Lately, I've gotten two offers from two different filmmakers about a low budget feature script I wrote. Filmmaker might be a strong word. More like weekend-filmmakers. The kind that can gather a group of friends and film something unspectacular on their off days. Something that will never get any kind of distribution.

Both say they can film it, and... I believe them. Problem is, I saw some of their previous work and... boy, oh boy was it horrible. Like, really, really bad. One of them had like 3 features behind him all done with decent sized crews. All of them didn't play at any semi-respectable festival and looked very very cheap, with less than 50 votes on IMDB.

So, I said NO to both of them. I'd rather it not be filmed than to have it butchered.

My question to you is, would you rather have a script collect dust or give it to someone you're pretty sure won't do it justice but can film it?

Of course you wouldn't get paid

(just trying to stir up some conversation, things have been quiet, sans the OWC).

Weird, I recently got two offers too. Both from the same university in the States.

I said yes to both as they were looking to use them as part of their film course. I've seen bits of work they've done and it looks decent enough.

I've said no before. Especially if they haven't really done anything before or if what they have done is quite dreadful. I know it's all about getting ourselves out there, but we've got to have some standards.

I always say it's a resume builder... if it's collecting dust why not?
You're not always gonna get a great filmmaker producing your scripts.. at the same time those guys are in the same boat as us and just be proud that they asked you

I'm pretty flexible with my short scripts but like to try and get some form of payment for them but my features... I think I'd take a similar stance. Can't see any reason to give it away for free and have someone butcher it too!

There has to be money on the table for a feature. If they're interested in your script then one day, someone else will be too and the next person may be the one you're looking for.

I think you did the right thing.

I almost never turn anyone down. However, if they are not professional and are not planning on taking the film to festivals, they get no exclusivity. The script will still be available to others. If they want exclusivity, they have to buy the script.

You could also insist they use a different title. I recently re-titled a feature of mine and put it on InkTip even though the film had already been shot. I just doubt anyone is going to make the connection as the two different productions will be vastly different.

I thought it was for a short... my bad

A feature is a whole different ball game... money should be exchanged for sure.

I'd instinctively say don't give away your feature for free, especially if you don't have any faith they'll be able to turn it into something you'd be proud to show / use to create future opportunities. What are you getting out of it, in that case?

Shorts are different, but given the amount of time features take to write, I think you're taking absolutely the right stance.

Quoted from JonnyBoy I'd instinctively say don't give away your feature for free, especially if you don't have any faith they'll be able to turn it into something you'd be proud to show / use to create future opportunities. What are you getting out of it, in that case?

Hypothetically speaking you'll reach a point where a script appears dead in the water. Several years might have passed since you wrote it. Your query blast did nothing. The few producers that you persuaded into giving it a look, passed. So, what are you left with?

Then someone comes along and offers you, let's say 2K for it. He'll make it. It will have a super indie cheap feel to it, it won't be shown on VOD, but they guy will sell DVDs from his web site. So, what do you do? Do you hold out and wait for the "right" opportunity (one that will likely never come) or do you grab this one and hope it works out and that something else might come from it down the line?

You let someone shoot it. Even if it the film doesn't turnout that great, someone liked your script well enough to put their time and effort into making it. And that's a lot!!!!!!

I've had a lot of scripts produced and some were great others not so great, but in hindsight, the films that weren't that great, didn't have the greatest script to work with either. I'm getting better as a writer. My scripts are getting better and as a result, the films are getting better (most of the time). If you've had other people read your script and maybe even paid for coverage and everyone is in agreement that your script is gold, DON'T give it away, but if your script gets a lukewarm reception and a PASS from coverage, why hold out and wait for a great filmmaker to come by when it most likely won't happen. Give some enthusiastic student or hobby filmmaker a chance. That is my view.  

If someone offers you 2 grand you better take it IMO.

I also let most anyone film my work...but I think it's good to do what Pia said and keep rights so that if it does not get made or turns out like shit, you can still shop it.

I hate to admit it, but I wrote a feature for free, but it got filmed and is winning in the festivals around the world, so I feel like sometimes it's good to stick your neck out. I mean with every script we really do learn and grow I think. I guess, I also have figured out that my writing is not good enough to get to the big studios...so I know my market I guess. I love writing, but what is writing if you never get to see your work on the big screen? Sometimes it is enough reward in itself to be in a theater watching one of your features and at the end have people clapping and even wiping tears.

Yeah, I'd take the 2k for an indie. I missed out on doing that once, because I thought 2k was derisory. The second time a similar offer came, I accepted. For the same script too.

So long as cash is on the table, the guy spending the money really wants to make it. That's the most important thing.

The only reason I say no to no money (on features) is that if the producer can't get a couple of K together for the script, then he isn't serious about making it.

In regard to shorts though, I'm looking at my third free option for Disassociation right now. As Pia said, just keep a hold of the rights.