Release Forms

[Woodson]

I'm writing a screenplay with two other people. I know there needs to be release forms signed between us, does anyone know any good place to get them?

And my main question is.. I'll be planning to Direct this film in the future, and start planning the pre-production once we are done writing. Now is there a release form between a writer and a director, even though I'm writing it too. I'll be planning, preparing the budget, asking for grants, etc doing all that. Basically wanting control, and not later having troubles with the other 2 writers saying let me do this, No it has to be like this.

 

[mediamogul]

Re: Release Forms

Register the script with all the writers attached. Then you as Company XYZ option or purchase the script for $1. You will then have a nice paper trail and will own the rights. You can email me if you want a sample. Cheers

 

[natob2]

Re: Release Forms

Pick up the book "Featuring Filmmaking at Used-Car Prices". It contains the exact form you are looking for plus many other useful legal documents for filmmaking.

 

[Woodson]

Re: Release Forms

Then thing is If I do the $1 dollar buying from the writer's
does that mean they don't get any money from the project. The thing is if this project gets distributed and if we got some money for it, I want them to get paid also. Plus why would I be buying the script from myself?

And if I find a producer for the film, how does that gurantee me as the director?

I'm confused about this.

Don't know how to go about it. I mean the script is registered under myself, and 2 other people, same with the copywrite is all under our names.

There's no way there is are release forms for this, everyone told me to get a lawyer, and that's the only thing, they will have a contracts for something like this.

 

[natob2]

Re: Release Forms

Get that book I described above, it will very clearly answer all the questions you have been asking. It is a great starting point for drafting a business plan for your film.

 

[sojrn]

Re: Release Forms

Company XYZ will have to be a legal entity, therefore you won't be selling it to yourself but to the company. Besides the dollar, you can draw up an agreement between yourself and the two other writers to defer payment. Any monies you get from the project after distribution will be paid to the company, then you honor all contractual deferments before paying youself since you own the company. Or you could pay the writers out of the budget monies when you secure funding.
This is a simplistic explantion of one of several options you have. Consult legal advice as well as getting template contracts to save yourself a good deal of money.
http://www.filmtvcontracts.com/ is a good place to check out 8)