Hi All, I have a question, I have been approached with an opportunity to write a screenplay for a published book, This would be my first time writing for someone other than myself so I don't know what the rates are to do something like this, if you guys can give me some insight that would awesome.
Screenwriting : How much do you charge? by Bobby Nickson
How much do you charge?
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Also, make sure the author has the rights and not the publisher. It's all in the contract the author has with the publisher of the book, unless of course it's self-published.
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Fantastic info from both of you! I've struggled with the same concept. It is great to see answers to questions I did not even think to ask.
Thank you @Steven and @LeAnn, that was really great information, I really wasn't thinking about the legality of it, and the ownership of the script I just assumed that it would be owned by the writer since the script would be written based on the writings of the book writer. I have never done a translation from book to screenplay and would welcome any tips you may have.
A written contract like Steven suggested where you will resolve any legal issues dealing with rights; determine your fee; determine whether you will be a ghost writer or keep your rights as the screenwriter; find out what the author's expectations are (it's their baby after all) some authors are easier to deal with than others about cutting things or adding stuff that's not in their book; make sure you can communicate well with the author, a good working relationship is key; not every novel makes a good movie, be discerning.
Does the person offering you this opportunity have the screenplay rights to the book? If not, decline the project until you see the rights on paper. Ask yourself what your time is worth, and price yourself accordingly. Will this be a fulltime project? Is there a deadline? Since you're in NYC (lucky you!) find an intellectual property attorney who deals with literary issues and pay for an hour of their time. It would be a good investment before you begin.
Bobby – previous posters have given you some valuable tips that need to be addressed before you enter into price negations. But the actual question about your pay-for-service depends on a lot of factors; things like your verifiable experience, the intended use, the purchaser’s needs. Just be careful not to “over promote” yourself; make sure you can deliver what you promise. Your actual contract rate is fully negotiable. (As an aside: I’m retired and I like to work with new filmmakers. I work for beer.)
Hi Bobby, rights issues aside, I know here in LA, there are some indie companies that will pay a non-WGA writer $1000-5000 or $10-30K to write a script on assignment. I'm sure there is a very wide range for non-WGA deals though. You should try to find out what your financier has paid other writers they've hired in the recent past.
And congrats!!!
The basic point Bobby, is that neither I nor any filmmaker/producer will pay you anything without demonstrable proof of your ability. If you are a WGA member, you have been vetted and are therefore entitled to their rates – but the small Indies can’t afford you.
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Wow allot of great advice, suggestion its very enlightening to have a community like this with so many experienced professionals that can give advice along with valuable insight. Thank you all for your expertise, I'm not sure this opportunity would even pan out for me rather it does or not it was a privileged to even be considered without documented experience. Thanks
@Bobby, here's a similar post to check out: https://www.stage32.com/lounge/screenwriting/How-Much-Should-I-Charge-to...
Thanks for this information, this has all been really helpful to me @Regina thanks for the link as well