In film, producer credits are complex, and their meanings can vary wildly from film to film, or even from producer to producer on the same film. In 2004, John August wrote [this blog post](http://johnaugust.com/2004/producer-credits-and-what-they-mean), which covers the topic in detail. In television, where bigger-picture writing is usually done collaboratively in the writers room, the writers […]
What is scale?
“Scale” is the minimum a WGA signatory can pay a screenwriter — whether it’s purchasing a spec script or hiring a writer to work on a script. Each type of job (e.g original screenplay, outline, rewrite) has a set price. These rates are the subject of WGA negotiations, and change every year. In features, rates […]
How much does a screenwriter make?
Screenwriters’ incomes can vary wildly. Every year, the WGA sets a minimum their signatories can pay a screenwriter for a project. This is known as “scale.” The WGA’s site shows the current schedule of minimums. A screenwriter working for a WGA signatory can be paid anywhere between scale and — well — anything. First time […]
What does arbitration mean for screenwriters?
When a movie is complete, the producer submits a list of final credits to the WGA, and gives a copy of the final script to all writers involved. If any writers disagree with the proposed credits, they can file for arbitration. (Arbitration is automatically triggered if the director or any producers are credited in any […]
Who decides who gets credit for writing a movie?
When a movie is complete, the producer submits a list of final credits to the WGA, and gives a copy of the final script to all writers involved. If any writers disagree with these credits, they can file for arbitration. (Arbitration is automatically triggered if the director or any producers are credited in any writing […]
What does “screen story” mean?
“Screen story” credit is given when a screenplay is based on source material, but the screenplay’s story is new and substantially different from the source material’s. You can read more about this and other credits at the [WGA’s screen credits policy page](http://www.wga.org/subpage_writersresources.aspx?id=171). ### More from johnaugust.com * [The essentials of adaptation](http://johnaugust.com/2003/the-essentials-of-adaptation “The essentials of adaptation”) […]