Script Credits

davidlh

davidlh

Active member
So I have a quick question. I started writing and brainstorming ideas for a comedy screenplay a while ago and in the middle of it a friend wanted to help out. He contributed a little, not much if any is going to be kept, yet I did bounce a few good ideas off o him which allowed me to come up with a few good ideas. Recently we had a falling out and I no longer wish to have his input on the script. I would, however, like to credit him in some way for helping me brainstorm a few ideas. How would I go about doing this without giving him a full Co-writing credit? He helped out with probably 5-10% of brainstorming and none of the actual writing. Thanks in advance!

-David
 
I often see in film credits "Story by John Doe and Jane Smith" but then "Screenplay by John Doe"
Not sure how that translates into $ if the spec is sold, that is where some sort of pre-writing agreement comes in handy.
 
Randall_Oelerich said:
I often see in film credits "Story by John Doe and Jane Smith" but then "Screenplay by John Doe"
Not sure how that translates into $ if the spec is sold, that is where some sort of pre-writing agreement comes in handy.
Click to expand...

The WGA gives 25% for 'story by', and 75% for the "written by". If a writer does both story and script, well... that's 100%...

Things get more complex if the script has gone through many hands, and those hands want credit, there is an arbitration procedure... otherwise there are a number of script doctors who work on scripts for a fee... but don't worry
about credits, because everyone who's anyone with a need, will come to them for work...

Since you aren't a WGA member, presumably... and if your former friend just contributed 'concepts/ideas', then other than 'special thanks'... and may I add, get your version of the script registered with the US Office of Copyrights pronto... no further noting is required.

I'll also presume there was no co-writing written contract, which both of you signed delineating the contributions, and resulting percentages of compensation for such contributions...

In Hollywood there is no such thing as a 'gentleman's agreement'...
 
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On this topic-- suppose (like many of us do) a screenwriter wannabe enlist$ the help of a paid mentor/consultant (Scott the Reader, John Rainey, blah blah blah et al) for feedback and critique and suggestions on a story (treatment) or script prior to a sale-- what if any rights does the paid consultant have for credits or $ beyond the consulting fee? I should think none.
 
Thanks for the replies guys! It was just sort of two brainstorming sessions we had for the script, nothing more than that; no contracts, etc.
 
Point of information:

"By Smith & Jones" means they wrote it together. "By Smith and Jones" means Smith wrote it and Jones independently contributed to it, but they did not work together.
Hence:

Story by Smith
Written by Smith & Jones and Davis

is possible.
 
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