Hypothetical question for all you screenwriters out there:

If there was an auction-based website that allowed you to sell your work to the highest bidder, would you pay a listing fee to use it?  If so, why?  If not, why not?

Curious to know everyone's thoughts on the subject.

I probably would not pay to put a script there. Reason being, is that it's hard as it is to sell a script and if someone is actually interested in your script, it's probably best to discuss the cost of optioning or selling it with them rather than being forced to let it go to someone offering 2 dollars instead of 1. IMO, each script is different and has a different worth.

Those are my initial thoughts, but I'm usually easy to convince otherwise.  

Sounds like an agency, without the credentials. Like a cross between inktip and an agent. Do i believe it will help writers? No. Will it help the business holders? Probably. Writers are quick to part with their money, so if you want a scam, they're pretty much wide open. Get stuck in, everyone else is.

I thought someone had done something like this, sure I saw something on reddit a few months back...

I'm not sure what producers would be likely to use it though, they are already inundated and can dip into Inktip or Blacklist if they get bored.

Hmm, call me cynical but it just sounds like a way for the site organizers of the auction website to make money via listing fees. Another thing that us writers can spend money on and sign up to.

How much would the listing fee be, for example?

I don't think it's going to attract big name producers. Like Anthony said they're already inundated and know where to get the best and also bid on the best via bidding wars and professional agent/rep'd screenplays.

If it's for small time independent producers it sounds, like I said, just a way for others to make money. If someone's interested in our 'short' scripts they contact us direct. Most of them don't pay for 'shorts' either.

Why Barry? You thinking of starting a site like this, and gauging opinion?

Jmho btw.

Hey Barry:

1. I think the site would be a great idea if there were NO listing fee.

2. Once a listing fee is introduced - then it is just another model of Blacklist, Inktip, etc. I have experience with both of those and would not recommend.

Quoted from eldave1 Hey Barry: 1. I think the site would be a great idea if there were NO listing fee. 2. Once a listing fee is introduced - then it is just another model of Blacklist, Inktip, etc. I have experience with both of those and would not recommend.

I know a site that suits that criteria.

THIS ONE.

Quoted from Barry_Katz Hypothetical question for all you screenwriters out there: If there was an auction-based website that allowed you to sell your work to the highest bidder, would you pay a listing fee to use it?  If so, why?  If not, why not? Curious to know everyone's thoughts on the subject.

Ebay.
Or just here...?
I'm sure if you made a site that promised deals and had quotes from "famous writers" you'd lure some sucker in.

I kind of like the idea, but I appreciate there is a lot of detail that would need to be considered.

One reason I like it, and this I about the only thing that most writers agree on, is that writers feel undervalued. There is no easy way to determine value. Shorts are often free, may be $100. Even when you hear about big spec sales, and I take those press releases with a pinch of salt, they seem to be all over the place.

My day to day job is in commercial real estate. We live on value and the market. It guides decisions, shows people where demand may be etc

Ok, scripts are different, but other than INKTIP wants list, writes have little idea.

So, if there was a place that an auction could take place, that the tone of values could be assessed, that may be helpful. Besides anything it says, these scripts can have value. Now what are you going to pay?

What wouldn't be helpful is a listing fee. Auctions are normally are based on a percentage of sale price, even though some do have a listing fee to cover base costs.

How would the owner stop it being abused and everything being posted - would they care - I don't know.

I doubt this will get off the ground, but if someone tries, you just never know it may start to appeal to more than expected.

Quoted Text What wouldn't be helpful is a listing fee. Auctions are normally are based on a percentage of sale price, even though some do have a listing fee to cover base costs.

Dead on.