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I'd suggest you look at as many issues here as possible.
One issue is your lack of confidence. I'd suggest that's not entirely due to your age. What, if in five years time, you still lack this confidence? Is it going to hold up your career? The chances are, that in screenwriting, as in many things, you're going to have to deal with working with people, some of whom are going to be difficult and some of whom you are not going to like working with.
I'd take a deep breath. Then get things straight re contracts, who own what etc. You have a relationship here that appears to be one-sided, so getting stuff on paper about who owns what will even the keel.
Once you've done that, make a decision to either go on with the work or ditch it. If you go on with the work, remember that this may all be really, really, valuable experience for the future. You hating it isn't the only call.
OK, so update - yep, I'm definitely not working with this guy anymore. I sent him an email stating why I wouldn't work with him anymore, and this is the response I got:
Quoted Text
Newsflash: I've already decided last night that you will not remain a cowriter on this project. Additionally, I have collaborated on other projects without a problem. To be candid, you want to argue over every detail - everytime I emailed you - despite using the guise of just giving your "opinion".
You're a kid and you pissed me off with your constant disagreement and argumentative emails. Try being more amicable and learn something - you might wanna take a screenwriting class in the future.
True, my words in my last email were written in anger, frustration and harsh - but i'm OVER your constant nitpicking. Fact is - you certainly didn't offer up anything of value as far as scenes go.
As far as giving you constructive feedback - where to begin. I had no idea when I asked you to write - that I would have to hold your hand every step of the way.
I don't give a fuck what you think. You're a kid and you might try being more agreeable and less abrasive when you express your "opinion". Then again you basically copied the screenplay from someone else that I read originally that impressed me - you confessed this yourself.
I'm sorry this turned out this way - but it's MY STORY - my pain - my experience - my emotions and VERY personal and be assured I will ensure that intergrity and authenticity remain genuine.
The final straw? How dare you you ungrateful little shit. You're just to ignorant to realize the opportunity I offered you and were to busy wanting to argue.
GO FUCK YOURSELF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! How's that for rudeness?!!!
You're a KID and you only seem to want to argue every single time I emailed you with anything. You're right - WE ARE NOT working together. I already made that decision so if it makes you feel like you have the
Yes, he DID write this. This is not fake in anyway. In a way, I'm glad he made this so easy for me to walk away from. I'm just so shocked at his behavior...good luck making it big in the industry with that attitude... By the way, he said repeatedly that I argued over every little thing -- I don't see it that way. Whenever he sent me a scene I would give my thoughts, give ideas for him to consider, or if I didn't like it, explained why and offered solutions. That, I think, is not being argumentative or abrasive. I was always polite in my emails, and tried to be constructive and helpful. I was not in any way just arguing for arguments sake.
My scripts:
Façade: In a "film noir" set in the 1950's, a detective investigates the murder of a teenage boy in the quintessential 50's American suburbs, and as he slowly peels back the veneer of the picture perfect family, he realizes nothing is what it seems, unaware of what secrets he will uncover.
On another note, does anyone know how to officially terminate an agreement we signed earlier? Do I just have him write down something like "I, [Name], agree to terminate the Screenwriter's Collaboration Agreement we signed on [date], Signed, X_____" ? Thanks for the help, everyone
My scripts:
Façade: In a "film noir" set in the 1950's, a detective investigates the murder of a teenage boy in the quintessential 50's American suburbs, and as he slowly peels back the veneer of the picture perfect family, he realizes nothing is what it seems, unaware of what secrets he will uncover.
Not sure about the termination, I guess it depends on the language of the intial agreement, but getting something in writing from him stating that he relases you from any obligation as defined by the agreement is probably suitable.
Every industry is full of a**holes and this guy sounds like one. You're better for it. Now go write what YOU want to write.
Don't you still have rights or partial rights to some of that work? If you are under no obligation, but have rights to something he might produce, why give up your rights?
I've collaborated on a few different projects. I am shocked at his response. Talking about being an amateur, this guy smacks of being an amateur and always will be an amateur. Like most have said, walk away from the project, because from what I've read here, you have been more professional than he will ever be.
I have been in arguements with my co-writers. You must be able to explain and defend everything you write. If you can't, chances are it's not needed. You also need a co-writer that you can be honest with and work through any complications that arise. Egos aside, writing is painful. It is harder when you have a co-writer telling you something doesn't work.
From his words alone, he sounds trouble. Please make sure you nullify any written contract. And in future, I would recommend an entertainment lawyer write up any contract. It's a little pricy, but worth it. And it protects the material and both writers.
Hahaha that's classic. If I were you I'd print that out and frame it. Douchebaggery attitude like that is so unique. Someone who's never done anything other than go to film school won't amount to anything with that piss poor attitude. It's good that you discovered this early on rather than getting too involved with this dingbat.
Thanks everyone for your help and support. This has been a bit difficult for me, mainly just upset that he would actually say those things to me when I have been nothing but polite towards him. But I'm moving on, putting this behind me.
In the contract, he gave me 1% of the work. Honestly, I don't give a damn if I still own it or not, because based on some stuff he sent me, this movie is going to be shit, if it's even made at all. Wouldn't want my name attached to it for the rest of my life... (If anyone's still curious, I can still send you a snippet just to see what I disagreed with that pissed him off so much, and see who is right and wrong here - trust me, it's laughable)
Thanks again for helping me through all this!
My scripts:
Façade: In a "film noir" set in the 1950's, a detective investigates the murder of a teenage boy in the quintessential 50's American suburbs, and as he slowly peels back the veneer of the picture perfect family, he realizes nothing is what it seems, unaware of what secrets he will uncover.
The final straw? How dare you you ungrateful little shit. You're just to ignorant to realize the opportunity I offered you and were to busy wanting to argue.
GO FUCK YOURSELF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Lol. Sounds like something an agent would say rather than a writer. Sounds like you didn't lose too much in this little fiasco, and you can chalk it up as experience.
You can send a little snippet of your guys' (or his :-) work if you'd like. I wouldn't mind taking a look at it and I'll give my opinion. My e-mail is markielyons@yahoo.com.
I do have a question, though. Has this guy been active on the SimplyScripts boards before, do you know? And if so, what's his name? (You can PM me his name if he is a member. There's no point in escalating this anymore if he's still around. I'm just curious.)
Also, if you want to direct me to one of your stories on SS, I'd like to take a look. Just give me the link for one of them.
My momma always said... Give an a-hole enough rope and they'll hang themselves.
I too am in the early stages of picking folks I want to work with here in town. And the biggest criteria for me is, communication.
Am I and this individual on the same page? Do we get each other excited about projects that interest us? Can we effectively talk about a point of disagreement? Are we able to not downward spiral into personal junk when we debate? Do we have the skills/contacts to mutually benefit each others' careers?
If I can't answer yes to those questions, it's likely not to work out.
Look at this way... you'll never make that same mistake again. And in the end it doesn't seem like it cost you much. So yay!
Regards, E.D.
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