Hey writers, I've spoken with a few producers in the past and noticed that none of them asked for money regarding my script. I recently sent an email to a producer (He posted on Stage32 his gmail) and received the following email back (see below) have anybody experience something like that? I'm just curious since it is my first time being asked to provide funds with such a terms. I am not interested in these kind of "venture" but wanted to know if its a regular trend in the Industry.
"These are info only, not offers. It's just what I can help you with since you have interest producing it.
1. Production Agreement. This is not a writing agreement. It is a production agreement. -There is a small investment from you as a Producer to commit to the project. $5K-$10K. Fully returned. Production GUARANTEED!
Budgets of project $500K-$5M. You are paid a PRODUCER and SAG WRITING FEE. You will be expected to produce the film and shoulder some of the work that comes with it which is involved in the script development. Kruefilm and other production companies will be attached."
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Generally speaking, there are some companies that offer packaging for a fee or retainer. It’s an interesting line in the sand. We’ve been approached for these services a few times over the years including through the pitch sessions here. Because we generally fund our own projects, this wasn’t interesting to us. Some fell into “straight up scam” categories. Some were slightly more legitimate. Some were normal business agreements or shopping agreements. The idea of a SAG writing agreement is a hard “no, not legit” from me. The offer should reflect WGA or PGA agreement terms if that is the intent. Not SAG.
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The way it works in my world: I give you script; you give me money. I cannot speak to your world.
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Yeah, they do. https://www.imdb.com/search/title?companies=co0444138
Jeffrey Kaye of Kruefilms posted a call for scripts I saw earlier today. No idea whether it's legit or not, but they have produced four shorts. Do your basic homework: imdb.com, Search, Kruefilms. From there, Jeffrey Kaye: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm5781475/?ref_=tt_rv_t2
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Thank you everybody for the reply. I saw that post from Jeffrey Kaye on Stage 32 asking for scripts and sent my. When I google his name it showed some work done. After receiving the email back from him asking for money, I replied that my script is at BlueCat Screenwriting Contest (with a good feedback) and I will try other options. I Agree with Doug and everybody commenting about "given your script not your money..." It is just sad that people would post something attracting new writers but are not actually producing (unless the writer gives 5K to 10K.... I read tough stories about that in LA where the writers loss their money). This thing of paying 10K sounded odd, out of the ordinary. In my line of work that was a red flag.
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Run for the hills.
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Forget Hollywood dreams. Think real estate. I happen to have an option available on New York City's famous Williamsburgh bridge I'd let go for $10K.
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There has been an uptick of scams targeting entertainment and social media platforms. Instagram in particular. They hit lots of people for small amounts of money thinking that's the best way to go. Not realizing that people post about this shit and you can easily google a name or situation and find dozens of people who've already been scammed.
10k upfront to guarantee a Film production with a budget of millions? 100% guarantee? A producer who will “invest” 10K in a movie? Yeah, I’m pretty sure this sounds like a scam.
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Strange the interested party hasn't popped in to speak their piece. The silence is damning.
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Ramus, Do not send this producer money. There are so many red flags (for instance, a producer with a gmail address is your first red flag). A legitimate producer would never ask a writer for an 'investment'. Run the other direction. This is a total scam. If the producer in question wants to DM me and convince me otherwise, they should hit me up. And Ramus, if you want to hit me up with any other questions, please feel free.
Jason - What makes you think that a Producer with a gmail address is a red flag? It's like me saying that if you don't drink the same Scotch as I, that you must be a suspicious sort.
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Thanks Jason! Hey Doug, I think Jason's point is: the totality of the situation is red flag.
SAG is the actor’s guild, they don’t give writing credits. A producer will (since they are business people) acquire the script as soon as possible to guarantee a lower purchase price. If they wait for funding, actor interest etc, you as the writer have more leverage.
If I am spending cash it is to get more funding myself to be the producer of my own work.
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Hi Doug, Francisco and others nailed my point. I have a gmail address as I am sure a lot of producers do. But I never use it for business. I always urge independent producers who are serious about their business to invest in a separate business account. There is a level of professionalism that is quickly apparent in producers who take the time to build a professional infrastructure and identity. When I was in film finance and approached by independent producers, I always looked at their email address as part of my consideration to see how serious they were about building a production entity. Perception matters. Regardless of the email address, a producer should never be asking a writer for "investment" in a project.
Frankly, I think you're looking through the wrong end of the telescope. I work with/know a lot of Producers, Directors, Casting Directors, Actors, Agents, (I'm trying to think of anyone else... oh) and a tV ShowRunner. Some are retired, some still active. My point is that the Filmmaking Industry is based almost entirely on personal contacts. You may 'urge' them to do it your way - but they ain't gonna.
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Gmail can also send and receive as a third party email. griffithscreative.com.au and askfndbuy.com all come to my gmail account.
Sending out a @gmail does seem very small time. I wouldn’t trust anyone that couldn’t even be bothered setting up a professional email.