Okay my script Whispers from the Ashes won a contest and the prize is production.  Now another company wants to produce it that I had queried months ago and figured they'd forgotten all about it.

What do I do?  I've told the second company about my situation and that I haven't signed the contract yet, but I need to know their offer and soon.

Help, I never imagined I would have to refuse an offer.  

Sara

By submitting a script to a contest, you agree and are bound to the rules & regulations of that contest. Don´t they say anything about this matter?

No, we didn't sign a contract and we have a right to refuse their offer.  They are sending me the contract end of this week and I get to decide if I want them to do it or not.

Well first off, CONGRATULATIONS!!!

I would just go with the production company that could offer the widest release (most exposer).I'm guessing that since the prize for the competition is production, there is no money.The other company is offering money right? It could mean more money to you (in the long run) if you go with the contest only if they offer more exposer.So I guess what I'm getting at here is to choose the road that best fits your goals as a screenwriter.If I were you, I would get a lawyer to help me go over the specifics of both deals.

If you go with the company they might be able to offer both, Exposer and money!

I'm sorry this probably isn't any help since this is what you've been agonizing about anyways.

In any case, congratulations again and good luck.

Thanks, actually the contest is offering money.  1.5% of the assigned budget and 1.5% of the profits.

And this other company is also offering money I don't know how much of either though.  I have inqueried both and I hope they don't drag their feet.

I just...I wasn't expecting this at all and I'm not sure what to do with all of it.

I will keep you updated, I hope the company offers a really good offer, because well, that would be awesome.

I just have a question,

Is the production company wanting to option the script or are they already going to back it and put it into production?

They want to put it into pre-production immediately.

In that case I would definately get a lawyer.There are so many things that you may not understand in the contracts that they could help with.This sounds like such a great opportunity for you, and I'm excited for you.Again good luck!

Is that script posted here?

Ah thanks.  Yeah, its all so crazy.
Yes it is posted here, in the thriller section.  You can read it here:

http://sarapricebooks.com/scripts/whispersfromtheashes.pdf

Hey Sara.  All of this sounds very exciting.  I recall that I liked that story.  Good for you.

Has the script been revised from the version I read or is it still pretty much intact?  Just curious.

Thanks Bert,

It's pretty much intact.  I add in the changes suggested on this site, like reducing the annoying flashbacks and such.  

What's cool about this other company that wants to do it is it had to get over 100 votes of confidence from people in the industry and 8 producers to sign up for it.

That just makes me tingle knowing that that many people have confidence in my work.

Sara

Hey, Sara, congratulations!!

It sounds very nice. It is an encouraging news, in other words it says to us that if we work very hard we will have a chance too.

Helio

Congradulations!  What I would do first, is research on the second company.  Find out what their credits are and what they plan on doing with the film, e.g. Distributuion, theatrical, limited release, film festivals, straight to video, etc.  Then what I would do is find out what the budget would be.  I'm pretty sure that they did a rough budget already to find out if they can even afford to do the film.  You as the screenwriter have the right to ask all these questions.

Then I would ask what percent you would get from the budget.  I never heard of writers getting a percent on profits, but if a company offers it, that's great for you!  

Then way them both out and pick the one that would benefits you the most.  I do agree with everyone else, an entertainment attorney would help you a lot.

Hope this helps!

Aww thanks Helio.  I will let you know what happens, how it all turns out and such.

I thought you were already produced.  Hmm.

Sara

Thanks Anti,
I will find out those things, thanks for the suggestions.

Yeah there are three types of payments.

Upfront
Deferred (after its finished being filmed)
Profit percentage

And any combination of them.

Upfront and deferred are the two most common I believe but some companies do offer percentages.

Upfront is the most preferred because you have a sure thing and you've already been paid so no matter what happens you have your money for your work.