Not long ago I spoke to someone who wanted to see my script and he wanted $3500 for what coverage the releases and the process of promoting the film is this a scam?
Screenwriting : Sketchy guy by Gilad Riv
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$3500 of money? Yeah no absolutely not.
I got asked for $4,000. Sheesh these people.
Run away
As a writer, I'd be very cautious. That's a lot to pay upfront. If you're still looking for someone to review or help move the project forward, I'd be happy to take a look and see if I can help.
What really happens when a screenwriter finds a producer and he falls in love with the script and what is the difference between him and a manager?
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If a Producer loves a script, they'll produce it. Start by attaching talent and building a package by getting people interested. With an enticing package, the Producer goes to financiers (studios or otherwise) to raise capital for the production. Then the next step is making the movie.
A Producer produces the project but doesn't manage the writer. A manager manages the writer but also sometimes produces projects they like as well - not always but sometimes1 person likes this
To your larger post though, screenwriters outnumber produced projects, so producers rarely seek out scripts unsolicited. That's the math, and if a Producer ever randomly reaches out to you asking for large fees, that's probably a scammer. Always run the other way.
In the current market for emerging screenwriters, the onus is often on the writer to engage established production companies, network at industry events, or secure reps to bridge the gap.
Producers don't typically reach out to unestablished screenwriters for several reasons:
Legal Liability: Major production companies and agencies often have strict policies against reading unsolicited material. If they read a spec script and later produce a project with a similar theme, they risk lawsuits.
High Volume: Established producers receive hundreds of scripts a year and simply do not have the time to read them all.
Pre-existing Relationships: When producers do reach out, it is usually first to agents or managers asking to read scripts from vetted, established writers, or they hire a writer to adapt an idea they already own. Then, the other place they look to scout for new voices are through vetted channels like Stage 32 via pitch sessions, script consultations, and. contests,
Breaking through this barrier to connection requires a targeted and strategic approach:
Query Letters: Send professional, concise emails containing a strong logline to the production companies that make films similar to yours.
Networking: Building genuine relationships with executives, directors, and peers at industry events increases the likelihood that your script will eventually be requested.
Script Competitions: Placing highly in reputable contests acts as a quality filter that brings your work to the attention of industry professionals.
Stage 32's Script Services: Using platforms like Stage 32 allows you to get professional evaluations and puts your script in front of industry executives who are actively looking for material.
Through these specifically vetted channels, when you connect, those connections are real and backed by relationships at stake.
However, if you ever receive a DM or email from a Producer saying they know you've got the next big thing and that sounds too good to be true, then it probably is.
Yes
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He’s probably a Nigerian Prince as well. RUN the other way. It’s definitely a scam.
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Yes, this sounds like a scam. $3500 is way too much for coverage and vague promotion. Legit producers don’t ask for big payments upfront.
Stay safe!
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Yes! If you're paying for coverage (synopsis and simple notes, about 2 pages like we did at the studio) it'll run approx $99. If you're looking for story analysis and development notes, that'll run upwards of $150 -$200.
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the writer gets the whole payment /in how long time
I'll do it for $3,499.
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I’m not saying it’s a scam, but $3,500 for “coverage, releases, and promoting the film” sounds like my wallet just heard horror-movie music. "ki-ki-ki, ma-ma-ma"
Real professionals are usually very clear about what you’re paying for, what you’re getting, and why. If someone wants thousands up front before your script has even had a real conversation, I’d slow down, ask for everything in writing, check their credits, talk to other writers they’ve worked with, and maybe keep one hand on your screenplay and the other on the exit door.
In screenwriting, hope is free. Red flags apparently come with payment plans.
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most of the offer we request from others can be done by our individual selves instead trusting money on a scam's hand