How to Sell Your Screenplay to a Studio and Be Retained Creatively

Certain realities of the screen trade may come as a shock for those who have not yet experienced them.

Image from www.LunacyProductions.com

You believe you have attained your dream. Finally, after so many years and sleepless nights toiling on your screenplay, a producer has taken the bait. You sign an option agreement. Money is exchanged, which in itself is increasingly rare as many producers today strive to control your material for free.

So far, so good.

“We’ll split the profits,” they say, when frequently what transpires is the equivalent of a house-flip: a producer options or purchases your script for free or next to nothing, then sells it for big money to a studio. The producer makes his own deal; you’re cut in if you’re lucky. After all, the producer justifies, “I already paid you.”

But none of this matters today. In this business, you need to celebrate the victories as they come. Today is a good day.

Looks like you landed something positive.

Tomorrow, though, just may suck.