Screenwriting : From zero to 110% by Benjamin L. Harris

This sounds like a question to be posted in the Screenwriting section of the Lounge. Remember, if you have any questions about the craft or the business, we have an entire section dedicated to the different aspects. Just click on Lounge and you'll see all the categories.

thank you Richard

Sounds to me like you need a lawyer not an agen to negotiate a contract. Even if you had an agent -- you wouldn't let them do the contract without your own lawyer. If you have major artists interested in your show -- their agents or managers could set it up. Just make sure you have a deal memo with them. Again, that shouts out lawyer.

given that I am currently in Australia I am faced with the problem of not being there for hands on until final paperwork etc, what would you suggest Bill and RB?

Benjamin, this is a much, much longer conversation, but one thing you might consider is having your local Aus entertainment attorney draw up a producer attachment agreement. I say this because your fear seems to be that you might be cut out of the show at any moment, and such an agreement can help preserve your seat at the table (though it cannot guarantee that a financier will give you a deal you are happy with). Otherwise, I'm afraid to advise based on partial info in an important situation that is so meaningful to you. I don't want to advise poorly given all that we don't know. The stakes are too high.

That's an entirely different scenario Benjamin. More than just a slight detail. I now don't even know where you are talking about. I have no idea where 'there' is. But you'll have to deal with immigration issues among others - which is no easy matter. Where are these major stars from? I suggest since you can't be hands on -- you do the next best thing -- I deal with a lot of people all over the world -- including Australia and New Zealand -- and I find Skype/Zoom great tools. As well as scanning, e-mailing, and texting. I suggest you continue your search that way until more details are nailed down. And I'm not sure why you don't try to do your series in Australia? Or even Canada -- which is part of the Commonwealth and you'll have an easier time of it. But I wish you the best of luck with your project.

Sorry by there i mean I have prod co's showing interest in both NY and L.A, my fear is not of being cut out of the show but of very large hands taking the show format etc and stripping me of any control over the show with the end result being my name in the credits. For a large number of factors the show is best suited to the states and also not in the interests of any parties to be hosted at another location.

@Benjamin, this is not what you'll want to hear... The best way to maintain creative control is to have a good, trusting relationship with the showrunner (there are showrunners in unscripted as well as scripted), so that key decision-makers will treat you like a valued colleague. Easier said than done, I realize!

Benjamin -- I'll go even further than Regina. The chances of you having any control over the show once it's in the hands of the production company and the studio and the network are slim to none. I'm speaking for the States now, I don't know how the business works in Australia, but I'd presume not too differently. There's big money at stake. The show-runner can love you -- the show-runner is not going to go to the mat for you with the bigger fish, if for some reason they want to marginalize you. Just let me say, the more demands you make now, the more of a diva you become at this stage of your career, the less chance you have of getting anything done or being involved with it. If you are a one hit wonder you don't have a career anyway. But this could be a way to get in the circle and on the train. A really good start provided it proceeds further than 'they're just showing interest'. It's a long road from there...And just know you will be classified as a reality guy -- if that's the area of the business you want to be in. Let me give you a current example. Donald Trump was fired from Celebrity Apprentice. He has no control or say what happens now. It will go on without him. Mark Burnett owns it. The fact that you are in the running somewhere is good news. See how far it goes...And while you're waiting -- create or write others.

Ben I went to the content show at NYC TV week last year, and I sat in on a legal tv workshop, and census was that it's better to have a lawyer with legal reping than an agent, because of the two, you get better legging to stand on. You also would have to hire both at some point whereas with legal, you could get away without an agent. From what it sounds like if they have interest I would go with a lawyer. I was told also that with reality the show themes are all done and now they pick shows up in the genre that they could match with celeb brands people know. So I would say get legal to secure your stake, but at the same time just sell it because then you make a name for yourself and get a foot in the door. The only way to get to a passion project in this business is selling a throw away project, or a "Full House". Maybe stipulate a head writing job or job as part of the show to just get your way into the wga too. Finding a way in is way more important than all else as of right now. I hate to say it, but it's true. Find a constructive way to help yourself for more shows than this one show. Maybe your creator and head writer with a check that allows you income for a year or more to work on projects. This is both your one chance and to set up the future, think smart.

Thank you both for your advice, the plan is essentially to get my foot in the door by this show as I have eight films ready to go I just was unsure of whether an agent was the best option as I didn't want to completely go alone so to speak.