Happyme_small
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Any advice for someone selling the rights to something they've written?

In the past I've been approached about selling the rights to a story I've written so it can be turned into a screenplay. It sounds neat, but it's also intimidating. I'm not at all familiar with the filmmaking process or what exactly that would mean in the long run.

If I do sell, do I permanently lose all rights to my story? Will I need a lawyer? And would I (or could I) have any say in the final product?

I assume it'll vary on a case-by-case basis, but I'd love some advice on what to do/what questions to ask when first approaching the situation.

Thank you in advance!

Megan Seling asked in Filmmaking Week about 1 year ago | Report
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  • Veronica-lake-by-rosejuvenal_small
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    Is this the cookie story? Please let this be the cookie story! Even if they cast Julia Roberts in it, I would watch that film.

    Irena answered in Filmmaking Week about 1 year ago | Report
    2 comments by Luckier and Irena…
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  • Img_5322_small
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    I'm not terribly experienced with this, but from others I know who've gone through this process, I've been told that you won't lose rights forever. That being said, you'll certainly need a lawyer who will make sure that your ass is well covered.

    Adam Sekuler answered in Filmmaking Week about 1 year ago | Report
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  • Tomato_small
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    If you don't work with a literary agent or other agent who can advocate for you, you should seek outside legal advice (and you could, either way). Often the agreements used to purchase rights in a literary property (a license, usually limited to a particular media and for a set period of time) have typical terms that are seen in the industry, so your literary agent should know and be able to review those terms with you, but again, a lawyer is a good resource both so you know what you're getting into, and so that you have help in negotiating those terms that matter to you.

    But, you're in luck. Washington Lawyers for the Arts provides low-cost legal help for artists and the arts community in Washington. Check them out at www.TheWla.org. If you're outside of Washington, search on google for (your state) "lawyers for the arts" or "volunteer lawyers for the arts". Many states have them, and most offer clinics or seminars in protecting your legal rights.

    Luckier answered in Filmmaking Week about 1 year ago | Report
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  • Hey_girl_hey_small
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    Do you work with a literary agent? Literary agents typically negoitiate the sale of film rights for stories and books. If you don't have an agent I would think a entertainment lawyer is your best option.

    Dan Williams answered in Filmmaking Week about 1 year ago | Report
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