Amazon Studios

[Aya]

Something to think about:

http://www.scriptflags.com/2010/11/amazon-studios-screenplay-contest-is.html

[Chuck58]

I took the plunge and uploaded a script there. After reading the info and, especially, going through some of their forums, I discovered that there are a few fairly well known screenwriters there. One, John Carr, who wrote American Anthem, is fairly active. If they trust Amazon, who am I to quibble?

On the other hand, what chance does a newbie like me have against them? Just something else to think about.

[Aya]

I am still quite reluctant to put my script in an open market like that. Giving up rights for so long and having your script read by anyone could open doors for stealing all or parts of the script.

I am a first time writer and worked very hard on what I believe to be a good and quite original script. I worry that putting my script on amazon will put me in a position where if someone stole my ideas there is nothing I can do about it. 18 months is a long time to give up rights for only a chance of winning rather than a promise. A lot can happen in 18 months.
 
And not being able to try and distribute it elsewhere for that long also worries me.

The big names make it more popular and therefore more exposed to problems.

Is it worth taking that kind of risk for a chance? 

[Chuck58]

I'm not sure what to make of Amazon. I've read the FAQs, and I don't like the idea of someone else being able to take my script and make changes. On the other hand, if I read correctly, even if someone did - and improved it - I would still get credit and payment if it succeeded. I need to re-read that portion rather than skimming to be sure.

Overall, I agree that it's a major name outfit with credible judges, and there's respectable money involved. At this point, however, I need to read more deeply and be sure of my facts before I'd consider submitting any of my garbage.

[rnbrewer]

I agree, 18 months is a long time to give up the rights to your script. Most screenplay contests don't even last that long. But that's just it, Amazon studio's is more of an ongoing contest. And like any contest you're not aloud to enter anything that is already being optioned or in the process of being optioned or developed.

Still, it is a free service being offered by a big name. No sense in NOT taking advantage of it.

[padnar]

I also visited the site and many scripts and films are loaded there .
personally I feel for me that is not much of a use I write crossover scripts
and there is only a niche market for it .
My script is women centric and though it has a strong story line, there is a prejudice against Indian script writers
padma

[Aya]

I was contemplating uploading my script onto the new amazon studios that launched about a month or so ago.

However reading the terms and conditions I am having second thoughts and was wondering what was the general feeling towards this new studios.

My main problem when reading the terms and conditions was, that it says you basically give up your copyrights for a duration of 18 months and allow amazon and it's collaborators to use it as they please. You are also committed to giving amazon first option on your script and you are not aloud to sell, show or publish it anywhere else for the duration of those 18 months.

You give up this for the chance to win a competition, and/or getting picked up by WB or other big studio. Here is the site in case you haven't seen: http://studios.amazon.com/

I find this pose a problem, especially for new writers as this opens the door to stealing ideas and elements from the script. However the idea of your script getting to the right hands through there is quite tempting.

My script is registered both in the UK and in US

Has anyone here uploaded a script? What are your thoughts?

Thanks

Aya