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Responding to a feature request (currently 3600 views) |
irish eyes |
Posted: April 11th, 2014, 9:29am |
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January Project Group There`s too much blood in my alcohol
LocationUpstate New York Posts1861 Posts Per Day 0.35 |
Hey Peeps
I received this email today
I would like to see if I can inquire your script. Usually I will propose a 45 day free exclusive option for me to see if I can do something with it, no worries. If I can't then I won't milk you along, but if I can then I will either extend option for $5,000 to you, or buy it for $100,000. This is what I can promise. I will send you a submission release form if you are interested. Thanks again...
How should I respond? Are there questions I should ask?
Any help would be appreciated
Thanks
Mark
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Ledbetter |
Posted: April 11th, 2014, 9:44am |
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Something doesn't ring right.
That line, "This is what I promice" sounds unlike something I would expect to hear from a professional.
That's just me though...
Shawn.....><
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Demento |
Posted: April 11th, 2014, 9:56am |
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Been Around
Posts946 Posts Per Day 0.24 |
Has the guy done anything? Any credits?
Also, while I appreciate you posting figures, I think you should leave that information out when you post on an internet forum. |
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Leegion |
Posted: April 11th, 2014, 10:04am |
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LocationEngland Posts485 Posts Per Day 0.10 |
I'd steer clear personally, especially when there's a mention of MONEY in an inquiry email. Usually that comes AFTER you've spoken for a while, not right away.
You don't just say "I'll buy it for $100,000" without even knowing the author, or even discussing the script with them.
To me, this has red flags all over it. But it is up to you.
It's your script, but personally, I'd steer clear of anything that mentions cash right off the bat. Especially when dealing with someone you don't know.
Best thing you can do is ask questions. If this is a legit query, green flags will appear. |
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irish eyes |
Posted: April 11th, 2014, 10:34am |
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January Project Group There`s too much blood in my alcohol
LocationUpstate New York Posts1861 Posts Per Day 0.35 |
Quoted from Shawn Something doesn't ring right.
That line, "This is what I promice" sounds unlike something I would expect to hear from a professional.
That's just me though... |
That's what I thought too Thanks Shawn
Quoted from Demento Has the guy done anything? Any credits?
Also, while I appreciate you posting figures, I think you should leave that information out when you post on an internet forum.
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I put his details at the bottom. I actually took out the figures and then copied and pasted it.... or so I thought Thanks
I'd steer clear personally, especially when there's a mention of MONEY in an inquiry email. Usually that comes AFTER you've spoken for a while, not right away.
You don't just say "I'll buy it for $100,000" without even knowing the author, or even discussing the script with them.
To me, this has red flags all over it. But it is up to you.
It's your script, but personally, I'd steer clear of anything that mentions cash right off the bat. Especially when dealing with someone you don't know.
Best thing you can do is ask questions. If this is a legit query, green flags will appear. |
He seems like he is legit, but his wording as you say throws up a lot of red flags. Quoting dollars seems very strange in an original email without me replying. Thanks Here is his details : Pierre D. Chambers CEO/ Producer The Chambers Company, LLC. - A Motion Picture Company http://www.pierrechambers1.wix.com//tccsite |
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TimWestland |
Posted: April 11th, 2014, 11:22am |
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There is nothing legit here as far as I can see.
1. Ask for credits directly from him. A professional won't mind tooting his own horn and would expect a professional writer to ask.
2. Contracts! Use Contracts. Write up EVERYTHING in a contract. I'm positive the WGA has sample contracts you can find and use for free. But make sure you don't give up any rights other than those to review the script. If the guy decides to extend an offer past the original amount, then you need to seek out an entertainment lawyer of some kind and DO IT RIGHT.
Don't let yourself get caught up. There is a difference between "Are you a deal maker or a deal breaker" and "taking a bogus offer and giving your script away due to a lack of due diligence".
