Filmmaking / Directing : Is paying a producer from a screenwriter okay? by Oleg Mullayanov

Oleg Mullayanov If the screenwriter is hiring the producer to develop their project, then it's perfectly legitimate, because in fact the screenwriter is the producer at first instance and is purchasing services they cannot perform themselves. If on the other hand the producer is approaching the screenwriter wanting to produce the project for their own company's slate (ie. wanting to own it and be "the producer), then it's not legitimate.

Shadow Dragu-Mihai thank you for your opinion. The producer himself became interested in my project and wants to bring it to production. And he demands money for a comprehensive production budget, documentation on strategic planning, and work schedules.

Oleg Mullayanov Sounds like B8. They are very aggressive these days. If this "producer" hasn't read your script and talked to you about specifically he thinks it can go in the market, and where he can get the money to produce it... not legit.

Under no circumstances should a screenwriter or playwright pay a producer. I've done both--out of necessity--and it should be obvious to anyone that the opposite should be the case! In live theatre, the producer options the script and pays the playwright an advance of six per cent against the projected gross income to secure the rights for one year. If at the end of that year, the producer has not raised enough money to mount the production he can either renew the rights at the same rate or return them to the playwright.

I am coming to the end of my year's contract with a producer who has made offers to several directors who would be excellent for my project. So far, there have been no acceptances. I did pay his fee for the ability to gain entrance to directors who I would not, on my own, been able to approach. Was it worth it?

Prema, I'm sorry to say it, but I think you got suckered. There's at least one fellow who advertises on this site who responded to my own posting seeking producers. He wanted me to pay him up front. After doing due diligence--always essential--I told him to go take a flying leap.

I have most of my complete pitch deck available for a producer to avail himself of, and a multi-award winning script. He has the financing and contacts.

According to Stacey Parks (Film Specific), one can hire a producer to take it into production. That is legit.

Beware of a producer who options your project to shop it. One gave extensive "Development notes" and then claimed to be an author. No amount of notes makes anyone an author if they do not contribute lines or scenes to the screenplay. That is a firm WGAw rule. He then claimed the script with his suggestions was "frozen and could not be shopped." False again. Be sure to check a producer's credentials.

Hey guys. Toni D with Shake The Tree. You will definitely run into people that say they are providing "services" with their producing agreements. And I do think some early development producers should be paid for bringing a certain skill set to execute getting from phase one to phase two and so on. And for potentially bringing assets to the table like cast, director, sales, equity. Diligently vet your producer, their accomplishments, their references and their track record. All should be easily findable if they are a working producer... imdb, press, distro, social media. And the other best way to remedy being taken advantage of... always ask for some immediate results on something...even if it's just script or deck notes. Even before a contract in signed. It will show good faith and an early commitment from the Producer. And to create an urgency to finish tasks during development... always demand milestones in your agreement/contract. Multiple and over realistic time frames but be certain to outline your expectations for actual results. Just my humble opinion. If anyone wants to chat further... I'm around. :)

Writers don't pay producers. Producers pay writers. If he wants to take it to production companies or studios, then he should option the script from you and pay for the option. At most, you could agree to give him a free shopping agreement. But preparing a budget is part of the producer's responsibility. He doesn't necessarily NEED a budget to take it to prodcos/studios as long as he has the experience to ballpark a budget total. But if he wants to do a budget and schedule first, then that's an expense he should bear. The only way the writer pays for that is if the writer is producing the film and will retain ownership. But unless those are the conditions under which you approached him, then it sounds like he's just trying to scam you, or at least get you to pay for what should be his own labor/cost.

Thunder Levin... ridiculously great name by the way... Agreed that only if the writer is also a producer. Non-hyphenate writers should never pay producers. Their scripts need to be optioned.

Hi Toni...good to connect again. I am retaining my position as a producer on the project and wish to have a co-production partner.

No, it is not OK. Such situations occur cause some groups in Hollywood take monopoly. It is normal to pay agent after he finds investor (but not before). If producer plays agent, he is not producer.

"To the Gatekeepers and Decision-Makers:"

"When you find yourself in a position to nurture talent and ideas, look beyond the small fees or immediate gains. Take a chance on the ambitious newcomer; you could be the architect behind the next rising star, and their success will forever be a part of your legacy. True leadership is about thinking outside the box—not just about yourself.

Think of the 'Bouncer' at an exclusive venue. While many wait in line, he opens the door for those who bring style, beauty, and energy. I hope you can be like that gatekeeper—spotting the 'beauty' in a raw, powerful script and letting us in to show what we’ve built.

Don't just guard the door; be the one who invites greatness in. Let’s create something legendary together."

Ibrahim, that's precisely the attitude every producer should have!

Oleg Mullayanov for what it’s worth, if a Producer wants your screenplay then you sign an option agreement and receive a small fee. If they want to develop it, then the costs are on them, NOT the screenwriter. Walk away.