WHEN RESPONDING TO A PRODUCER LOOKING FOR SCRIPTS

Unspoken Words to Protect Your ASSets (Scripts) and Your Time


Always follow the instructions of the producer BUT…I say BUT be wary

Send ONLY a logline at first with a short query

Request verification of producer’s credentials (via IMDB or Website or Resume of sorts)

Request producers full contact information

If the producer requests the script, ask if they have financing in place to option or purchase a script

Make sure your material is under copyright and WGA before sending anything out

Ask when you might get back to them regarding the disposition of their interest

Ask if they are interested in your script what would be the next step…

If you send a script electronically ALWAYS send in a secured .PDF file or a secured script file of some sort.

…and so on


Just know there are many “idea thieves” in LA who are to damn lazy or lack creativity to come up with their own creative and fresh ideas…so they steal them…for some it is a living…Cover Your ASSets…

GOOD stuff ANONYMOUS PRODUCER.
Glad you're on the writer's side.

I've been wondering about a lot of these so called other producers lately...and how easy it is for them to do a helluva lot of CREATIVE BORROWING.

It's really funny, even after doing my MFA at UCLA GRADUATE FILM SCHOOL in screenwriting, they told us there...that nobody steals from any writers anymore.

And for any writer to bring up the subject just means they are paranoid.

I know for a fact that more and more of it goes on all the time...

So...ANONYMOUS PRODUCER...thanks again for your advice. That's pone of the reasons I've taken my former LOGLINES off of screenwriting websites; and why i check out all the production compnaies I decide to contact first and foremost.

i was writing before Iwent to film school...for the pure love of it...and the thrill I get withb a blank page.

I sure wasn't doing it for the money or the deseperation to sell. It was always for the passion of telling a story...fiction, screenplay or short film. And it still is.

Thanks again for your advice.

MARK GEORGEFF
MTS1160@HOTMAIL.COM

It's basic stuff...

To Anonymous Producer & Mark Georgeff:

I just read your postings and want to thank you very
much for taking the time to warn writers about
fraudulent producers. I have just rewritten my first
screenplay after having put it away five years ago. I'm
just learning the ropes and discovering all these
websites. The choices are overwhelming. Five years
ago, the only hope you had of getting anyone to read
your script or hear your pitch was if you worked for a
producer/agent or had a friend who worked in
development. It's exciting as a writer, to discover all
these writer websites, but I admit, I do not feel
comfortable posting even just my logline out there for
anyone to see. However, I did take the plunge after
reading several positive articles about
writersscriptnetwork.com (aka Inktip.com) and posted a
logline, synopsis and script. In the past FOUR WEEKS,
only 19 different companies have viewed my logline,
and only 3 of those 19 went on to read my synopsis,
and NONE have bothered to read my script. So much
for the claim that "thousands" of producers access the
listings each month. And for the record -- my script is a
comedy and my logline is very brief. I can accept
producers not wanting to read my script, but what is
hard for me to accept right now is that producers are not
even wanting to read the synopsis. So, I'm feeling now
like people are reading the loglines to get some new
ideas. And since you can't copyright an idea or a brief
logline, then that means my idea is up for grabs. I'm
thinking about removing my script from the website. I
wondered what your thoughts are about this?

Thanks again for your time.
Sincerely,
S.E.

Hi all,

I have a GREAT idea for a REALITY TV show and was wondering if there is a way to protect the format/concept?

I know there is something called "WGA" organization or something like it to protect scripts, does that protect show formats or concepts too?

Should I write a synopsis describing the show and protect it as some kind of script?

Thanks in advance.
Steve

I'm not a producer but yes you can copyright an idea for a REALITY TV SHOW. The more of your idea you put to paper and then copyright, the better. I suggest writing a television series "bible" and then copyrighting that.

Sandy,
If your script is posted on a website, that is even more proof if you should ever go to court. You can proove that your idea was out there for others to see and the dates. Document all your dates. Print pages from the website if you can for documentation.

I noticed on the credits for "Mr. Personality" that Robert Kosberg was the producer. I wonder if he got the idea from that website of his? You know, if someone submitted the idea to him and he bought it? Anybody know?

Help! I asked for help on this board a potential screenplay, and now I'm actually afraid my idea (if it's even any good) may get stolen on here!?? I'm freaking out about this now, because I haven't seen any posts yet that actually describe the plots of a screenplay. I'm so new at this, and I may have a committed a huge error....what should I do????

If you're paranoid about it you need to copyright your work before posting.

It's not the idea it's the execution. I only copyright completed or semi-completed scripts.

We have a great idea to earn from a movie whether it will be a hit or flop.We would like to get it patented for globe.Could anyone help us for the same.

