how much to charge for a short script?

[seansshack]

sound advice.

I must admit to being a bit of a fool with a couple and not building in any kind of time limit - and as luck would have it, these said ones dragged on.

As they say you live and learn. Mostly from your mistakes.

[ScriptNurse]

Make people option your work (even for a £1) ... options expire. That ought to cut down on the "on-and-on" of production. When an option ends, send them a notification that their option on your script is expired. Make it plain at the very beginning that the 2nd option WILL cost them more. Now ... while the first option languishes about at the bottom of a pile on the so-called producer/director's dusty desk ... go and sell your script ... Option #2. If your producer/director/filmmaker gets wind that you're out there selling it ... (a) he'll get serious sooner, (b) he'll opt-out of the option (meaning he had no intention of really doing it, it just made him feel important or allowed him to "test the waters" at your expense), (c) if you get someone really interested, he can simply buy your option from Mr. Filmmaker.

[seansshack]

I have had a few people tell me that of late. Mostly after a conversation regarding a couple of shorts they loved that have been in production for much too long.

Starting to think that way myself now.

As always thanks...

Must also dig up a copy of the player again. Haven't seen it in years.

[ScriptNurse]

I have worked with a few indy producers that seem to feel that writing is simple and stories can be just knocked out.

THE PLAYER ... a fun movie about pitching (Buck Henry in the opening sequence is pretty close to reality) and producers who think they can do it better. They can't or they'd BE writers. It's been this way since the movies began.

MY suggestion ... find a partner (or two) who can produce and direct, form your own company and make your own films.

[seansshack]

I like that idea a lot, as must admit in the last two years I have been getting a bit disheartened at the attitude towards script writers.

I have worked with s a few indy producers that seem to feel that writing is simple and stories can be just knocked out. Not all of 'em (producers), just a few. Whereby I have written complete shorts or treatments and then nothing else happens, or they go into preproduction for years.

Was starting to feel that some of these people don't see the value of the story. Which to be fair is the foundation on these entire projects. Without a good story there is nothing.

What was my point??? Oh yeah...

I think your last comment is very valid and a great way for a writer to think. Your story is an investment. Even if no money changes hands.

I'm presently working with someone in LA to get the "Marriage counselor" produced. Almost (not quite) heading towards preproduction. If it gets the solid green light (as I've passed on for free to get the project off the ground), I think I'll suggest the executive producer idea...

My original question was in relation to another piece (which may happen, but who knows).

Now that I have that off my chest.... Back to writing.

Thanks Don.

[ScriptNurse]

Think of it this way ... your script is your "investment" in the project.

[seansshack]

Don,

Never thought of that at all. Excellent idea.

Was at a crossroads as have been doing a lot of work free of charge of late and a lot of which has failed to get off the ground. Ranging from full shorts to treatments and such.

Your idea both takes the sting out of such events and gives me more investment/control.

With some luck one of these projects will (finally) make it to the finish line.

As always thanks.

[ScriptNurse]

Maybe another approach ...

Premise:  The less you charge, the more control you get. You'll "sell" him the script for £1 as long as you are named the Executive Producer (if this is appealing to you) where you will have some degree of artistic "leverage" over how the script is rendered.

[seansshack]

I know I always find it hard. If you under sell yourself, you are a bit of a fool. But in the business of shorts, not (if any) money is made from them (unless you get really lucky).

So do you concern yourself with boosting you resume with finished products (if they are quality) or sell you wares and hope for the best.

Thanks for the input.  Will have to ponder it for a bit...

[LloJo]

That's a sticky one...
If the prospective buyers would give you a clue as to how they want to use it; how much they stand to make, etc, it would make it easier. Is there a chance for you to get a small percentage of the take? See what you can find out about the buyer(s). Are they well off? Is this something they've done before, or is it someone trying to learn how to use their new camera?
Try giving them an outlandish price, but tell it with a smile that says you know you'll never get that much, and maybe they'll make an offer.
Short of starting a bidding war, that's all the advice I have.

[seansshack]

As luck would have it, I have three different film makers looking for the same 5 page short (thriller).

One is looking for a price from me for how much i would want for it.

This is the bit I hate. Give it for free and you're a sucker. Too much and you run the risk of messing up the potential deal.

How much do short screenplays go for?