Sorry for not commenting on the site recently - Internet issues.

I just want to ask a quick question though: I've had various film students ask to film (for free) a short of mine and I was wondering what the deal was with this - Is it considered okay to let more than one person film a script, or does agreeing to one person effectively take the script off the market?

(I intend to discuss this with the guy I've given the go-ahead to as well, but I just wondered what the general opinion was)

Umm... for now, I'd say it's up to you. If this is your first produced script, I'd say do it for free. A produced script means a lot more than a non-produced one.

I'm not sure about copyright for multiple movies with the same script. I'm assuming it'd be a no-no, but who knows?

Is contacting an entertainment lawyer out of the question?

I'd say do it for free, and you can allow multiple filmmakers to film the same script, although it's best to let them know that you plan to do so.

Thanks.

The 'for free' bit doesn't worry me. It's just whether saying "yeah, go ahead and film it if you want" means I should turn down anyone who makes the same request.

I guess ultimately it's something I have to work out with the guy I've said yes to.

I'm not sure how many people have contacted you, but I normally advise others to allow multiple filmmakers to film based on the track record of myself and others.

If 3 people contact you, probably only one will come through in the end, if that.

I tell the students that they have non-exclusive educational rights.  They can film the script for their class and show it in an educational setting but they do not have permission for general distribution - meaning no YouTube, festivals, or contests.

I've had a short produced by two filmmakers (kinda by accident).  It actually causes problems should the filmmakers enter their films in the same festival.

Stick with one at a time.  Find out what their production schedule are and whether they intend to enter it in festivals.  If one says it's just for school, then you could let both do it.  Advise both of the situation; one may like it.


Phil

Thanks guys.

I've emailed the original guy about it and got things sorted. But I was just wondering whether there was some sort of unwritten code about this kind of thing: Thou Shalt Not Say Yes to More Than One Person, etc.

Most of the offers seem to be film students. If there'd been money involved I would've stuck to just one guy. But as they're all for free the best I'm going to get out of this is a DVD copy of the finished piece - so I want to maximise the chances of it actually happening.

You're also getting something to put on your resume.  That's better than money.


Phil