Payment Question

L

Logan_Frost

New member
[Didn't know if this belonged in business because it's directed strictly for screenwriters]

First off - I'm not a member of the WGA, the script I wrote is not WGA-registered.

Three, four weeks ago - I'll get the exact date soon - I got a call from a professor friend that I was being offered a paying screenwriting job. A producer had the idea, the general treatment, and the first 20 pages (that I threw out completely) from another screenwriter that I needed to change in order to not violate her rights to the IP.

I pulled the 80-page script off in four days.

Now, the reason for the rush was that a production studio wanted it right away, and they have since dropped out. A second production studio is now involved. The dollar amount on budget was originally $300,000, and may possibly be $600,000.

From what I'm hearing, the amount I'm going to get paid is $1,500. Again, not a WGA member.

What I want to know is - for non-union work, I know we're getting screwed, because anyone working non-union is going to get screwed. But exactly how screwed, is my question, and if it comes to pass that's the true dollar amount for me, what are myoptions?

(And, more importantly for me - will getting into a money fight this early into my career with these low-budget guys hurt me in the long run?)

I'm trying to let things play out and see how it goes, but I also don't want to get blindsided with a bad payday and have no preparation for a response.
 
What did you sign? What did your contract say?

Normally the writer is paid in the 2% of final budget area. So 2% off a say, $500,000, is NOT $1500.

It all boils down to what you signed. I fear from your post you didn't sign a thing. In which case there's no reason they pay you anything.

Who is this producer BTW?

EJ
 
Since it's not WGA, if you agreed to $1,500 (and I hope you have something in writing), then you're going to get stuck with $1,500 unless the producer is feeling generous. That's the joy of work-for-hire. Although I think it's often a certain amount up front against a larger amount if the film goes into production; but again, it's all per contract. I'd think the only way you would have a legal argument for more cash is if you agreed to the $1500 based on the original budget figures and the producer was actually misleading you concerning that number. But that doesn't sound like the case and, even if it was, the logic would dictate you just getting another $1500.

At this point, I wouldn't worry about the money and be more concerned about getting credit for the screenplay.

FWIW, I'm in the same boat, almost. Just signed a write-for-hire contract but haven't started on the script. I know if the film gets made and hits it big in any way, I'm hosed money-wise. But that's how it works. For now. Muwahahahaha.
 
agreed w/ the rest. the plus side, however, is if it gets made and you get your credit, you can join the WGA and not get screwed the next time
 
Only $1500 for the whole run of the project? Did you agree to do re-writes, too?

I could understand if they gave you a bit up front, and then planned on paying you down the line...but that seems rather light considering the budget.

Hopefully, what JasonFox was talking about when the project actually begins shooting (which is a production fee), will be coming your way. It's usually pro-rated according to the budget, but it seems like those rules aren't really being applied in your situation. At this point, even another $1500 would be something.

Even if the shoot is non-union, they could have worked out something with you...even some points from dollar one (like maybe 2 or 3), or something, so that you would get some sort of fair compensation.

The company I'm signed with (two year option) isn't guild signatory, but they like to go by guild rates if they can. Check the WGA no/low budget agreement stuff (assuming they have it...we have it here with the WGC). See what the rates are for a small project such as yours, and bring it up with whomever it may concern. Producers can get all kinds of breaks on small projects, so you may not be entitled to full union rates even if it was a union gig, but you may still have a case for asking for a bit more in the spirit of maintaining good relations.

It can't hurt...though you might not get anywhere. You're probably just going to have to hope this gig gets you some recognition...and better paying jobs.
 
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