So in the last week, I have had two scammers reach out to me. One wanted me to spend thirty grand for him to represent me with no guarantees. He even repeated a well know sob story of a homeless writer attending a pitch fest as if he had met him. The next guy wanted two hundred and fifty to read my script even though in his own page he did not capitalize any words and misspelled half of them. Neither of them had an IMDB profile even though they both claimed to be well connected and offering new high tech ways of getting my script out.
Screenwriting : Scams by Shawn M Decker
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I saw a post here last week, someone is gonna reinvent the movie business with a phone app!
That was one.
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Shawn:
I wouldn't pay that dip shit three dollars to rep me, let alone 30 grand. Anyone that would must possess modest cranial endowments. I've never paid anyone to rep my work. However, I've seen many scams in the music and literary industries. I'm sure there's also similar ones in the acting community. There's money to be made off people that want to be professional creatives.
My simple philosophy is if anyone asks me for money, I run for the hills. Or flat ground will suffice.
Phillip, Agreed plus the pitch was terrible.
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How do we report them?
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Lots of scammers out there! It is a frustration that is all over the industry. Thanks for sharing! Let's look out for each other.
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$30K upfront with no guarantees? Damn, I'm in the wrong biz.
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The process is
Write something
Promote it
Sell it
Write more
If anyone tries to insert themselves in the process must be considered badly in my eyes. If they are so talented why are they doing it for me? Why not take all the money for themselves.
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Does the “submit your script” guy still say the word “integrating” in every sentence?
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John L & Jamie Yep. I wanted to tell him his pitch was off but nah.
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Always those trying to capitalize off of a creative's ambition to become someone in the industry. It's sad, but it's reality. Best you have to do is make others aware and be smart enough to read between the lines and evaluate these scammers and not rush into any "claims of grandeur" they try to entice with
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Here on Stage 32 we do try to spot and remove all scammers. Alert Amanda Toney or any other Stage 32 staff and they will be spotted and removed. Sad top hear this but do not be discouraged there are thousands of real solid contacts and creatives here.
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If you're going to sign an agreement there are some pretty standardized option and right to shop agreements out there. You can download samples of WGA contracts and review and or even copy them. However, if you're going to sign an agreement of substance with anyone for your work, Its a good idea to pay the fee to consult with and entertainment attorney familiar with contracts.