Admins, please feel free to move or delete if this is inappropriate. I am new to this, and I have been contacted by a production company offering packaging services for one of my screenplays, including attachment of talent, sales, distribution, and securing financing. There is an up front cost for this, is this normal for this industry?
Screenwriting : Packaging a Script by David Miller
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5 people like this
If they are really interested in PRODUCTION of your work, then they should pay YOU, not CHARGE you. Run for the hills! (Just MHO) I've run into this before.
3 people like this
This is a scam.
2 people like this
Hey, David Miller. I hear about these now and then. Like Jon Shallit said, they should pay you, not charge you.
3 people like this
Glad you came to us with this. Real producers and/or managers don't charge writers upfront for packaging. That's just not how this business works. When someone believes in your script, they take it on because they see money in its future, not because they want money from your pocket today.
Packaging happens one of two ways: either a producer loves your work and champions it (getting paid when it sells), or a packaging fee gets tacked onto the production budget AFTER financing is secured. Professional producers attach actors, directors, and financing because they're betting on your script's potential, not because you paid them to.
I'd run, not walk, away from any company asking for upfront money for these services. Legitimate folks who dig your work will option your screenplay (even for a token amount) or sign a shopping agreement. They put their own time and connections on the line because they believe it'll pay off.
If you're trying to break in, stick to the paths that actually work - competitions, legit pitch sessions, or networking through industry groups. These can connect you with real producers who play by the normal rules.
Trust your gut on this one - it's already telling you something doesn't feel right.
2 people like this
Thanks for all the responses, from short and sweet to detailed, it seems the sentiment is the same. I really appreciate you folks taking the time to respond and guide me through this process.
You're welcome, David Miller.