Screenwriting : Legal advice by Michael Cotter

Michael Cotter

Legal advice

Hey everyone,

I have a bit of a confusing grey area that has come up in a contract I have with a producer who sold the project to another producer.

There is a clause in the contract that says if I am replaced during drafting period that I will be compensated for my writing contributions. The drafting period is still open. Technically, by selling the project this means I won't be finishing the drafting period, and thus I will be replaced (but by a different producer). For me, this means that this clause is broken, and thus I am owed the compensation.

Anyone out there had a similar issue? Or does anyone know anyone who can shed some light on this?

Thanks in advance,

Michael

Maurice Vaughan

Hi, Michael Cotter. I’m a Stage 32 Lounge Moderator. I wanted to let you know I moved your post from the Anything Goes Lounge to the Screenwriting Lounge since it's about screenwriting and you should get more responses in the Screenwriting Lounge. Let me know if you have any questions. And I think you should talk to an entertainment lawyer about the contract/situation.

CJ Walley

Did you sign a chain of title document?

Michael Cotter

I have a signed contract for work done/to be done for project, and am on the US copyright document for the script written.

Dan MaxXx

Lawyer up, man.

I've been fired off 3-4 movie projects where I was the first writer; I got my full money on first day of production, regardless of who is in charge, title change, whatever. GL!

CJ Walley

Yeah, I think it's wise to lawyer up too, or at least seek the consultancy of one. A solid chain of title is essential for any deal to exist with a reputable distributor, so that might stonewall any attempt to brush you under the carpet.

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