Need advice on a base price and residuals.

[jlrister]

Don....thank you so much.  That's exactly what we arranged.  I get points on the back end as a producer.  Lots of press as well.  hopefully that will help me some other jobs. 

[ScriptNurse]

Customary is 2.5% of the picture's budget, before contingencies. On a million dollar budget, which is considered SMALL these days, that's $25,000 for you PLUS they pay 10% to your agent, if you have one. Writers do not get "residuals" in feature films.

Let's say the budget is a LOT less and you're willing to take a LOT less ...

They make you a producer on the project. This allows you to exercise some control over how your script finds its way to the screen. This ALSO means you will (or should) participate in in long-term profits (if any) over the life of the film. You could do some mix of token payment for the rights to your screenplay plus a salary during production. That's assuming you have an interest in working on the project.

[jlrister]

Script is in the process of being bought and I have a conference this week to negotiate my price.  I have no idea what to say here.  The only thing I do know, is that I want some sort of residuals ontop of monies upfront.  The script is an original from me and it has been implied they might like a sequel.  It's going to be a small budgeted movie I believe.  Any information, advice, just anything would be great guys!  I'm currently seeking out an agent as I have another treatment that has some major attention on it.  I'm learning this process is soooo tough!  Love this site.  You guys are the best!  Feel free to ask questions so that I may get a better answer!  haha,