A one-step deal is a deal in which a studio hires a screenwriter to write a single draft of a screenplay, and all future work after the delivery of that draft is optional, at the discretion of the studio. These vary from more traditional two or three step deals, where the writer is guaranteed at […]
What should I look for in an agent or manager?
Your agent and manager will help steer the direction of your career. Accordingly, you want to be sure your representatives are people who share the same philosophy and vision as you. Some good questions to ask a potential agent or manager: Who are your other clients? Who are people you plan on sending me to […]
What do the different producer credits mean?
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, which covers the topic in detail. In television, where bigger-picture writing is usually done collaboratively in the writers room, the writers […]
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 a manager do?
In brief, a manager manages your career. This includes tangible acts, like setting up meetings, giving notes and feedback, and assisting with deal negotiation, as well as the more abstract, like helping steer your career’s direction. Managers, unlike agents, are not required to be licensed by the state. They usually have fewer clients than agents, […]