We have a screenplay of sci-fci.Its really great and different.Genuine producers are most welcome.

There is no way around putting your logline out there for all to see. Don't forget, if your script is complete and registered WGAw or with the library of Congress, you have to let people see it or you get nowhear fast. There are upwards of 50 thousand or more scripts writtin every year. You think yours is going to be all that different?? Think again. Register it and send the logline out there and forget it. If they steel it they steel it. I sold one I have had for fifteen years. It had been rejected at least 50 times.

Once you put it on paper (or film) it's copyrighted. Registering with Copyright Office only makes it easier to prove infringement and gets you statutory damages. Otherwise, you've gotta prove specific damages and can collect only the amount of your damages. There are other nuances, but just know this - once you put it onto something tangible (i.e., not just in your head) you've got a copyright. So, send it out - just keep track of where you send it. And KEEP writing!

It's great to feel part of this long suffering community at last. I can understand those who feel it's scary putting log lines and a synopsis on the web after slaving away for so long, but what choice is there really if you want to get your work noticed? Can't help feeling though script writers are way down the pecking order in this great industry. All this stuff about actors and directors, what about the writers? By the way who won best script?

When I posted my synopsis about The spotted alien and the bigger badder better butter batter pancakes, I printed off the web page after it was posted, saved the web page as a file and then put the same info into an email and sent it out to myself (then printed it). I feel pretty good about it being posted now. But, I will definatly submit the screenplay to WGA before I send it out to anyone.

Good idea!

I'm also currently a member of INKTIP.COM, but will not continue with them, and here's why:

For the fee they charge for listing of each script...they don't allow the writer to contact the producer who's already looking at your LOGLINE, SYNOPSIS ( these are easy to steal directly from the writer) , and even your FULL SCREENPLAY, unless the producer specifies so.

It seems INKTIP.COM, which would be in business if it wasn't for struggling writers who send in their hard earned money, is more interested in keeping up the good face with producers than the writers who actually support INKTIP.COM financially so than any producer will.

I did have 1 producer request my script...but he left no phone number, juist an address.

After I did some investigation work ( I always knew my time doing surveillance work in the military would come in handy) I found the producer's address wasn't valid.

The company wasn't even legit with LIONS GATE ENTERTAINMENT like they proclaimed to be.
Good thing I did send thte script off to them.

Interestingly enough, what has held me back has been my lack of trust and fear of theft. It is good to hear that others share my paranoia. All of your thoughts and suggestions have been helpful. I realize I must make the leap of faith, but being cautious and knowing the warning signs of fraud and deceit are important.

I sent two scipts to a producer, after checking their bonafides thru the WGA and the IMDB-seemd okay, so I sent the query, loglines, brief synopsis-I ain't nobody's fool-and while they "liked" what I had sent them, they were "working on something quite similar" at that time, and didn't think, etc... Long story short, this company used one of my TITLES for one of their films and the basic PREMISE for another film was a virtual pastiche of various of my ideas- and there ain't a damn thing I can do about either! Can't copyright a title, and nobody seems to have a clue as to how to copyright an IDEA!

What does Pastiche mean?

Hi,
My name is Robson Lemos and I would like to know how and where in New York City can I protect a new TV show format that I just created.
Thanks in advance!
Rgds,
Robson Lemos
lemosrobson@hotmail.com

Copyright it with the WGA west or east.

WGA east
You can register scripts online too at either WGA.

http://www.picture.com/display.asp?ID=1115065

I've just had a producer contact me after seeing my logline on a website. I sent him a synopsis, and he has requested the script - BUT, without having seen it, he is asking me to send him money in order for him to draw up a business plan for investors that he already has in place. He's pushing the theory that the only way scripts get made is independently, and instead of paying me as a writer, that I would reap the benefits of getting my movie made through co-producing. The up front fees are supposed to cover the costs of drawing up a budget and a business plan.

These "up front producer fees" sound VERY FISHY to me, not to mention the fact that he's ready to put a deal in place without having seen the script. But he is listed on IMDB with one short. What is your advice?

Absolutely don't do it!!!

If you're registered with the WGA, you have nothing to worry about. I'd actually rather have my script ideas stolen than have nothing at all. That way, if the stolen material is successful, you can go to court and prove yourself as the author.

You get a ton of recognition, possibly some cash, and someone else was doing the work for you the entire time.

So I say go ahead, steal my idea! I'm pretty sure it'll work out for me in the end. If you're registered and copyrighted, you have nothing to worry about. You're the author/owner under the law, and that's all that matters.

"I've just had a producer contact me after seeing my logline on a website. I sent him a synopsis, and he has requested the script - BUT, without having seen it, he is asking me to send him money in order for him to draw up a business plan for investors that he already has in place."

