Hello everyone! I am looking for a bit of advice. I have been approached by a Producer who is interested in hiring me to do a re-write on a feature length script (originally written by another writer). Having read the script (95 pages) several times I feel that there is so much script development required that many changes are necessary before it is ready to go into production. I have been asked to quote my fee for this work. I have enquired what the budget for the film is, so I can try and gauge a price from that perspective, but the producer is not forthcoming with these details. I have never been commissioned to do re-writes on someone else's script before. What I would like to know is, is there a ballpark figure for this type of work? I do not want to offer my screenwriting service too cheaply. But I also do not want to be unrealistic regarding my fee and what I should expect a producer to pay. Thank you for any advice you may have. I live in the UK.
Producing : Sarah Jane Quinn - Screenwriter and Playwright by Sarah Jane Quinn
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3% of the budget, with a floor and ceiling. AND ALWAYS WANT MONEY UPFRONT.
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Look at the Producer's history - is he real or just another wannabie. I've done this in the past at my day rate ($1,000 in those days). You have to estimate how many days it will require and that's your bid. Everything is negotiable. Once you submit your bid, get at least 25% up front. You're sorta stuck with the max you quote but get it all in writing and don't start working until the check clears.
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Very sound advice Dan MaxXx and Doug Nelson. The producer doesn't want to tell you his budget because he doesn't want you basing your ask off of that. You would think he already has that line item in his budget or he should have. And absolutely don't put pen to paper until the check clears. And absolutely get everything in writing.
Thank you very much @Doug Nelson, @Dan MaxXx and @Martin Reese. Your advice has been very helpful.
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You can reply with a tiered approach: I get X if the budget is between ___ and ___; I get Y if the budget is between ___ and ____; and I get Z if budget is between ___ and ___. -- ... be sure to add a clause that says if you get X and the producer increases the budget higher then you will get Y (never go down, btw). Look up the producer on IMDB (use the Pro version if you have it); and try to get a rough idea what his budgets are. Then submit the tiered approach.
Thank you Lindbergh. I am going to go with the tiered approach.
Interesting approach Lindbergh E Hollingsworth . I had never heard of that one.
Amen and hallelujah to Lindbergh's advice for the tiered approach. Honestly Sarah Jane, I have never been in this situation and I think you are right to want to know what the fee range is. Good luck to you and enjoy the process!
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Hey Sarah! As many have already stated, everything negotiable. I would be very direct with the producer on the exact needs they have. Once you get a clear scope of work and their budget then you can follow WGA guidelines for compensation. Best of luck!