This is a continuation of my January 5th post titled “Writers: What Should a First-Time Producer Get Right?”
My first priority is hiring a production payroll company. I want to ensure that all appropriate tax paperwork is properly handled for both the writer and myself as the producer.
The next major consideration is whether the writer should have an advocate—specifically a literary manager or, possibly, a literary agent—who represents non-union talent. I believe this type of third party can be essential as a creative and professional buffer between myself and the writer.
When I was working as a casting director, one of the things I did for unrepresented talent I was casting in the horror film Axeman at Cutters Creek was to call an agent on the actor’s behalf. The agent agreed to handle contract negotiations for that specific project. This did not mean the actor was signed to the agent; it simply gave the actor the benefit of professional representation for that contract. In one case, the relationship progressed, and the agent ultimately signed the actor after meeting with them following negotiations.
The primary benefits of involving a literary manager or agent on behalf of a writer are:
The manager or agent earns a commission with minimal additional effort.
They help ensure that payments from the payroll company reach the writer in a timely manner and in compliance with California licensing laws.
They serve as an intermediary during the writing process, providing a layer of “professional distancing” that can benefit both sides creatively and operationally.
Do you feel this approach could work?
What additional insights do you have regarding how a writer should submit for work on my projects?
To be clear, I’m not looking to hire writers at this time. This is strictly a fact-finding mission to help me finalize my business plan. I do have funding in place, and my goal is to structure everything correctly to ensure the project’s success.
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I think that approach could work, Matthew Gross. I suggest being open to writers who don't have managers/agents too though. There are talented writers who choose not to have reps.
Maybe have the writers submit short writing samples (a short script, pages from a feature, etc.).
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Maurice Vaughan I'm quickly finding that some aspiring writers won't follow simple instructions and they are more interested in pushing their projects than addressing the assignment in front of them. I've gotten a few messages from my earlier post that says I need a possible third party to keep writers on task. The only other alternative for me is to contact literary managers or agents and see what non-union writers they have on their rosters.
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I meant experienced talented writers without reps, Matthew Gross.
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Okay so to be clear, you would not require the written to have representation up front, it rather, you would provide representation for that contract through your company. I feel that this is a really revolutionary model that could work and could give a chance to under-repped writers. Right now I personally have no representation so I would love something like this. Other people's mileage may vary however.
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What you are doing is sub-letting any possible hassle with the actor/writer to an agent, at the actor/writers cost. Great for a business model. Most people just want the gig.
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David Taylor I'm noticing unprofessional behavior that will potentially interfere with the work. Directions aren't being followed by writers. I asked specific questions with this post, for example, and you'd be amazed at the responses I've received. Having a third party seems essential. Here's the thing, David. I need for you to hear this. I need everyone to hear this. If I refer writers to literary managers or agents, I will pay the manager or agent's commission. It will not be deducted from the writer's pay. This will be stated in the contract that I will upload here on Stage32 for community review.
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I look forward to taking a look. Unprofessional is not good - interfering with the work is not acceptable. It does seem unusual that a lot of people are doing it, to the extent an additional solution is needed - Contracts as they exist are usually pretty good - even slightly onerous ones. People usually just sign them and get on with collaboration - which as we all know, is what it is all about.
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This might be a great niche place not many of us are aware about. And it delves deeper into how writing and producing scripts really happen. I think it is good and more of this should be happening. It all is a process not a straight signing to riches and fame in one script!!