Screenwriting : What is your process for vetting out someone you're considering working with? by Phillip E. Hardy, "The Real Deal"

Not yet a paid screenwriter, but after selling nine novels to Big 5's, I agree with Dan: if the check clears, they're fine with me. I don't know if screenwriting works like novels where you get an advance of some kind, but I'd sure want some kind of guarantee before starting work. I recently told my agent, for example, that I'm happy to write a certain novel to a publisher's specifications if they like my proposal, but I will NOT write a book and then "see" if they accept it. I've done that once too many times, and it's a bad deal.

...Which doesn't answer you vetting question, sorry. I am not on IMDB Pro yet, but a Film Fest friend of mine is, and I run names past him and he comes back to me with a quick report on what he found on IMDB and any gossip he's heard on the festival circuit.

Good luck! I hope that helps.

I'm an old fashion kinda guy. I only work with folk that I meet in person - usually a casual meeting over a beer or wine at lunch or a BBQ - that way I get to look into their eyes and get a feel for their character (I've never been wrong yet.) I'd like to know if they have a little skin in the game before joining them ("joining them" because it's a partnership.) If I'm comfortable with what I see - a handshake is all I need. If they come at me doing the ole' shifty-eye-soft-shoe-shuffle: They ain't worth butt-sweat to me.

Contract = Contacts The R is for relationship. A word used to be good when you could leave your doors open in the neighborhoods of past. I've met too many people that are wishy washy and i like paper work. I'll let anyone read my stuff but I CYA with the library of congress copyrighting it. I do this with my wrk every 2 years to be sure as shirley temple. Whatever the hell that means Im going with it! Much love.

Hardy

If the person is serious, show you the money. Anything, even $1000 upfront is a committment. You wouldn't take a broke car to a mechanic without a way of paying, right?

There is nothing about Doug's comment that I don't love.

I would see what their track record is before I did anything else, movies made, connections, etc. Then I'd want to know what kind of terms they wanted. If I still liked them, get it all in writing and go for it. I do agree w Doug that meeting them in person is optimum, but that's not always possible, in which case Skype or at the very least a few phone calls would be necessary for me to feel comfortable.

Meet up and trust your gut. It'll rarely let you down.

The internet has made research and vetting a lot easier so my process is...

1) What have you done already and can I see it/read it?

2) What IMDB credits do they have, I'm always suspicious of people who say 'worked

on a load of projects' but have no IMDB credits at all.

3) Conversely, someone who has IMDB credits but has fulfllled every production role on a film is probably making vanity projects (which could still be good).

4) What, if any, awards have they won, and are they 'good' awards?

5) What feel do I get from my interaction with them (email, skype etc), I'm like Doug but without the need to actually meet them ;-)

6) If they are hiring me to write then their attitude to fee and payments can often be telling.

And then I hope that this allows me to make a reasoned decision that will result in good work... and sometimes it does ;-)

Let's not forget that being successful and having legit IMDB credits doesn't mean you aren't a douchebag. I like the email version of Dougs approach. I email them about their likes/dislikes, ask them about their love for cinema, share personal stories and such. That usually gives me an idea about who they are. I'll take a passionate and kind novice as a partner over a successful jerkface any day. (Not that all successful people are jerk-faces). I am currently collaborating with a person I met on 32 and it's a great experience because the person is passionate about stories and good film. I'm not too concerned about the resume because everyone has to start somewhere.

Take Phillip for example. He's got experience and some clout and he's accomplished shit. But if he were suddenly the 25 year old version of himself and not as established, he'd still be a great partner because he's a decent guy who cares about others.

Scope & out of scope. I learnt this running IT project. When people see a new bit of software they are want a few more bells and whistles. This is known as scope creep. So write down exactly what is in scope as well as what is out of scope. Eg. First draft (90-115 pages) no rewrites. or Treatment written in prose form max 10 pages, By defining the scope you get have a conversation and learn just how insane the customer is. I don't co-write so I don't really work with people.

Good point, Travis. And just because someone doesn't have any (or a lot) of IMDb credits doesn't mean they cannot be a terrific partner in making a movie. First timers working with first timers can end up being a wonderful experience.

Vitaly, I can deal with aggressive, motivated and rude people and I don't expect everyone to be nice. I'm just saying that if I choose to write with someone or collaborate on a project with someone I'm going to lean towards a person who is passionate and kind. If a dick has to produce and sell it then fine, but I would struggle to create a piece of art directly with an unkind person. And I have a nice fulfilling life. If I stay who I am and then I don't set the world on fire then that's fine. I'm content to film a touching short story that makes people happy over ruling the world.

Just to clarify... My two IMDB comments were very specific

1) People who say they've written/made loads of things and yet have no credits, and the project they say they worked on dont have any web presence... seems very unusual.

2) And those who have a ton of credits yet appear to have fulfilled every role on a production from catering to directing, via costuming and writing.

These are both born of actual experience and both set off my alarm bells.

People who have limited/no IMDB credits are generally new/inexperienced and that's not a reason I'd not work with them.

To clarify Anthony's clarification, I was just using IMDB as an example. I did not mean to suggest that Anthony was suggesting anything false or incorrect as his original comment was quite valid and well stated.

Understood Vitaly, I wish you more dolphins in your swimming.