So I am currently marketing my latest script and I received a couple of script requests. Ya! Well, one production company went as far as having two meetings with me, connecting me with a producer who read my script and was ready to make the movie. The thing is, the pro-co was only willing to pay 1k upfront, take over all rights with the exception of writing credits and distribute the script themselves. At first, I said okay but then I started to think about it, and payment of 1k for hours of work and getting nothing more started to get to me so I told them I was going to pass. Somehow, I feel as though I made a mistake. I've already sold and optioned two other scripts and had some writing jobs but ever since I said no, it's been bugging me. Funny enough, it just happened this week. So there you have it, my fail for the week. :(
Introduce Yourself : A recent fail- I think by Roberta Griffin
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It happens! Don't feel bad!
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"I know my value. Anybody else's opinion doesn't really matter." - Agent Carter
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On a brighter note, congrats on your other success. Stay encouraged and creative. :)
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keep going don't give up
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Charlotte Talley WELL SAID!
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Thank you so much, you guys. I'm still waiting for another producer to give me a yes or no and in the meantime, I'm marketing away.
You're welcome, Roberta Griffin.
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Hey, Roberta Griffin! Great to meet you! Oh, man - yeah, I can see how that would eat at you. Was the $1k for an option or a purchase? That seems more like an option price.
For what it's worth, I think you did the right thing. If you feel like they are not paying you what you're worth or aren't offering enough on the back end to make up for the low-ball upfront purchase, then stick to your guns. Sometimes the only way for others to value what you do is to say "no".
Keep at it, and keep us posted!
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Karen "Kay" Ross Thank you. It was a one-time payment of 1k. They would take over all rights and I would get a written by credit. No negotiation for backend payment, nothing. Even if this were my first option or sale, I wouldn't go for that after all of the work, rewrite after rewrite, I put into it. I know I was freaking out earlier but the more I thought about it the more it bugged me. So many writers will go along with this in the name of getting an option, sale, and getting your script made into a movie. It's sad to me.
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Roberta Griffin - If not presented, could always counter offer with a backend percentage (above production costs) that you would get return on. A win-win for all involved.
If production does very well, the only extra payment you would receive is for anything above production cost or another monetary structure everyone approves.
No harm in asking in these scenarios.
Gratitude into your steps.
God Bless,
John German