I have a story. I have found a story consultant who will work with me to develop it into a feature. Does anyone know where to find a template for working together? Also, does anyone know of the book Canadian Film & Television Business Legal Practice by Tony Duarte? It costs $175.00 - willing to buy it if it helps with forming a legal bond between myself & my story consultant.
Screenwriting : Contract template by DJ Wightman
Contract template
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What do you mean, DJ? As in a work schedule or a script format template?
Damien Lloyd - if I hire the story consultant as a pay per project, do I still owe her a percentage of my royalties ( if there are any royalties)?
Phil Clarke - as in a legal template.
If you hire a story consultant you just pay them whatever their fee is and then it is your screenplay.You would owe them nothing beyond that.
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The top-line terms in the contract can be whatever you want them to be. For example, it can be a one-time, flat fee of $XXXX with no other compensation to the story consultant. Or, if the consultant is asking too much, you could negotiate a lower up-front fee for a bonus to be paid if the script is sold (or produced). In the case of the latter, the smaller details should be spelled out in the contract. It's worth spending a little money on an entertainment lawyer to get the language right.
Phil Parker - thank you - I'm reluctant to admit the biggest challenge of getting my story out there is funds, but there you are. Hiring an entertainment lawyer? Not in the budget. argh.
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It's your story. Just write it.
I’m completely with you. I’ve been looking for producers and people to help make my script a movie for a while now and I admit that the best way to find people interested for a low personal budget is just to call up studios and film executives with contact information from imdb pro. Typically they don’t even listen to unsolicited screenplays so get your logline out before they can say no. If they’re interested, they’ll let you know and request the script. From there, you can either ask to sell or ask to help make it. The choice is yours.
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Budget is always a challenge DJ, unless the 649 blesses you. :) Just have to do what you can in the limits you have.
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Here's RB's advice on hiring Consultants. Either you're hiring a consultant or a Co-writer. Relationships get weird when Employees think they're Owners. There was two Stage 32 members here with a "he said, he said" disagreement/blowup. Writer vs. Consultant. Both believed they were owners of a script.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iMCvJTUvaKw&t=124s
Retain the services of an entertainment attorney.
I am a Canadian actor from Calgary, ALBERTA & new to Stage 32. Is there a way to search Canadian filmmakers, producers, casting directors from the search bar ?
Ivy - I'm not new but not here often enough to know the intricacies of the site. Good luck!