HERE COMES THE MONEY! Money money money money!
Hey, you've got to eat and live too, you know: your worth, what you can expect and command, is a vital part of being a professional screenwriter. You deserve to be remunerated for your work and should never take less than what you're worth.
But how do you find out? Can a new writer be worth much? And should said new writer be offering their work for free, for the sake of 'exposure' or 'credit', the two tantalizing carrots that many a filmmaker and aspiring producer dangles.
FIRST, KNOW YOUR WORTH
This one is really easy: The Writer's Guild of Great Britain (and their American counterpart, the WGA) has rate cards for basically every medium - film, radio, TV, games etc. Just go over to their website and there is it, simply find one that matches your project. You might get tripped up by the differing names of the agreements (like BBC, ITV etc.) so if in doubt, and if your project is more on the indie side, just use the PACT rates. They tend to have the most adjustability.
If it's from a legit production company with a bit of branding and cash to their name, then they will usually already have the cash amount sorted in advance (in compliance with the Guild, but double check just to be sure there's no funny business), though they may ask you still. In that case, choose the highest as pertains to the medium of the project (TV, film etc.).
WHAT IF THEY CAN'T PAY?
This is a sticky one, because there are exceptions and particulars to consider. The big one is: do you know the person?
If they are a good friend or family member and just need help on something, then I say alright. A freebie there is understandable.
If you do not have a pre-existing relationship, if this is someone who is approaching you out of the blue, then it's best to fully suss out the project and do your homework:
- Do they have any sort of online presence?
- Do they have any kind of track record?
- What is their budget range and market?
- How fast do they want turnaround and how long is the project meant to be?
Anything like a full feature film or a TV pilot should be remunerated - that's where I say a flat out NO to free work should be placed. It's a lot of effort to write either of these and you get nothing of substance out of it (and word to the wise, if they offer a 'net percentage' or something post-release as the main pay, that's a no too. Too shady and unreliable).
If it's a web series or short film... first, check out the rates and see what could suit the budget. Talk it through with the person - if they say no, then you have to consider the following:
- Is the workload worth it?
- Will it stop you from pursuing anything else in the meantime?
- Can it be fitted into your schedule and life?
- Does the person have a game plan for the project?
- Do they want to take it on festivals, promote, create buzz?
- How will they do it?
YOUR DESPERATION
This is a dangerous siren call - no matter how much it looks like you'll never break in, never leave yourself vulnerable to exploitation. For every scumbag who will screw you hard, there's someone out there who will treat you well. If the person looks or sounds dodgy; if they are vague on details; if they sound like they are promising the world, stay away. STAY FAR AWAY FROM THEM.
Do not let yourself get scammed. Nothing is worth that. NOTHING.
