A reader posted a comment on the article “10 Things To Think About When You Option Your Screenplay” and it’s such a common question, and my answer ended up being so long, that I thought I’d just turn it into a post of its own.

THE QUESTION:

I have been given a six-month, non-exclusive option by an older, award winning producer, for two of my scripts. While it sounds good on the surface, I wonder if I’m being conned. The query was sent to his production company, but he wanted to read the script as a “consultant” and if he liked it, he’d option it.

He was paid to read it. He liked the first script and sent a one-page non-exclusive option contract. While talking about it, I mentioned another script and he advised me to sent it, same deal, for a “consultant” fee… I sent the second script and he raved about it. He thought it was great, “deserved to be made…” “The best script he’s read in a long time…” and was non-exclusive optioned, too.

I felt uncomfortable in paying him, but his reputation is good and the awards legit – However, after reading this site, I’m wondering: a one-page option? There is nothing about who’s he’s contacting and frankly, he’s not saying. The best I have gotten is “a couple of directors are reading it.”

I know I am unproduced, but does this behavior past the smell test? Is my time being wasted on this producer? Is it normal for a lack of communication to occur while trying to get funding? I don’t want to be a pest and badger the guy, but is this situation normal?
Any comments would be helpful.

MY ANSWER:

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The family feature screenplay Rocket Summer has officially sold to eKidsFilms.

Those of you who know the story of Rocket Summer know it’s been around for nearly a decade. My first feature screenplay, it’s been through an option and extension, and myriad rewrites. The past few years it’s sat in my virtual drawer while I worked with my writing partner Sean Meehan on the family road trip screenplay Grampa Was A Superhero, the horror screenplay Faeries and a yet to be titled western-horror mashup screenplay currently in its first draft.

eKidsFilms approached me last month to inquire about the screenplay’s availability. We talked about their vision for the film, and I agreed to do a rewrite to incorporate their notes and modify the third act. Read more ›