Screenwriter Employment Agreement (non-union) | USA

Prepare a Collaboration Agreement between two or more screenwriters with this downloadable template form from MegaDox.com.

Who are the parties to the Collaboration Agreement?

The Collaboration Agreement is between the screenwriters themselves and not with a production company. The agreement covers the relationship between the writers with respect to creation and protection of the script they are writing.

Key Provisions

• The work will be registered with the Writers Guild of America and the US Copyright Office (if applicable) as a joint work.
• If either party pulls out of the arrangement, the remaining party has the right to continue the work alone or collaborate with another writer.
• Neither party can sell or dispose of the work or their share in the work without the written consent of the other party.
• The template includes optional clauses which can be used if either party is represented by an agent. These provisions can be removed if not applicable.
• The parties agree to share the proceeds of any sale of the script.

Format and Legal Jurisdiction

This Screenwriter Collaboration Agreement is available in MS Word format. It is fully customizable and reusable, making it both flexible and cost-effective.

The template refers to United States laws, but it is an editable document and could be adapted for use in other countries.

Hire a team of two or more screenwriters to write the screenplay for a motion picture project with this USA Screenwriter Employment Agreement template.

• The agreement is controlled by the applicable Writers Guild of America (WGA) Theatrical and Television Agreement.
• The writers will be entitled to fixed compensation (flat fee), plus bonus compensation (based on final production budgets and credit allocation), and contingent compensation (calculated as a percentage of the net profits of the picture).
• The writers will also get additional compensation for sequels and remakes of the picture, and episode and rerun compensation for any television series based on the screenplay.
• The producer will have sole ownership to the screenplay and all materials created in connection with the screenplay, including moral rights. The writer acknowledges that the services are provided to the producer as a work made for hire.
• The writers are required to maintain membership in good standing in the applicable labor organization(s) throughout their engagement under the agreement.
• Available in MS Word format, fully customizable and can be re-used on multiple projects.
• Intended to be used within the United States.

Hire a screenwriter on a work-for-hire basis with this downloadable easy template for US productions.

Relationship Between the Parties

The film producer is retaining the screenwriter on a work for hire basis, as defined by U.S. copyright law. Ownership of all material developed by the screenwriter in connection with the motion picture belongs to the producer.

Compensation

The screenwriter will be paid a fixed fee, plus bonus compensation which is calculated as a percentage of net revenues for the picture, after breakeven. The screenwriter will also be accorded writing credit for any completed production.

Grant of Rights

The screenwriter grants the producers a perpetual right to use his/her name, image and voice in connection with the marketing of the motion picture. The screenwriter also assigns to the producer any rights he/she has or may have in the material developed for the motion picture.

Format and Jurisdiction

This Screenwriter Work for Hire Contract template is provided in MS Word format and is fully editable to fit your specific circumstances. It is a reusable document, making it both cost-effective and flexible.

The legal document was prepared in accordance with U.S. laws and is intended for use within the United States. However, it can be modified for use in other regions.