
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Is it Edward Norton?
It was Bobby Bittman, wasn't it? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZoJroRHvp2M