Script and Screenwriter Forms

Hire a screenwriter for a non-union motion picture project with this template Screenwriter Employment Agreement.

• Even though the production is non-union, the parties intend that Writers Guild of America (WGA) credit rules will apply to the contract, to the maximum extent possible.
• The screenwriter 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 screenwriter 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 Agreement includes an acknowledgement of FCC disclosure regulations by the screenwriter.
• This USA Screenwriter Employment Agreement should be part of the production forms of any non-union project.

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.

Screenwriters, before you submit a script for evaluation, get this Script Nondisclosure Agreement signed to protect your rights and guard against disclosure of details of the script to third parties.

• The Nondisclosure Agreement (or "NDA") should be signed by any potential producers with whom you have discussions with respect to developing and producing the script.
• The producers agree to keep all information strictly confidential and not disclose it to any third party.
• The writer is disclosing the information to the producer solely for the purpose of allowing the producer to evaluate the script for development into a film project.
• The confidential information is not to be disclosed to any party except those employees of the producer who have a need to know, and such employees must be bound by a confidentiality agreement with the producer.
• If the producer determines the script is suitable for development, the parties will commence negotiations in that regard.
• Don't let unscrupulous producers rip off your story ideas. Get a signed Script Nondisclosure Agreement.
• Available in MS Word format, fully customizable.

Are you a film or TV producer who solicits scripts from screenwriters? If yes, you should download this Script Submission Agreement.

Relationship Between the Parties

The screenwriter acknowledges that the submission of the script and the execution of the Agreement does not create a confidential or fiduciary relationship between the screenwriter and the producer.

Representation of Screenwriter

The screenwriter represents that the material submitted is an original work and that he/she is the sole owner.

Compensation

The screenwriter will not be entitled to compensation for the use of similar or identical material developed independently of the screenwriter's submission.

Indemnity

The screenwriter releases and indemnifies the producer against claims, loss and damages.

Format and Use of Template

This Script Submission Agreement template is provided in MS Word format. It is downloadable, customizable, and reusable, which makes it convenient and cost-effective for your production budget. It is generic in nature and can be used anywhere.

Don't accept any original material unless it's accompanied by a signed Script Submission Agreement. If you do, you could open yourself up to a future legal claim.