I would report him to the writers guild immediately. Producers can NOT charge reading fees.

I have log lines for others to steal... But then again I'm too lazy to write them down without pay:)

FREE SAMPLE TO STEAL: Retired Russian mafioso is been hunted down by his old "Comrades", who wan't their share of stolen Le Louvre paintings.

Took me almost minute. Happy writing.

By Gloria Guerra
P.O Box 1212
Alameda, CA 94501
(510) 769-5105 Cell
mothersfriend2005@hotmail.com

Production Company: ______________________________________
I am enclosing this synopsis please call me if you might be interested in this screenplay. The Screenplay has 107 pages. I am writing now Part Two: Two Different Worlds. Some of the facts are true and some made-up. This screenplay is based on the Guerra’s Case.
http://www.theguerrascase.homestead.com/index~ns4.html

Synopsis
TWO DIFFERENT WORLDS

The woman has submitted her script to another Production Studio and her script has been lost. She had lost her apartment and becomes homeless. Then one day the sun is shinning a light brown truck is driving by. A middle age man is turning his truck around making a u-turn then parking. You could hear him slamming on his brakes as well. Struggling to get out of his truck, he passes the two women walking along the same street. He follows the women into the bar. He sits down next to her, he meets her, and buys her a beer, and he has a conversation with her. He wanted to know about her screenplay, she does not tell him yet and he gets fresh. She reacts and then he walks out of the bar. The women follow him out of the bar, and the woman who he had sat next to him, waives goodbye to him. Two years later she reads a newspaper about his life, that the celebrity broke up with his girlfriend, and then she decides to try to reach him. She finds out where his Production Studio is located. She goes to Hollywood leaves a message at his Production Studio. She comes back home and he calls her back. He tells her it was not him, they have a conversation, and he promises her he will call back. He calls back twice and leaves a message, and never calls back after that. She decides then to send him her screenplay, he had asked her in the past. She sends him the screenplay to his Production Studio. He sends her back the screenplay with no signature. She sits by the phone and waits for the actor to call her back, the phone rings and no answer. She looks up on the internet, he made a movie. She buys books on the celebrity and reads about the celebrity life. There are flash backs about him. She goes back to the news stand and reads about the celebrity going back with his girlfriend and finishing the movie. A friend makes a remark that she last seen the celebrity on TV in Hollywood with his girlfriend, after making a movie. Her friends suggest inquiring through a private detective. She goes and sees the detective and had a polygraph test done regarding the celebrity. She later looks up on the internet and finds out that a producer will sue the celebrity and the Production Company, for leaving the producer out of the movie. She decides to go to the courthouse and sees what she could find out more about the celebrity dispute on the movie he just made. Then later on the celebrity had married his girlfriend. She flashes back on the injustices of the adult juvenile courts. She sends her script to the celebrity and the celebrity receives the script. The script is near her bed, and she wakes out of her dream. © 2005

LOST CHILDREN

• Children of today and children of tomorrow.

• Children are minors are innocent.

• Children have no say in law.

• Children must go where they are placed.

• Children are lost, when they grow up, especially if they can not find there parents.

• Children are grown and no longer children.

• Children of yesterday and today, need not to be taken from there innocent family.

Created by Gloria Guerra
© 2005

why do so many so of the production companies have email addresses with yahoo and hotmail? Most don't even have websites. Is anyone actually fooled by these people who are asking for scripts? I've had some writing success, but I can assure you I have yet to come across a production company on these writing resource websites that is worth sending a script to. I'd be very very careful.

with regards to the guy who has a short film listed on IMDB and asking for money...I know a load of people who have done several short films, it means NOTHING. Do not give this guy money, it is a scam-plain and simple.

ok, i wrote a screenplay, and i sent it off to washington to be copywritten. i've written for theatre before, but this is my first movie script. which i must say, i'm rather proud of myself for doing. it was a challenge i accomplised. but now, what shall i do? should i wait to find an agent when my copywright certificate comes back or should i try to find an agent now? and what is a query letter? help! i need guidance!

I've just come back from a Hollywood Pitchfest and was overwhelmed by the response to my pitch. Almost everybody I talked to was interested and took my business card, requested more info and seemed sincerely enthusiastic. Arriving back home my phone is quiet, nothing on my e-mails. I am confused and don't know whether to call them or wait. Advice please.

Whatever you do, do not call them. At a Hollywood Pitchfest, everyone is trying to be as nice as possible. no one wants to hurt anyone's feelings. Everyone keeps it professionsl.

If they want your material, they will most definately give you a call. Hollywood does not miss the opportunity to make any money.

