I just read a post for a screenwriter. The post said the writer must have... well... at least 10 qualities, including significant skills, accomplishments, awards, produced screenplays... yup, you guessed it... unpaid. This is hardly the first time I've read a post like this and probably won't be the last, unfortunately. If you can't afford to pay a writer, then you can't afford to produce the script or novel you're not paying her/him to write. So the writer is writing a spec script but then giving it to you for no pay, and chances are it'll never get done, and the writer will never get paid and she/he's just worked for nothing, instead of writing their OWN spec script. That script probably won't get done either, but at least the writer owns her/his own work, can submit it to contests, use it as a writing sample (if it's well written, of course) and do it on their own time, in their own way.
Just saying... don't get suckered into writing on spec for somebody ELSE!
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I couldn't agree more! Early on in my career, I gave away scripts (only SHORTS) for free. Because I knew I didn't have the credentials yet to get them over the finish line. But once they were starting to get produced, I stopped giving anything away for free. This is actually my livelihood. I cannot live off of future promises. Writing a spec script takes time, but it is hugely important. I have about 20 of them lying around now - all in different genres, which has helped me tremendously. Because when the inevitable question comes of "what else you got?" you can answer with: everything. It's ok to work for a low fee or even free for your first year. But as soon as you have one or two credits, know your value.
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Hi, Rob Tobin. I agree with you to a point. Sometimes writers write scripts for free to build up their resumes. I did it when I was a new writer (for shorts and features), and I'll do it again for shorts. I'll write a feature script for a producer for free now if I'm really excited about the project, I'll get credit for writing the script, and I'll get a percentage of the profits.
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Maurice: Thanks for you input. It's not a black-and-white situation but rather a matter of opinion, I suppose. I still write spec scripts but only for myself. Again, credit and participation (gross, not net, net doesn't exist) are of value only if the script is produced and generates income. But, again, a matter of opinion and values.
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You're welcome, Rob Tobin. Yeah, I think it's not a black-and-white situation but rather a matter of opinion. Credit and participation of gross profit are of value only if the script is produced and generates income, but even if those things don't happen, the project was exciting to work on. And I'll build a relationship with the producer as I write the script. That might lead to me working with the producer on other [paid] projects and other opportunities.
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Completely agree and well said, Rob Tobin.
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Roger that Rob Tobin - I understand situations for 'deferred' pay, where no one is making money until everyone makes money. And I would imagine/hope most 'free' work falls into that category - but you should own some stake in everything you produce. The word... 'fair' comes to mind :)