Got a request for one of my scripts from a producer/director. HE WANTS A SIGNED RELEASE FORM. ALWAYS LEERY OF THESE. I AM NEW TO THIS PROFESSION AND CAME IN LATE IN LIFE.
I checked him out - he has two features - both written/ directed/ and produced by him. (He worked on others, but in lower capacities)
My question is what do you think of these release forms. Seems like they allow him to produce very similar material with no harm.
Looking forward to experienced views as mine is not.
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Standard practice.
Nobody's stealing your material
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No big deal. Common practice. ;) It basically clarifies that he is reviewing your work, on such date, for such reasons, the title, perhaps a short synopsis of the material being reviewed, etc. Generally, it also verifies that you are the sole author of the above-mentioned work, etc. It also verifies that you understand he may already have something similar in development that has absolutely nothing to do with you or your script (dates of registered claims would clear up any false assumptions too). So, in general, a release form usually states that you won’t sue the production company if they use ideas that are similar to the ideas in your script if those ideas are not copyrightable. This is in no way a license to steal your work, it’s simply stating the obvious.
If you are so concerned then have a lawyer look it over before signing. No need for paranoia. Some script consultants insist on release forms as well. It just keeps everything on the table.
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No A.S. You sign them or you might as well quit writing screenplays and do something else.
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I'm with Dan MaxXx nobody's stealing your material
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Congratulations and consider it protection for both party's.... You'll get more relax with this feeling as your experience grows... Best of luck
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I agree with Dan and Beth 100%
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Way to write, John!
Just make sure you've registered a copyright and then do what Dan and Beth above say.
It's standard. Nobody wants to steal your stuff.
Go for it as long as your screenplay is copyrighted, you're golden! Congrats.
congrats!
I'm not convinced that nobody would want to steal his stuff. I'm a nobody, and I'd take it in a minute. It would be like a birthday present to me. Speaking of birthdays...HAPPY SIXTH BIRTHDAY, STAGE 32!
I've signed many of them - I make sure I'm copyrighted, and also I reg. with WGA before I send anything.
One must still read the fine print, and hire an IP lawyer if necessary. There are horror stories about clauses sneaked in that transfer all rights including copyright to the unscrupulous agent. Registering with WGA or LoC won't "protect" rights you've unwittingly signed away.
Congratulations, John.
Congrats.
Just read through it to make sure it makes sense. It's just protection for both parties.This is a binding contract and he, or she, is held liable, as you are.
I used similar contracts in a different business I owned, unrelated to screenwriting or films. Always protect yourself first. Then, your creation is safe and yours.
Get ready for other contracts (options, assignments, sales, etc) that may come your way.
I was also an IT Project Manager and worked with the legal team for a big pharma business. I know contracts.
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I've signed a few. As John and A.S. mentioned, though - make sure you run it by a lawyer, if need be. The language can be tricky sometimes. Don't rely on registering your script to protect you. Lawsuits are expensive and the other guy might have deeper pockets.
Years ago I asked a top Beverly Hills entertainment lawyer if I should sign one and his response was "if you want them to read it you better sign it. If you submit via an agent they normally won't ask you to sign one.
yea that sounds off but long as its not bonding you for a long time and u got a couple scripts under your belt go for it what do you got to lose? now if you feel its your best script or only script then that tells you he not the one to make it happen with. a producer must understand the potential client do to when he or she is new affordable and profitable for them. a director helps the writer an actor express them selves to just get it all out example Tyler Perry Janet Jackson. depending on what type of writer you are you got to ask your self is it about the money or your point of view of the topic you pitch meaing how much do the screenplay really mean to you. my model if you wrote one hit film you cant write another its like when jay z said i herd people saying they made hov so he said ok make another hov in response of him leaving the roc point is do u respect his work enough for you idea what do you consider him a rock or a mountain ? best of luck to you.!!!!!
sound like you u need a director a lender or a literary agent
Them's the rules.
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I have signed hundreds of them before I got an Agent. All they say is you can’t sue them if they already have something similar in the works. If someone can’t read a simple release form and understand it the odds are pretty good they couldn’t write a screenplay worth stealing.