Need a pro writer to write a spec script???

J

JJ Alexander

Active member
I have a true, amazing story that I just got a copyright on. If it is ever made it will have to be a huge budget project. I am new at this process. I am developing a first draft screenplay but I know for a project like this I need the best writer I can find to take my draft and turn it into something sellable.

I want to create a contract that will give the writer payment for writing the script as soon as money is connected to the project and if and when the story goes into production and added payment if and when the movie is sold and released.
I have been told this is called getting a writer to write a script "on spec" and that the terms are not standard and are worked out between the writer and producer.

Can anyone who is familiar with this process give me any information that might help me as to this type of agreement?

It is a period piece (1900 to 1984). Most of the story takes place in France between 1920 to 1940 but also goes to other parts of Europe and a bit in the USA. I am very aware that these are big discouraging factors to producers and studios. I have also considered finding a european writer because of the european locations of most of the story.

Thank you for any help.

JJ
 
I would consider it, although I do not know if I am the best candidate since I live and always have lived in the US. PM me if you want to talk though.
 
Hey JJ, sounds like you have an interesting project there. Congratulations on getting a copyright.

I don't want to be the dose of reality here, but I will give you a little insight into the writer's process. Writing a script "on spec(ulation)", is a leap of faith for any writer. You're betting that after 6 months to 3 years of your precious time, that you'll be able to sell your script into a market that is extremely selective. It's a total gamble.

But you have a great idea, right? Well, I don't know a writer out there who doesn't have 4 or 5 "great ideas" for spec scripts that they're working on. These are the stories we think can sell or are very passionate about. For all intents and purposes, they're the reason we write.

In order for writers to remain writers, however (unless they have another job), they have to write "on assignment". This is what you're talking about with your script. A writer is coming in and writing *your* idea, instead of their own. 99.9% of the time, writers only do this to make enough money so they can keep working on their own spec (passion/great idea) scripts. Sure you can say, "as soon as money becomes available, I'll pay you", but that's no different from us writers believing that our own specs will warrant money at some point. The difference being, of course, that we actually own the rights to our projects - and therefore stand to make a hell of a lot more money in the end.

So the only reason to work "on assignment" is really to get paid. If pay is some far off thing in the future, well, writers are much more comfortable banking that chance on their own material. Do you see what I'm saying?

I'm not saying it'll be impossible to find a writer who will do this. If someone really loves your idea, it could happen. But you say you want a "great" writer. I can pretty much guarantee that no "great writer" is going to spend time writing a spec script for someone else for no upfront money. I know it sucks but it's kind of the reality of the business.

The good news is, there are a lot of very good writers out there that will work on your project for a pretty reasonable payout. Anywhere between .5 and 1 percent of the total cost of the film. I don't know if you have that kind of money, but it's a step in the right direction.

Good luck.
 
c.g. is absolutely correct. Maybe I misinterpreted JJ's first post, but I thought there was talk of upfront pay in addition to compensation if/when the thing was sold/produced. If that is not the case, then it will indeed be very hard to find someone to essentially volunteer their work on a gamble that may or may not pay off.
 
Thank you both for your wonderful information. This was very specific and exactly what I needed to know.

I am a professional actor (Bway, film,TV) by trade and can relate and understand completely that any good writer would be more prone to investing time working on there own great project. Makes perfect sense. But I will keep looking and putting the word out. By the way, this is NOT any kind of vanity project I plan to act in. I just want to get it told.

Because this story demands a large budget a friend who is a pro cameraman suggested I present it to HBO to do as a documentary . He felt it was there kind of story and he knew an indy producer who had done some projects with HBO. The producer was very interested.

My neighbor is one of the prods. on '60 Minutes' and said the story is great and that I should stop worrying about the big budget and get the best script written from a great treatment. He could see my excitement was for a film not the documentary.

Thats where I am now. I'm not in a rush but I know a great script in most cases is like having 'keys to the kingdom'.

Thanks again for your input. All this is new and all valuable to me.

JJ

PS ConspiracyPenguin, As things delelop I will contact you for a chat about this.
 
A European writer is probably a good idea, for the sake of authenticity.

You might consider approaching Hallmark Channel with your project. It might make a good Hallmark Channel Original Movie.

Good luck!
 
JJ Alexander said:
...PS ConspiracyPenguin, As things delelop I will contact you for a chat about this.
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I look forward to hearing from you, but as I said as well as David above me, your best bet just might be a European writer (as hard as it is for me to say that) because they know the culture, the land, etc. If it were a present time piece, that might be different, but you are looking to do a period piece and you probably will be best off with someone who knows the history.

For example, if this was taking place in 1920's United States, I could do a fine job. I know about my country and its past, its culture, etc to be able to write it but as far as Europe from a US writer with no knowledge of the continent (at any time other than when world wars were taking place, in which case I could very well do the script just fine) you may just end up with a lot of cliches and stereotypes.

Just my 2 cents...
 
JJ Alexander said:
I want to create a contract that will give the writer payment for writing the script as soon as money is connected to the project and if and when the story goes into production and added payment if and when the movie is sold and released.


JJ
Click to expand...

Once the money that's gonna get connected to the project gets connected, I'm sure there's a lot of people here that would jump in.
 
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