I will just get straight to the point. I live in Australia and have copywrited my work. I want to know that if I pitch it to producers in the united states do I have to go through the WGA to have it copywritted over there before submitting my script to anyone in the U.S
Thank you for taking the time to read this post
All The Best
Jason

No. All a copyright does is proove you wrote something first. It doesn't matter where you copyright it, as long as it is a credible organization. In fact, I've been using WriteSafe and ProtectWrite more than the WGA for copyrighting.

Hi! I need money! Give me money!

I kill for money!

I kill for bread!

Hell..I kill for anything.

I have a feeling I kill for you taking away my oxygen!

Go away! You are not welcomed!

Strange and cogent! Deep and emotional! Scared and fearless!

Have a nice day!

Poor get nowhere! GoWay.

I have a brain child story that is very personal to me and means a great deal to me. I want to produce it independently. I have an old high school buddy that has great luck in securing decent budgets for HIS independent films as well as some light star power for the talent. He has expressed an interest in producing / directing the picture. I do not have the chops to write the actual screenplay tho. I LOVE the story and believe in it so much, but currently I can't get it past the 10 page detailed summary. A ghost writer cannot be afforded. The idea is detailed enough to where I was able to copyright it, but have no talent for dialogue. I just want to reach out to people with my true story.

Hi, I just want to add my two cents worth.

Pitch fests are created for writers to pitch to producers who are most likely Writers themselves. Unsuspecting or novice writers pay anywhere from $300.00 on up to attend. It's all a money making racket.

Every PRODUCER participating gets paid his share. The writer gets nothing but a good time and compliments to feed his ego. Producers not only get paid and come away with new ideas for their own screenplays, they are most likely part of the pitch fest themselves.

They need new HOOKS and PLOTS for movies, and money. The novice writer gives that to them. These pitch fests are a total waste of time for the writer.

Script Consultants are another waste of time. They charge a large sum of money and know nothing, and for $4,000.00 will do a re-write for you, LOL. If they were worth their salt they would be making money writing screen plays and not advertising on the internet!

Most sites on the internet are rubbish when it comes to helping script writers, they only help themselves to the writers money. They need no special license or qualifications.

New writer BEWARE....A sucker is born every minute. I don't mean to blow anyone's bubble here but that is the way it is!

The internet is full of Sharks! Scriptwriting contests! Pitch fests! Consultants! They make millions...LOL...

Big Studios have their OWN TEAM OF WRITERS. Small studios are mostly made up of writers trying to break into the big business themselves. They are sometimes given assignments to write a film, or they pitch an idea. They need new ideas!

It is most certainly cheaper to work a new plot from a stolen idea than to pay a new writer any money. Same with Songs and Books. These people take advantage of a writers desires and dreams. Dreams of money and fame. And they themselves cash in big time...

Please warn people of the Screenplay Agency. They almost ripped me off. Luckily I did some research online and found out about there scam before I signed the contract and sent them $95. According to the article I read online, they tell just about everyone that they are accepted, and all they have to do is send the money for a critique and everything is a go from there. I can't begin to tell you how disappointed I was to find out this was a fake. Not to mention heartbroken since I am a screenwriter trying to make it.

I also got stung with the screenplay agency but not all of these sites are useless, after sitting on a script for three years i decided to have a look on line and posted with N.E Films. The first production company that read my log line, requested the script and even signed a confidentiality agreement. I sent him the script and I have just been informed that it is a go ahead and they have taken the next step for funding. Your script it safer if you can prove where you have sent it, who you sent it to and who has requested it. That is why these sites are good because there is a paper trail.
I posted another script, the first script I had ever written and was rejected over and over again with out explination. I decided to read it and realised it was shoking, huge holes everywhere and needed a complete overhaul. I would never read what i wrote, it went from thought to hands to computer. Before you post any scripts have someone who loves to read have a look at it and write down all the inconsistencies, heaps cheaper than paying someone thousands to do. Read these remarks and then read a hard copy for yourself and with a pencil you do the same. It is a good way to learn what type of writer you are and where your faults lay.
Dont give up, if you get a rejection, have a read of the script and if you still think it is a good script then keep at it. Just because some production companies dont want it, it doesnt mean another wont. And if you get a bad comment learn from it, dont hate the person giving it. It's called constructive criticism and it's a learning kerb that will make you not just a good writer but a great one. I'm not a great writer yet but i'm learning to be.
Good luck

Thanks for the advice on the Screenplay Agency. I just filled out the online query and thought "WOW" how cool is this, a company wanting new screen writers. I was disappointed about what you all were saying about it but at least I found out this way. Does anyone know of a real site for new writers?

Thanks again.