Be smart. If you're a good writer and it's a good script and you're actively marketing yourself and it, another offer will be along soon enough. |
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Demento |
Posted: April 11th, 2014, 11:23am |
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Ok I took a look. I don't know anything about this stuff, so don't listen to me too much. http://www.pierrechambers1.wix.com//tccsite^^ That website is made with the use of a free web building software through the site wix.com. It isn't even made right. I could make a better one using those tool. So that is really unprofessional. You would think someone that could give you that much money for a screenplay could afford a decent looking website. He doesn't even have his own domain. People on this forum have decent looking websites and they aren't looking to cut anyone a check that big. Apparently this was the producers site: http://pierredchambers.com/?nr=0, but as you can see the domain expired. So I guess he went and made a free website using the wix.com site. That's a red flag. EDIT: He also has this web site: http://www.pierrechambers.com/ This is the same guy: https://www.facebook.com/officialpierrechambersThe company doesn't seem to have any movies done. They have one listed in production. It has an imdb page but no details. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1815600 (anyone can make this) They have listed Danny Glover and Nia Long, which are name actors on their movie poster but the movie doesn't come up on their imdb pages, which doesn't have to mean anything... but still. I made you this thread on the donedealpro forums (I just created an account there), follow it, maybe someone will respond. http://messageboard.donedealpro.com/boards/showthread.php?p=901070#post901070...... In any case I would be careful going forward. Best of luck. |
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Demento - April 11th, 2014, 11:38am | | |
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TimWestland |
Posted: April 11th, 2014, 11:25am |
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irish eyes |
Posted: April 11th, 2014, 11:31am |
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January Project Group There`s too much blood in my alcohol
LocationUpstate New York Posts1861 Posts Per Day 0.35 |
Thanks Tim
And thanks a lot Demento... I'll check that out for sure and I'll let you guys know how I get on.
You guys are awesome
Mark |
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Demento |
Posted: April 11th, 2014, 11:37am |
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Been Around
Posts946 Posts Per Day 0.24 |
Thanks Tim
And thanks a lot Demento... I'll check that out for sure and I'll let you guys know how I get on.
You guys are awesome
Mark |
Not a problem. Even though his older site is done, google can still pick up on some results. You can also use the "way back went machine" to try and see website that don't exist anymore. It's useful in some situations. The site takes snapshots of website and keeps them, So if you google his name and Nia Long this will come up. This info is not really valid, because it only appeared on his old website, that doesn't exist any more. I doubt it's legit. |
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Revision History (1 edits) |
Demento - April 11th, 2014, 11:48am | | |
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Grandma Bear |
Posted: April 11th, 2014, 12:42pm |
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Administrator
LocationThe Swamp... Posts8047 Posts Per Day 1.33 |
Mark, I think it all depends of what you have in mind for your script. Is it a really GREAT script that you think you could sell to someone else more professional like a Hollywood studio? Or is it just a script that you're fond of, but you were completely surprised that someone took an interest in it and wants to do something with it? If you want to hold out for someone really good to produce your work, I totally understand. As you know, I've had 4 1/2 features produced now. Last one finished shooting last week. (my avatar ) Some would say they are not that great, but... They got made and money is starting to trickle in. You might want to wait for something better to come along like so many others here would, but you could also live dangerously like me and go along and see what happens. My guess as far as his email goes is that he read your script, liked it and wants 45 days to see if he can get people interested in the film. If he can, then he will give you the option money and then he will try to get the real funding and buy the script from you. I don't think the email suggests that he himself is rich and is able to pay you $100K out of his own pocket. About his website being a wix site. That doesn't really bother me. I've seen a lot of slick looking websites that make a person or company look amazing, only to find out later they are complete nobody. What would I do? Answer his email. Ask questions and see where it will lead. Good Luck! |
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Demento |
Posted: April 11th, 2014, 12:53pm |
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Posts946 Posts Per Day 0.24 |
About his website being a wix site. That doesn't really bother me. I've seen a lot of slick looking websites that make a person or company look amazing, only to find out later they are complete nobody.
