I was contacted during normal business hours yesterday by an EP of a production company in California who had seen my info regarding my projects on my profile of a business website where I have info of my screenplays. He sent a message with a link to the production company and said if I felt good with what I saw on their site he would like to meet and discuss my screenplays/projects. I researched all over the internet, imdb pro, social media, and he, the production company, and his assistant seem to be very legit. I know of many of their company projects. I emailed his assistant and she sent email back to schedule day and time for our meeting and requested I send any loglines and scripts.
Should I be cautious of this or go with it and see what happens?
I do have my scripts copyrighted and registered with WGA.
If it sounds legit, any advice on how to present in the zoom meeting ?
Thanks for any advice.
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Hi Amy - you might use this interest as a way to (at a minimum) get a lawyer/rep to submit for you to this EP. I have worked with Ramo Law to do this. You might set up a pitch with Stuart Arbury and let him know you've got interest. He may have some pitch slots open on Stage 32. Hope this helps.
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Hi Don- Thank you for the advice. I filled out the Ramo Law new client intake form and sent it in a little bit ago. I looked on Pitch Sessions and Stuart does not have anything until Oct.17 and my meeting is scheduled for this Sunday.
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You did your due diligence, Amy Dunkin, so I don't think you need to be cautious. I suggest that you register your scripts with the U.S. Copyright Office because a U.S. Copyright Office registration gives a script more protection than a WGA registration. https://www.copyright.gov/registration/performing-arts/index.html
"any advice on how to present in the zoom meeting?"
#1) Take a few moments to get to know the person (small talk) before starting your pitch.
#2) Go into the meeting knowing your scripts front to back (know the characters well, know the story well, know info like genre, theme, target audience, etc.). You never know what the person will ask you.
#3) Focus on the major/important parts of the story and the characters.
#4) Don't use the entire time to pitch. Save 1-3 minutes (depending on how long the pitch meeting is) at the end so the person can ask questions (and so you can answer them).
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wouldn't stress over it. Just chat w/ the EP over zoom. If this dude is throwing numbers$$, politely say you will discuss $$ with your ppl and get back to him at a reasonable time.
Anyways, I'm always suspicious of "industry ppl" reaching out of the blue and "have time" to chat like the same or next day. Especially since ( i dont think ) he has not read your screenplays? Ask him questions about his roster of projects, "What can he do for you?"
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If you aren’t represented or highly experienced in the industry, it’s important to clearly condition the disclosure of your ideas on agreement to pay you if they are used. This should already be the producer’s understanding, but you can’t be sure. This isn’t legal advice but hopefully helpful general information on protecting yours (and others) ideas when pitching them.
A pitch meeting can create an implied contract for the pitched ideas. This means that even if nothing is in writing, a producer can still be bound to pay for an idea if it wrongfully uses that idea just because of the way the idea was shared.
But an implied contract needs more evidence to support it than a written agreement. The writer needs to be able to prove that the idea was shared in a professional context by a writer who expected to be paid if used. Be sure your WGA registration number and your name, address, and (if possible) agent’s and lawyer’s names are on the cover of your script. Keep detailed notes on the meeting. Follow up with a written thank you summarizing what was discussed about your idea.
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Why on earth would you want to hire a lawyer just to meet and discuss your screenplay/projects? If you get an offer then you might want to talk to an attorney.
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Thank you all for the info. Yes Maurice Vaughan I do have U.S. Copyright on both and registered both with WGA. How you outlined is how I was thinking to approach the meeting. Hey Dan MaxXx sounds good even though so far I am my only people. LOL. But good idea to use that phrase to give me time to think if $$ comes up. He has seen my loglines and pitch decks and is asking for scripts to review. I was contacted yesterday and looks like meeting is going to be Sunday. Yes you are correct Dan Johnson on both I am not represented nor am I experienced in the industry I also am not a WGA writer at this time. I appreciate the info on that aspect as although both television pilots are complete, both of my films are not. Well one is written but I am revamping it as it had been awhile since I wrote it. The other I only have a rough outline and I am just starting on script. Dan Guardino yes I was thinking that too since right now at this point all I know is we will discuss screenplays/projects. Although I do see how they can assist in representing and could provide me with insight and assistance if by chance we do get around to $$. You all know it can be hard as no one wants to talk if they don't know you or you don't have a rep. and I do not have a local source to ask these questions or get advice so I really appreciate all of you taking the time to provide responses. Thank you.
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You're welcome, Amy Dunkin. Hope the meeting goes great!
Normal procedure is to reach out via email requesting the script. If they like it, then a meeting/call follows. If they haven’t read you (or seen your work if you’re a filmmaker), then what are you discussing?
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Amy, you've already received some excellent advice. Go forth and good luck with this inquiry. You've done everything you need to do to protect your work and go into this situation with your eyes open.
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Won't hurt to explore this. Could lead to a great opportunity. See wherecit goes.