Screenwriting : Agent contract for feature film Screenplay by Teeshay Sh

If you want to get read, sign it.

Can i approach the WGAW with this situation?

You're stressing over a read request sub release? Don't.

You sign it. None of the big agencies like William Morris Endeavor will even look at a script without having you sign a release.

As Philip and Dan and Philip said, you won't get read if you don't sign. If the contract is from a reputable agency, it's probably a standard release that's mostly saying "we handle a lot of material, we don't want crazy people with an axe to grind suing us because they think their precious script was stolen by one of our A list writers whose work we could actually sell and the people we might send it to have the same policies." If you're worried, contact a lawyer and pay to get the contract checked. Without reading the actual document we can't tell you if its standard language, but I would bet dimes to donuts it is. The WGA is unlikely to advise you with anything more than "consult a lawyer."

I do suggest reading it closely. You'll probably find any rights you give up are not to the literary property itself, but to the right to sue them if you think it was stolen. When you sell your soul to them is when they actually offer you a contract to represent you. That's the contract you really bring to a lawyer. Not that you can change the wording if you want to be signed, because that won't fly. But at least you'll know how much of your soul belongs to them for how long.

Without saying more, it's from one of the top 5 agencies.

If it's one of the top 5, congrats! Make haste!!

tweet @johnaugust

First and foremost, how did you even get the agent to read your script?! That is my hang up! They normally come to me, but they all have not been honest and had no integrity. But congrats on finding one that is willing to work with you!!

You got more that you could gain by signing it than you do by not signing it.

It is one sided because it is to protect them. Your protection is your registration. Good luck!

Thanks everyone. Your replies did clear some of my doubts. I have signed the release with my manager's consent. Let's see what happens next. WGA was of no help on this matter.

You sign it and say thank you.

You sign it and say "thank all that is holy"

I would simply talk to an entertainment lawyer first, find

out their professional opinion

and Congratulations for getting their attention!!!!

SeeK legal advice. Donn is on-point. Don't get ripped off.

A entertainment lawyer is just going to tell you to sign it. Unless you have an agent you will probably have to sign a few hundred of them.

Ridiculous for nobody writers to demand agents sign NDAs.