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A lot of "name" production and management companies do have horrible looking websites. |
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wonkavite |
Posted: April 11th, 2014, 1:03pm |
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DUDE! I got the same email this morning. The warning bells immediately went off on this one. Typos in the email and website, and the guy doesn't even discuss the script or his credentials. Stay away, IMO....
--Janet (W) |
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Ledbetter |
Posted: April 11th, 2014, 1:03pm |
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Pierre Chambers.
I thought that name sounded familiar.
An email he sent me---
Can you send me any updated rewrite of the script What doesn't kill you? Would like to read it and see if I can move it along. Thanks
Producer Pierre Chambers
Sent from my iPhone4
Sent it. Followed up on it....twice and never heard back from him.
Shawn.....><
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irish eyes |
Posted: April 11th, 2014, 1:39pm |
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January Project Group There`s too much blood in my alcohol
LocationUpstate New York Posts1861 Posts Per Day 0.35 |
I guess it's starting to unravel itself. If you got the same email this morning Janet, it's probably not a good sign. Is this guy just scanning through and picking scripts at random? Honestly it's not even a great script, it was based on last year's OWC 1 + 6.
I guess I'll email him, but I'll probably get the same results as Shawn.
Thanks guys for your input
Mark |
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wonkavite |
Posted: April 11th, 2014, 1:51pm |
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Well, to be completely fair - maybe he just liked both our scripts.
Just - the generic flavor of the email, along with the typos doesn't look promising. As a possibility, maybe let him hippocket it. But no option. (In other words, you don't want to tie up your script - especially for free. Then, if he can follow through... great!) My five cents....
--J (W) |
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oJOHNNYoNUTSo |
Posted: April 11th, 2014, 1:53pm |
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Posts817 Posts Per Day 0.18 |
I would like to see if I can inquire your script. |
Lol, isn't that what he/she is doing? Seems like a lot of money to throw down without one. |
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Leegion |
Posted: April 11th, 2014, 1:57pm |
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LocationEngland Posts485 Posts Per Day 0.10 |
One can admit that industry pros are not much better when it comes to query emails.
I received a query regarding "Deep" from some guy called Clay on InkTip. This was several weeks ago now and I've sent him the updated version. Heard squat in reply in that time, unless I'm meant to check my inbox on InkTip, which I have not, so the request could be sitting there gathering net dust.
I should probably have a look now that I think about it.
Anyway, best to gather a list of credentials, see what this guy has to offer. If he is legitimate, then congratulations, you've sold a script and made big bucks, if not, well, he's not only wasting his own time but also yours, which is a terrible way to go about it. |
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Grandma Bear |
Posted: April 11th, 2014, 2:02pm |
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LocationThe Swamp... Posts8047 Posts Per Day 1.33 |
One can admit that industry pros are not much better when it comes to query emails. |
I second that. When I was dealing with Omega Entertainment, all the emails were sent from an iPhone. They were very short and text message like in nature. Typos galore included. Maybe his fingers were too thick for the buttons... |
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DustinBowcot |
Posted: April 11th, 2014, 2:11pm |
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Really weird that he would want an option for 45 days. Sounds like he wants to hawk your script around several investors he knows, trying to get a bite... but he doesn't need to option your script to do that.
I've allowed a few producers to do that with my scripts... nobody is held to anything on an option. He just punts it around investors. |
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dogglebe |
Posted: April 11th, 2014, 2:23pm |
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Everyone now and then, someone like this pops up on the boards and tries to option a bunch of scripts. A big problem for the writer is that, once the option expires, you're still limited with what you can do with it. Many competitions won't let you submit a script that was previously optioned.
