So I got 2 emails yesterday from different people interested in the same short and it suddenly dawned on me that I have no idea what the etiquette here, do I say yes to one and not the other or yes to both?

Which one is the best?

It is possible to say yes to both if you want to retain the rights.

I've said yes to both as one is a film student and the other, from past experience, may not come to anything anyway lol

Cheers for the response, Dustin

Option it as many times as you can, increase the chances of it getting made... unless someone actually wants sole rights... then you'll have to make a call on their track record etc.

And congrats on the interest/options too!

Thanks Anthony

My short script "Homecoming", I've give permission to 5 different filmmakers now who wanted to shoot it. Each of them understood that others were making it as well, and it didn't faze them.  Most of them are students or novice filmmakers who are just looking for the experience.

I had another script just filmed (from a OWC), "Roadside Attraction" and there were several people inquiring about that, and because the person I ultimately optioned it to wanted to enter it in festivals, provide to casting agents, etc., I gave the rights to them for six months. You can negotiate whatever kind of deal you want, but get it in writing and make sure it is clear.  Remember that even if you do not accept money for the option (i.e., a "free option") you can still be bound to the agreement if there is some other consideration in there (The first thing I ever learned in law school -- still benefits me to this day).

Gary

One thing to be aware about with this.  Yes - always, always, always retain all rights to your script.  That way, you're protected if the production fails (or doesn't come out well.) Which happens.

But when you're deciding how many people to give permission to, bear in mind that there *are* a lot of film festivals that will not accept a short film that's been previously shot.  So - pick wisely.  Just in case.  :))

--J (W)

I'm actually a little unsure how that works. I understand that many festivals prefer a film that hasn't been shown at previous festivals... but does that also account for separate interpretations of the same film? Two filmmakers will make the same script differently, may even give it a new title. Perhaps a grey area?

I always say that I want writing credit and want knowledge of any changes beforehand. I'm always worried my script gets changed beyond recognition and my name is still attached.

I know one interested party is a film student.

Quoted from alffy I'm always worried my script gets changed beyond recognition and my name is still attached.

I don't see the point in that. Why buy a story and then change it beyond all recognition? They should have just written one themselves from the beginning. Save a heap of cash.

Quoted from DustinBowcot I'm actually a little unsure how that works. I understand that many festivals prefer a film that hasn't been shown at previous festivals... but does that also account for separate interpretations of the same film? Two filmmakers will make the same script differently, may even give it a new title. Perhaps a grey area?

Hey Dustin -

Just saw this.  It depends on the film festival's specific rules.  In general, festivals that bring the issue up at all are against ANY interpretation of the script, if it's been filmed by anyone.  IE: it's been shot before?  Not interested.  And that's where the potential danger sometimes lies.  And yes - I've known of people retitling their script to get around that.  YMMV.  But it's something to be aware of, whenever picking and choosing who to give a script out to, and what the permissions are - and aren't.

Re: directors who completely change a script.  Yep, seen that, too - with or without permission and authority.  And I've seen cases where they try to put their name on as writer, even when that's not part of the agreement.  It happens.  Then again, there are also great directors out there that think of nice additions to a script that DO make it even better.  I've experienced that personally.  :)

I'd like to second what Anthony said.

I had a script up on here about a year ago that got optioned twice, but only one of them came through with anything in the end, even though the other guy showed more interest.

Had I only gone with the one who'd seemed keenest, I'd have gotten nothing out of it in the end.

Yeah, every festival is different.  See, e.g., the Austin Film Festival contest, which gets a TON of entries (several thousand). Here is a link to the rules:

http://austinfilmfestival.com/submit/screenplay-and-teleplay-submissions/rules-screenplay-and-teleplay/

One rule indicates that it cannot have been optioned prior to October 16, 2016.  Another says it cannot have been filmed.  That's pretty broad and can eliminate a lot of entries right off the bat.

Gary

The not previously optioned or produced rule is common to most comps, many also will disqualify your script if it gets optioned after you've submitted it... always pays to read the rules carefully ;-)

I never read the rules.

Quoted from DustinBowcot I never read the rules.

Yes. I too am a rider on the freedom bus. And I haven't even paid my fare.

My thanks go to Rik Mayall. Your spirit lives on, even though you sadly do not.

R

Bit off topic but I loved Rik Mayall, he was a comedy legend.

Quoted from alffy Bit off topic but I loved Rik Mayall, he was a comedy legend.

Yes he was. But be careful, I may be forced to post videos of me going full People's Poet, if you're not careful. I doubt the greatness of this idea severely. And I truly hope Rik isn't spinning in his grave at even the mention of it.

I hugely miss Rickman, Bowie too, not to mention all the other greats who have passed of late, but I do think it's Rik who still really gets me, often just at the mere mention of his name.

Now, I'm off to watch An American Werewolf in London again, for the umpteenth time as Rik is in it, very young and drinking in the Slaughtered Lamb with all those other aye oop types.

I think if Rik had to be in two shorts he'd do it. If he wrote them I doubt he's be so bothered who made them as he'd be in both versions and make me weep with laughter in both.

Ha ha ha har. Maybe Vivian or Eddie has to be there for this to work, properly I mean.

Erm, yes.

R