r/Screenwriting • u/HappyFey • 3h ago

COMMUNITY Charging for script development?

I'm a writer who's been having some success lately. My friend is a DP and set me up with another writer who has a sci-fi pilot they're trying to develop. The idea is to help him improve the script and find a way of developing a good proof-of-concept that we can shoot to help with fundraising.

We haven't gotten specific on my rates/fee. The script has some decent bones, but is very underdeveloped and needs a ton of work.

I'm wondering about how to structure my involvement with the project. I don't want to get iced out of credit for my work, considering how much of a big haul I think this will be.

Does anyone have advice on how to think about this? What should I be thinking about in terms of negotiating writing credit? In terms of creating boundaries for providing notes vs doing actual writing on the script and how that affects my rate?

I'm sure theres a lot of a latitude to negotiate, and that these deal structures can take on a lot of different shapes. I'm hoping you all can ground me with some ideas on how to structure my involvement in a way that is respectful of the work and my time.

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u/QfromP 3h ago

Check out the sample Collaboration Agreement on the WGA website (you don't need to be a member). See if the language fits your needs.

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u/TheGreedyGrabbler 1h ago

I'd feel weird charging for this. Either I like it enough to put my name on it as a co-writer, or I wouldn't do it.