Hi all, it's been a while since I last posted on here but I need some advice. I've been collaborating on a script with a guy who runs his own independent production company in London. He had this idea for a script and asked me to help him out, reading drafts and giving feedback, that sort of thing. It's on its third draft now and is a very, very long way from being ready, and it is taking a long time to make changes as any feedback I send, the guy hasn't the time to work on it as he's a full time teacher. I meet him next week to discuss the script but I intend to propose to him that he hire me properly to write it. He is not a writer, or a historian (it's a historical piece) so I feel I could do more for him in that regard, and I would be able to devote more time to it. The only thing is I would not do it for free as I would essentially be doing a service and as a writer I want to make this my job, so as I see it it's only right I should be paid for my work. What I'm struggling with is what is an appropriate rate to charge if he accepts my offer? I'm an award winning writer and I've already contributed a significant amount to this project to the extent that he is giving me a co-writing credit. I'm UK based so I'm thinking £200 is fair, but could do with some pointers as to whether I'm pricing myself out or in the ballpark. Any suggestions would be useful. Cheers!
Screenwriting : Writing Fee by Callum McKay
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The bad thing is...he's used to you doing free consultative work for him, and you've already established that as the status quo. One of the hardest things in life is to get people to change, and especially when they're used to getting a service for free - over and over..
The good thing is...you can establish in a Scope of Work document everything that still needs to be done; time duration estimates; and why you're best suited to do it. And then come up with a price point that hopefully can be suitable to both parties, or use it as the start of a negotiating point.
Also be ready if he offers you part ownership of the script in lieu of wages. I'd do work for someone in lieu of wages if I felt the outcome/offer was in my best interests, and you might, too.
Best fortunes to you in your endeavors, Callum!
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Yep. What Bill (above) said. It's all about working out a mutually agreeable position.
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200 pounds? That's selling your services cheap, really cheap.
I can't give you advice on how much to charge but what any freelancer will tell you: Draft a contract, that estipulates how much you are to be paid by x amount of days or hours spent on the script and how many rewrites you're willing to do after you submit your last draft. If you're writing a storyline that requires historical research that's extra work, more hours. How come you didn't sign a contract BEFORE you started working on this project? Let's hope you can come to an agreement and he pay you in a timely manner.
Simply say something like: "I've really enjoyed interning for you. I will be searching for a paying position at the end of the month
and would really appreciate any opportunities you hear about that you feel would be a good fit."
I would check in with the writers guild for industry standard payment in the UK and than offer a deferred payment contract. So you will get the money when the project gets financed.
Just for a bit of context. My work on this project started out as a favour and has escalated from there. My feeling is to make this script work my input would need to be more than just as a favour. The guy's company is a very small scale affair and far from the most formal company in the business so it isn't really a case of interning for him, we were introduced via a mutual friend to help each other out. He has previously made 5 minute films using students from his school as actors. This is his first attempt at a feature. And yes, £200 isn't a lot at all but I figured I have not been paid as a writer before, this would be my first commission essentially, and given his budget constraints and my lack of a track record, I wouldn't have much of a case if I asked for more.
please get some sort of email document
to prove you are under 'contract'