PERCENTAGE

[ScriptNurse]

Since you have a working relationship with your "producer" (he's really an Executive Producer in that his contribution is money, not production expertise), here's what I think I would do:

Ask to be made a full producing partner on the project ... if he makes money, you make money.  In exchange, you will help him lower his out-of-pocket production cost by contributing the screenplay with all rewrites and production changes (value = 2.5% of the production budget [$500,000?] + $10-25,000 = $12,500 + $10,000 = $25,000 ... reasonable as an uncredited writer, but not outrageous).  In addition, negotiate a starring role contract for the lead in the film and stipulate the amount to defer so you end up with a bare minimum fee for the lead (you DO have to eat, you know, during the month this is shooting).  Your contracts for the sale of the screenplay and your deal memo for the lead should show FULL VALUE of what you are owed with a deferment clause linked to your producer agreement.  In other words, when any money comes in, you get your agreed upon share which goes to satisfy your two contracts.  Once they have been paid in full, you no longer get anything for them but you DO get your share of the revenue, just as he does.  Your producer agreement should stipulate that you will have access at all times to ALL of the various accounting books for the production (there can be many).  LOOK AT THEM -- OFTEN.

Rule of Thumb:  Every dollar spent that is not visible on the screen is wasted.  There is ALWAYS a cheaper price, so ASK FOR IT.

If you want a quickie course in film production, I highly recommend the 2-Day Film School you see promoted at the top of the page.  The site has a TON of information even if you don't take the course.  I know people who have taken the course and went right out and made their first film.  Look to see who the graduated from his course.

From his standpoint, this makes you fully invested in the success of the project as a business venture and totally behind its success.

Another thought ... if he thinks it takes $1M to make a movie, can you make two for the same money?  If you can, you increase your chances of making even more money.

[Wide Eyed]

Just to answer some of the questions below... I'd rather not give the producer's name just because what he brings to the table is a little experience but mostly a lot of money. He is extremely wealthy.

The producer is friend's with one of my script editors and a few other people I've worked with. He was looking to produce a film and heard about a screenplay I had just started. He asked me to tell him about it, was interested and we started discussing what we both wanted to come out of the project. I have made it very clear from the beginning that this film must benefit me either financially or career wise and hopefully, a little of both. I have mouths to feed and if this project isn't going to benefit me financially, I want it to lead to other writing and acting gigs that will. So marketing is key and attaching a director with a name to the project is a good way to get there in my opinion.

I am a strong writer but nonetheless,  an uncredited one and since this producer has basically offered me the lead, agreed to all of my "suggestions" and willing to just put up the money and let me be involved with as many aspects as I desire, I would never look a gift horse in the mouth and shop around for other offers.

What is the average norm a writer would ask for a script writing fee?

[rnbrewer]

Remember this: If you're new to the world of screenwriting (or writing in general) then chances are you are not currently a member of the WGA and therefore do not qualify for WGA standards. Chances are, the producer is going to offer you something low -- you're considered "high risk at this point in your career so chances are you won't be offered the best deal -- so be prepared for that. Do you have any back-up offers? If so, you may be able to use that to your advantage at the negotiation table. But be careful! A bidding war may be good for your pocket book but it doesn't always work well for your career. You don't want them getting the impression that you're always going to walk out on them if a better deal comes along. They already know we're greedy when it comes to the money, but producers don't like it being shoved in their faces either. Who is this producer and what are his credentials? What company does he represent? 

[Chuck58]

I've seen in a couple of screenwriting books, and found in places on the Internet, the average percentage for a writer seems to be 2.5 to 3% of the profit - not gross. If the movie makes no money, you make no money other than your fee for writing it.

So, you receive an amount for writing the script and 2.5 to 3% of profit. Also, include ancillary things, just in case your film hits it big. An Indiana Jones doll or any item associated with the movies paid the writer a penny or so for each.

Consider, the motion picture industry might be the only business that never makes money, yet somehow manages to continue. Occasionally, there are blockbusters that pull in so much they can't hide the profit. Make the best deal you can, but the above seems to be the standard, from what I've read. Not that I'm greedy, but for me it's about the money.

Fee for writing the scripts seems to be negotiable, although the WGA might have standard amounts. I don't know.

[JeremyT]

I'm sorry I can't help you with your asking percentage -- I have no clue what the standard rates are for writers on the back end, but congratulations on both of your roles in the project!!  And kudos on getting a producer's attention without an agent.

[Wide Eyed]

A producer asked me to write a script. I told him that instead of getting a buy out that I would prefer that he use his money to put towards a top director, DP, marketing etc. and then pay me a percentage of whatever the movie makes. I have also been asked to be the lead in this film.
My question to you is what is percentage should I ask as the screenwriter AND as the lead in this feature?

Thanks for any help you can provide.