Screenwriting : Signed submission release forms by Geoffrey Calhoun

Does it really say that? There's routine language for those things ("we get tons of submissions, we may have gotten something with the same premise as yours, etc..."). It's very sensible for them to want the protections that document affords. And, in my experience, if you want your script read you'll end up signing a lot of those. That said, read it carefully and (in general) don't send your script to a company that you fear is not legit. I've signed dozens of those and, to date, no one has loved my script so much they thought it made more sense to steal it and pay the legal fees of a lawsuit than to just buy the script. In my experience, when a company wants to screw you, it makes more economic sense for them to buy you out rather than rip you off. YMMV.

Geoffrey: Most producers and management companies use them to avoid being sued by writers. William Morris Endeavor will have you sign a release before they'll even look at anything. I've signed several for both well known and lessor know outfits. And I'd say 75% of interested parties will have you sign one. Here is a sample of what they generally look like. I believe this one is from the WGA. SAMPLE SCREENPLAY RELEASE AGREEMENT This contract is for informational purposes only. ScreenCraft does not offer legal advice. Dear Sir(s), I am concurrently submitting to you with this release for a screenplay currently titled:______________________________ (Hereinafter the "Material"). I agree and understand that: 1) Because of your position in the entertainment industry: a) you receive many ideas, formats, stories, suggestions, and other materials which you do not solicit or otherwise request; b) you generally do not consider, or review unsolicited material unless the person submitting the material has signed this Agreement; c) you would not accept, consider or review the Material if I did not sign this Agreement; and d) no confidential relationship is established by sending the Material to you. 2) I may submit the Material or similar material to persons other than you. I have kept at least one copy (or a duplicate) of all the Material submitted to you. 3) You need not return the Material to me. If you choose, you may make and keep a copy (or duplicate) of the Material, but are not obligated to do so. In the course of professional evaluation and consideration you may present the Material to third parties. 4) You will review the Material within a reasonable period of time after you receive a copy of this Agreement, which I have signed. If you decide that you wish to use the Material or any elements or aspects of the Material for any purpose, then you and I may negotiate in good faith to reach a written Agreement covering your use of the Material and any compensation or payment. I am not waiving, and this Agreement will not limit, my copyright of the Material. I understand that you may use in any fashion: a) any matter which is made available to you by other sources, and which contains elements or aspects which are similar to protectable literary property contained in the Material; and/or b) any elements of aspects contained in the Material which is not original with me, new, unique, concrete, and novel and/or which is in the public domain. I will not sue you or bring any action or proceeding against you if you use such matter, and you are entitled to an injunction or other equitable remedy if such a suit, action, or proceeding is brought. You have no obligations to me (including any obligation to compensate or make payments to me, unless you expressly agree to so), except for those expressly stated in this Agreement. I hereby state that: a) the Material was created and is owned free and clear of all other interests only by me; and b) I have full right to submit the Material to you and to comply with this Agreement. I will fully reimburse you if you incur any losses, damages, or expenses (including lawyers' fees) because any or all of the statements made by me in this Agreement are not true. If either you or I transfer, assign, or license any rights under this Agreement, the person making the transfer, assignment, or license will still be responsible for performing his/her/its obligation under this Agreement. If more than one party signs this Agreement as the submitting party, then references to "I" or "me" throughout this Agreement shall apply to each such party, jointly and severally. You have made no representation, oral or written, of any kind to me. This Agreement states our entire agreement. This Agreement is governed by and construed under the laws of the State of California, applicable to agreements entered into and to be fully performed therein. Screenplay/Treatment/Outline Title: Writer's Guild Registration #: (If applicable) Date of Submission: Author Name(s): Street Address 1: Street Address 2: City: State: Zip: Daytime phone: E-mail: Signature(s): Date:

Thanks gang! This was very helpful. I appreciate you taking the time.

Phillip thank you for the sample.

@Geoffrey: You're welcome and glad I could assist.

It would be nice if you can show us the clause that you feel might be troubling. Maybe they really are trying to sneak a fast one by you.

Yeah I've been busy. I picks up a few writing gigs. And have been busy doing research for them. Based on everyone's excellent advice I signed the waiver. Things are going we'll they were interested in my synopsis and requested the full script so we will see what happens. You guys are a great and knowledgable crowd! Thanks for your support.