Hello everyone! My name is Alexandra. Just introduced myself a while ago in the Introduce Yourself lounge and now was advised to do the same here.
So I have an idea about a show (Dark humor, metal music, etc.). I was writing this idea for several years, including some of the characters and the main idea of the show. I know that at some point you need to expand the writing team and you can no longer sit and write alone. Any ideas how can I find more people, how to trust your potential co writers, how to expand it to the production phase (This is probably not for this board, just getting carried away here). I feel like I need another partner in crime here.
Snd of course - very nice meeting you all :)
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Alexandra: Most screenwriters trying to market and sell a television show will craft a pilot, pitch deck, and a show bible. Writing teams are usually assembled by the showrunner upon the sale of a pilot. So unless you have a pilot going into production, you may be putting the cart before the horse.
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Good to know. But it is certainly way too far from actually being a pilot just yet... I do feel like at this stage I should look for someone to write my show as well and develop its quite early stage at this time, as basically I need some more ideas, looks like it.
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Alexandra: If that's the case, I'd seek out one writer for now. Best of luck with the project.
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Alexandra Koroukhov I agree with Phillip E. Hardy, Prolifique's advice.
If you want to find a co-writer, you can find writers in this Lounge and/or post an ad in the Job Section (https://www.stage32.com/find-jobs). You can also search the Browse Section (https://www.stage32.com/people).
"How to trust your potential co writers." You can build up a relationship with the co-writer before you two agree to work together. That can build trust. You can ask the writer to show you samples of their work so you will know how skilled they are at writing TV shows.
"I feel like I need another partner in crime here." Did you already have a partner in crime? What type of crime? :D
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Reading several examples of their work will help you to assess whether or not their styles will work well with, or compliment your overall vision. Getting to know them a little more and their attitudes towards collaborative work will also be a great help.
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As a former metal head (and still enjoy it:) ) your ideas sounds intriguing. Having written some pilots myself I can understand what you're going through. Best of luck and always feel free to drop a line.
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Offer $$ and talent will come to you. GL
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Maurice Vaughan Well, no partners yet :) That is why I am looking for one as there are some gaps in the general material that is currently written. I have some characters that I am stuck about, even though I do have a general idea what the show is about and some separate scenes that could fit in in several seasons. But really need to work on the "meat" itself, as this one is not complete yet.
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I'm sure you'll find the right co-writer/partner in crime for your show on here, Alexandra Koroukhov. One piece of advice: Before you start outlining your show with a co-writer, make sure you both sign an agreement that lays out the terms (writing credit, rights to the show, payment from selling the show, etc.).
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Maurice Vaughan Already at the initial stage? Is there any example of such an agreement?
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Alexandra Koroukhov Yes, at the initial stage. It's best to get things in writing up front, one reason being so there's no confusion later on.
When I co-write a script, I send a short co-writing agreement to the writer. It lays out the duties of each writer, credits, the deadline, future profits from the script, etc. It's a simple agreement that I customized. I can't remember where I got it from (I've been using it for so long).
I searched the Stage 32 webinars for one about co-writing agreements. I wasn't able to find a webinar specifically for co-writing agreements, but here's a webinar about writing agreements, option agreements, release forms, etc. (https://www.stage32.com/webinars/Get-Smart-Get-Legal-Get-Protected).
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I'm interested in helping out!