The Writer Got Screwed (but Didn't Have To): A Guide to the Legal and Business Practices of Writing for the Entertainment IndustryThe Writer Got Screwed is the first book to untangle the legal and business aspects of writing for the entertainment industry. For the young TV production assistant waiting for his big break, the executive with a treatment tucked away in a bottom drawer, the techie targeting the new field of cyberspace writing, or anyone who is inspired to write screenplays, this book is an indispensable road map to success. Savvy Hollywood entertainment attorney Brooke Wharton explains the proper methods of protecting creative work, decodes the legal jargon the new writer is likely to encounter (and be unfamiliar with), gives practical advice on how to find representation, explains the pluses and minuses of obtaining an agent versus a lawyer or manager, shows how to read between the lines of a contract before signing, tells how to receive appropriate compensation for work, and advises how to avoid getting sued or screwed along the way. Top writers from film, television and the emerging field of interactive entertainment candidly reflect on their careers, giving valuable advice on how to pitch ideas and offering alternative paths to success. For example, Jane Anderson, writer of How to Make an American Quilt, reveals how she made the move from television to big screen, and Philip Lazebnik, screenwriter for Pocahontas, recalls the collaborative excitement that lured him -- despite myriad obstacles -- to write for feature animation. Useful resources, including a glossary and lists of agencies, competitions, fellowships, internships and legal organizations, make The Writer Got Screwed an essential addition to every writer's tool chest. |
From inside the book
Results 1-3 of 52
Page 119
... career . Rarely is an agent capable of performing this type of service . In addition , an agent will not take the time to raise from the ground the career of someone who is emerging or one for whom it may take a tremendous amount of ...
... career . Rarely is an agent capable of performing this type of service . In addition , an agent will not take the time to raise from the ground the career of someone who is emerging or one for whom it may take a tremendous amount of ...
Page 122
... career has a different chronology as to when it will take off . A manager may give you excellent service and may make every conceivable effort to start your career or create the perception that you are " hot , " but if your career does ...
... career has a different chronology as to when it will take off . A manager may give you excellent service and may make every conceivable effort to start your career or create the perception that you are " hot , " but if your career does ...
Page 142
... career , is there some- thing you did that allowed you to develop into this feature film writer , this " marathon runner " ? Being a playwright helped because writing a play is almost the same process . Writing a play means that you go ...
... career , is there some- thing you did that allowed you to develop into this feature film writer , this " marathon runner " ? Being a playwright helped because writing a play is almost the same process . Writing a play means that you go ...
Contents
PROTECTING IDEAS YOUR WRITTEN | 5 |
What Kind of Work Is Eligible for Copyright Protection? What | 11 |
Works Are Not Eligible for Copyright Protection? What Rights | 17 |
Copyright | |
12 other sections not shown
Other editions - View all
The Writer Got Screwed (but didn't have to): Guide to the Legal and Business ... Brooke A. Wharton No preview available - 1997 |
Common terms and phrases
addition agency agree and/or Angeles Artist attorney Boulevard California career characters client Commish contract create creative Creative Artists Agency David Milch deal director draft emerging writers employment entertainment industry episodes executive producer executive story editor feature fees film game design going Guild of America head writer hired Hollywood idea individual interactive International Creative Management internship lawyer libel literary manager Los Angeles material meeting ment Minimum Basic Agreement motion picture movie negotiated obtain offer Option Period Owner party percent person pitch production companies Purchaser receive release form represented rewrite Rider Santa Monica Santa Monica Boulevard screenplay screenwriter signatory situation soap opera someone spec screenplay spec script staff writer Sunset Boulevard talent television show thing tion weeks Wilshire Boulevard Wiseguy work-for-hire Writers Guild writing assignments written