I was just wondering if any Stage 32 users are also members of Inktip. I saw one member here that says they had success with them, but I have a few questions. 1. My works are copyrighted, and I'm sure everyone else here has done the same, but are you all comfortable with signing their electronic release form before submitting your work? I understand release forms are part of the business, but I am a bit unnerved at the prospect of my work potentially being signed off on and only finding out once I get the e-mail. 2. Are works protected by the Creators Vault protected under Inktip's User Agreement? 3. Can any of you please give me some feedback as to whether or not you had the representation of an entertainment attorney before engaging with Inktip? I appreciate any and all feedback. Thank you.
Screenwriting : Inktip Users by John Serafinko
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I don't know anything about that site - I would just make sure your stuff is registered copyright and up to date - have all your chain of title docs in place - then if you are unsure as an entertainment law attorney before you sign any agreement on any social media sights. Usually copyright holds but check with an attorney to be fully sure when it comes to social media sites. I make it a rule to also ask an attorney.
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I've had two options through InkTip, so I'll weigh in. 1. Ultimately, you have to send your work into the world. It will end up in piles and in e-mail boxes and you can't control who reads it. Copyright it, then relax. It makes little sense for producers to just go and steal your work. 2. I don't know what the Creators Vault is. Googling... oh. Why that instead of copyright? 3. I've used InkTip independently, without additional representation. But I have some experience with screenwriting contracts... If you get contacted by someone who wants to work with you, it would be easy at that point to employ an attorney to assist you with reviewing contracts.
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Agree with Kerry. Take reasonable steps to register/copyright your work. But you can't hide it under a rock because you're scared someone will "steal" it. At some point, you have to put it out there. And as the majority here will tell you, producers/execs aren't interested in stealing scripts. It makes no sense to do so and they wouldn't want to deal with the legal hassle when it's actually much easier to just buy/option the screenplay.
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While there are plenty of option trolls on InkTip who seem to collect properties by the dozen, there are also legitimate producers on there with actual seed money. Whether Danny's 99% number is accurate or too high, you can swat those people away and hold out for the real thing. Neither of the two options I mentioned above were of the $1 variety (though I, like everybody else on there probably, has received offers like that).
Well, if it's a bit high, I'd say 90%. But that's not a bad thing. I've had at least 6 clients optioned off InkTip - 4 of them were happy with their options even though it was for $1.
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Thank you all for your helpful comments. They really helped me decide what my next step should be. Good luck all.
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John: I have used Inktip and have gotten several option agreements on things I pitched and two scripts I wrote for producers from scratch. I have an inktip producer reading a script right now. I've had less luck listing scripts. As far as release agreements. I have taken exception to boiler plate statements of several of them, as well a work for hire contract. Remember, you are the commander of your own destiny and you can line through and initial clauses you don't like. I've done it several times and have never had someone not read a script because of that. Of course if you're dealing with big boys like William Morris Endeavor they probably won't let you get away with that.
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Phillip E. Hardy is not afraid to put his stuff out there. I noticed last week that the Giant Slurpee cups at 7-11 now have his loglines imprinted on them, and a few of the menu items at Denny's are now named after a few of his scripts. (I highly recommend The Last Rumba and Eggs to all of you breakfast lovers, and The Dirty Real, Lettuce and Tomato Sandwich to all of you lunch lovers. Those are some mighty fine vittles.) How'd you get those deals, Phillip? Standing next to you, I feel like a greasy and torn t-shirt in the men's department at Nordstrom's.
I used it before I started pitching with Stage 32. It's certainly a place where things can be found... but it's rare. I'd rather get face-time with the execs and do it that way.