I think I've got this right, but if you upload to AS, then you give them an automatic option for 18 months - which appears to be free (for them) - which they can also extend (at a price) for a further 18 months if they wish.

If they exercise the option the rewards appears to be fairly good - but is an 18 month free option okay?

Far as I knew - an option was normally purchased, and then for a year or less.

Lots of pros and cons and miscellaneous uninformed speculation here:


http://www.simplyscripts.net/cgi-bin/Blah/Blah.pl?b-Chat/m-1289993452

Bottom line seems to be read the fine print -- it may or may not be for you.

Mmm...  I remember reading over some of that fine print several months ago.  

Everyone needs to look it over for themselves, but what I saw left me with the impression that you basically sign away most (if not all) rights to your property as a result.  

It was enough that I permanently shied away from the idea....

My opinion (FWIW) is this...if you're a writer who can knock scripts out quickly and has lots of ideas....then go for it. It's an opportunity.

It's also a good opportunity to take an idea and develop it.

If you're one who only has a couple of stories that are your pride and joy...I'd be more wary (but if you are that guy...make sure you're pimping them to the right people).

As for the option thing...there's no right answer. Sometimes it's good to give it away for free...sometimes it's not...sometimes it's neither here nor there...it's just circumstance.

Hey Rick -

Just reviewed the old thread.  

I think your posts on that one were definitely on the money.  IE: see if any of the scripts that are already up there (ie: *not* yours) are reworkable - and give it a go.  

But - putting up one of your own?  IMHO - that's a sure way to lose rights and see your baby butchered....

Didn't know there was a thread on this - going to have a good look through it first...

Yeah...but people are getting paid...and Amazon aren't doing it for the love...they've clearly got plans to develop films knowing they have a complete long tail ability to deliver them indefinitely...from VOD, to DVD, to the 2nd Hand Market.

100% of your own rights is great...but 100% 0f nothing is still nothing....

The thing is that there's a lot of people putting their "crap" scripts on there because they're scared of putting their good stuff on but those that took the plunge have got paid and have more credibility because people are reading their decent stuff.

It's a judgement call...and that's why I say it comes down to how fast you can write and how many ideas you have.

Those writers that can bosh things out should go for it IMHO. Nothing to lose....unless you're in the position to sell scripts...which most people don't seem to be.

Quoted from wonkavite Hey Rick - Just reviewed the old thread.   I think your posts on that one were definitely on the money.  IE: see if any of the scripts that are already up there (ie: *not* yours) are reworkable - and give it a go.   But - putting up one of your own?  IMHO - that's a sure way to lose rights and see your baby butchered....

Just read it myself...don't remember writing the part where I selected individual scripts...but one of 'em was a banshee script. How strange.

Must have a thing for them.

My interest in this project begins and stops with a colleague.
He's won twice ($40k) and got a development deal with Denise Di Novi.
She's a mammoth producer with a killer resume.
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0224145/

So, I keep tabs on his progress and it seems to be progressing well.
But now he's on Development Island, so we'll see what happens with the script.

However, he's gotten this far through the system...
So, Amazon must be getting some attention around town.

E.D.

What's bad and also great about Amazon is that lackluster scripts are winning $20,000 to $40,000 worth of cash prizes.  It can fill a down on their luck writer with hope, but also drive them nuts when really crappy scripts take first place while they barely make the semi finals.