Phil |
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wonkavite |
Posted: April 11th, 2014, 2:30pm |
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Oooo, good point there about the competitions. Wasn't aware of that. Definitely an issue to consider. So - let the guy shop the script; but no option. That is, if one wants to.... |
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Ledbetter |
Posted: April 11th, 2014, 2:33pm |
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Quoted from dogglebe Many competitions won't let you submit a script that was previously optioned. Phil |
Maybe that's Pierre's plan... To go to all 7300 plus scripts currently entered in the PAGE AWARDS and option them all, thus increasing his chances of winning. Brilliantly simple!!! Shawn…..>< |
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dogglebe |
Posted: April 11th, 2014, 2:43pm |
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Quoted from Ledbetter Maybe that's Pierre's plan... To go to all 7300 plus scripts currently entered in the PAGE AWARDS and option them all, thus increasing his chances of winning. Brilliantly simple!!! Shawn…..>< |
You know, that's just crazy enough to work.... Phil |
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irish eyes |
Posted: April 11th, 2014, 7:22pm |
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January Project Group There`s too much blood in my alcohol
LocationUpstate New York Posts1861 Posts Per Day 0.35 |
Ok so I emailed him and asked him for the release form so I could check it and to my surprise he emailed back within the hour. He sent me the release form and also asked if I could send back along with your script (pdf), synopsis, logline and genre. Does this tell me he his pulling scripts out of a hat? If he read my script, he should know it was comedy. I also don't have a synopsis wrote for this script, I never had intentions of going further with it... also I'm horrible at synopsis. Does anyone wanna check out the release form and tell me what they think? Pm me and I'll send you my email address. thanks guys Mark |
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Ledbetter |
Posted: April 11th, 2014, 7:33pm |
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Quoted from dogglebe
You know, that's just crazy enough to work....
Phil
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You're Pierre Chambers...aren't you Phil? Wait a minute, you can't be. I heard Pierre Chambers was single handedly writing the sequel to war and peace. A personal account of his love making style. Shawn.....>< |
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DustinBowcot |
Posted: April 12th, 2014, 1:31am |
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He will show all of that information to investors. They will first want to hear the logline, then the synopsis, then a treatment, then a script... but they may skip the treatment if the synopsis is up to scratch.
I wouldn't hold out much hope with this guy if I were you... as always with guys like this.
Chances are he's pitching a heap of scripts... and chances are he may not get funding for any of them. So don't hold out much hope... the good thing is though, someone believes in your shit! So take that from it at least. |
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khamanna |
Posted: April 12th, 2014, 8:07am |
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January Project Group
Posts4222 Posts Per Day 0.77 |
I got the same email about a week ago. It's for one of my earlier scripts...
But I don't see anything wrong in sending him the script details. I went through the release form - looks normal to me. He's requesting a number of scripts - right, but that's another thing. I had the log and synopsis ready - just sent it to him and forgot about it. |
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dogglebe |
Posted: April 12th, 2014, 10:21am |
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A few years back, I had a 'lawyer' in Germany contact me because a studio in India wanted to produce a script I wrote. For him to get this deal rolling, I had to wire him a couple of hundred dollars. We discussed payment and royalties and argued over the director.
I would've made six to seven figures if this guy was legit. Who would've thought a two page short was worth so much?
Phil |
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Demento |
Posted: April 12th, 2014, 10:44am |
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Been Around
Posts946 Posts Per Day 0.24 |
Quoted from dogglebe A big problem for the writer is that, once the option expires, you're still limited with what you can do with it. Many competitions won't let you submit a script that was previously optioned.
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I have a question. How will they know that the script was previously optioned if you don't tell them? Is there a public record of some sort about contracts like that, that they can search through? I assume it's safe to say a script that one of us here options isn't going to make the papers |
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wonkavite |
Posted: April 12th, 2014, 4:04pm |
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True... but lying about it probably isn't a good idea, just on general principle.... |
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Demento |
Posted: April 12th, 2014, 6:09pm |
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Posts946 Posts Per Day 0.24 |
Quoted from wonkavite True... but lying about it probably isn't a good idea, just on general principle.... |
I agree. I was just curious if there is a way from a producer to find out if a script has been previously optioned. Is this information only held in the contract between the two parties, producer and writer. |
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DustinBowcot |
Posted: April 13th, 2014, 3:12am |
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I agree. I was just curious if there is a way from a producer to find out if a script has been previously optioned. Is this information only held in the contract between the two parties, producer and writer.
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Yes. Nobody would know if you held two options... but if both got put into development, you would get outed pretty quickly. |
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