I'm currently looking at entering a screenwriting fellowship contest, but when I read the release form, it really discouraged me, making me feel uncomfortable. Not that I'm a legal expert, but when I sum it up, the release basically says (my interpretation), we can take your project under most terms and conditions, if you fuss, we might offer you minimal money to shut up. If you don't want our pennies and you don't shut up, you signed the release, so shut up anyway. Has anyone else felt discouraged by this and not entered because of it? Has anyone entered anyway and had a success story where they didn't get screwed in the end?
Screenwriting : Release Forms, Yikes! by Tiana Williams
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Hi Tiana,
If part of the rules while you're doing a fellowship is something like: "you become an employee of the company, and anything you create while working for the company is owned by the company," (or something to that effect), then I could understand that, and would agree to it.
But if the rules are saying something like: "the sample writing that you send us becomes company-owned property" (or something to that effect), I'd have difficulty swallowing that.
Best fortunes to you in your creative endeavors, Tiana!
I agree Bill. I could understand that, but the wording is something like.... You agree to acknowledge that we may make similar projects to your material and as long as we don't use it verbatim, you can't sue us or get a court order to make us stop using it. I had been really excited for this particular fellowship to open for submissions. Now..... It closes on the 13th I believe, so I have a few more days to decide. It's not really looking good though.
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What's the name of it, so we can judge for ourselves and perhaps be warned?
i think you should tell us what it is so we can take a gander and see what's what.
Hi John and Cherie. I'd prefer to not seem as though I am publicly bashing a company, so I wish to not say it here. I tried to message you but didn't realize you had to be connected to message.
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Release forms are very common. I wouldn’t get too concerned as it’s highly unlikely anyone will steal your script. And anyone can take your idea and do their own twist on it, you can’t copyright an idea. You either hide your work in fear or put it out there and take a chance.
Thanks Jody.
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You can post the terms and conditions without identifying the contest.
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If you mentally treat your spec screenplays as writing samples, you won’t be afraid of release forms.
Nobody is rushing a contest spec into production. Contests are basically your easiest way in to break in and get hire for adaptations & assignments.
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A good way to look at it Dan. I have resolved to write something of quality, but that I have less emotional connection to for situations like this. Different materials for different contest entries.
I'm not concerned with anyone stealing the script, either, Jody Ellis - it's more about what Bill Costantini said. If your sample becomes their property - whether or not you get the fellowship - you've just lost the ownership to that work.