I was just wondering if there is a pro/cons for getting an outright sale versus an option or anything you need to consider before accepting an outright sale that you might not know about.
EG if you sell outright you effectively say goodbye to your work forever and whatever becomes of it then so be it. But an option, it may end up becoming a film or if it doesn't at least you get your work/rights back at end of option to try again.
Is it common for a studio/producer to offer you an option but also an outright sale that might be a lower price than the total option and you have to make a choice? And what choice should you make?
Just throwing this question out there.
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Most scripts are optioned. If you get a outright sale for a good price you better take it because it might take ten years or maybe never to get another offer.
Sell. An option is sell and may not move into production. I would always take cash (as long as it was the amount I wanted).
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Definitely sell. What would you do with your scripts if all you do is option and keep them? You'd never get anything produced.
I agree I would take a sale over an option any day however outright sales are pretty rare. Most producer like to option them and then use them to raise development money and then production money if they manage to take it through development hell. About 10% die in development hell. Keeping that in mind I decided to try and produce my own so at least that way I will get it done even if I have to by a new iPhone to shoot it.
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It's all the same contract. An option is a lease with an option to buy. So all of the details of the purchase are in the contract and agreed on before you sign it. So you will need a lawyer. http://www.scriptsecrets.net/tips/tip277.htm
See FAQ and appropriate sections in Stage 32.
I agree the details of the purchase are part of the option agreement. The only real difference between an outright sale is that there is no option period that might result in a no sale.