An Italian producer optioned my script in December 2022. It's been over a year and the option had lapsed and so far nothing. We had a lot of positive emails back and forth, he's telling me they found a director, a location and even hired a story editor who' I had some video calls with, yet his ideas weren't used at all. His last email wasn't too promising where he said the investors want it to be more Italian as I was targetting a wider, international audience. Now I haven't heard from him in months. Do I wait and hope it still gets made? That's all I want is something I wrote to get made. If the option has lapsed are they even legally allowed to make it? Shouldn't we have signed another contract if they still want to make it? Can I start shopping my script around again? I'm kind of lost at what to do here. Thanks for any advice.
Screenwriting : What to do next? by Tim Aucoin
Works at Aucoin Ink Media ♦ Screenwriter, Script Consultant, Script Supervisor
8 months ago
What to do next?
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8 people like this
When the option lapsed, the rights reverted to you. You are free to do with the script as you wish e.g. you can shop it or you could sign a new option agreement with the Italian producer in exchange for another option payment.
3 people like this
You can ask the producer if he wants to extend the option for another specific amount of time and if he does he should pay you for it. If he doesn't then he doesn't have any rights to it so he couldn't be able to make the movie without your written permission.
2 people like this
Tim, open the drawer and pull out that other one.
2 people like this
Hope never runs out, however it's useful to have some kind of writing agreement setting some deadlines, they go off, you're off the hook, up again onto pitching. It might often sound disappointing that someone won't proceed with your script, but do mind that if one person found interest in it, there sure might be more...
4 people like this
If your option agreement has expired, move on. If he wants to pay you to re-option, go for it. Most people in this business are talking heads. Try something else and best wishes to you!
2 people like this
Agree fully with Rick J. Lucas. Curious, was this a paid option? Was it exclusive?