Screenwriting : Possible script Sale...or not. by Thomas J. Herring

Thomas J. Herring

Possible script Sale...or not.

Once again I get someone who may or may not be interested in a vampire script that I wrote. I sent the treatment, synopsis and now he wants the script. This is what he wrote me: "I am interested in reading the script. Are you looking to sell it outright and if so what is your asking price? Are you interested in the possibility of optioning it? I would like to view the script when you are willing to send it." I would rather have a manager handle this because I have no idea if this is legit. Been down this road before. Also, this would be my first sale if this is real and I don't expect much for it anyway. Any suggestions? Thomas

Adam Pachter

Hi Thomas, As long as your script is copyrighted and/or registered with the WGA, I'd send it to them. If they make an offer, you won't have problems getting a rep. or lawyer to "paper the deal," since that's an easy commission for them. And what's the worst that can happen? Either they'll like the script or they won't. Either they'll offer an option or they won't (option more likely than an outright sale, anyway). Adam

Danny Manus

What is the company> Do your due diligence - look them up on IMDBPRO and see what they've done, who they've worked with, etc. Don't just send things totally blind, but if they are a real company, then send it. How did they find you? However, it's a big red flag that someone has asked you for an asking price BEFORE even reading the script. That doesn't sound right.

Thomas J. Herring

I have both WGA and Library of Congress for it. He found me at Moviebytes.com. I'll check it out at IMDB, but I don't know how reliable that is since people can pad their resume.

Kerry Douglas Dye

It's probably pretty hard to fake an IMDb listing. Worst case scenario, you have credits there for things you've never heard of, working with people who've never worked with anyone else. That's information right there.

Thomas J. Herring

I went there and saw a couple of people with that same name but nothing more to show for it. Maybe he's just starting out like the rest of us. Got to start somewhere. By the time I sell something, I'll be too old to care.

Kerry Douglas Dye

I hear you. Anyway, there's little harm in sending the script. If he's interested, you'll want a lot more information on who he is, why he thinks he can make a movie, etc. Don't send the script with a price tag, though. If he's interested, there's plenty of time to discuss the nasty business of money.

Thomas J. Herring

I wasn't going to discuss money. If he's interested, I'd hope to grab a manager and let him/her deal with it. I've sent scripts out before without results. I'm not worried about copyright infringement.

Kerry Douglas Dye

Sounds good. You have this total stranger's endorsement of your approach. Good luck!

Thomas J. Herring

Thanks. Now on to the next project.

Thomas J. Herring

Fortunately, I'm not too worried if it sells or not. I guess it's one of those bucket list things to do. Anyway, I've got plenty more scripts. I'm more of a sci-fi writer anyway. This idea kept bugging me about the vampire being allergic to blood and how he deals with it. I had to write it.

Kerry Douglas Dye

Ha. Fun idea. I could totally see that selling.

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