How can a person not lose heart when they read first about the copyright/registration foolishness (might as well be another tax) and then this:


https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2015/jan/09/screenwriters-heavy-handed-script-editing-pushing-talent-out-of-film


??)

Hmm...

“I have seen lines of dialogue in films with my name on them that I wouldn’t have written under torture.”
Jeffrey Caine

I wanted to properly credit the writer for that line above.

Sandra, sadly I think this has been going on for a loooong time.

When you see a long list of writer credits you can be sure the original script bears little resemblance to final product.

P.S. That article is four years old.
The main difference these days is you can't get your name removed from a project if you want to.

Writers’ Guild rules do not permit writers to take their name off a screenplay if they have been paid more than a certain amount. Studios can, in effect, buy their names.

Thought that article looked familiar... and unfortunately it's probably been true for as long as Hollywood has existed.

But TV has provided more opportunities for writers and it has never been easier to self produce, so it's not the end of the world... well not yet.

“So, it’s this fun family script that shows the value of friendship and determin—”

“Yes, yes. We love the concept. Here, can I hold the script for a minute?”

Writer hands over the script.

Executive tosses it into what appears to be a woodchipper. A similar looking script pops out the other end. The executive flips through the new script.

“Oh, cool. Optimus Prime is kicking butt and taking names here...”

“What the f—”

“Thank you, the project never would have gotten off the ground without you. The receptionist out front has your check. Bye.”

Ugh

This isn't really anything new.

Jean-Pierre Jeunet did it to Joss Whedon's script for Alien 4 back in '97 "slathered it in ketchup"

Not to be a cynic, but better to be in the industry with your name on a piece of shit, getting paid for it, than to be on the outside looking in.

Or maybe thats just me!

The first para of the article says a lot. Either direct yourself or work in television. But as it also mentions later - producing yourself is the other option. I’ve got a tv thing and a film thing in development but they’re both at the mercy of a million factors and people. If you can figure out a way to do it - producing yourself is the only way to take real control.

The trick is to write something incredibly low budget, entertaining, and preferably has a theme that will allow you to tap into your funding routes. I’m developing an idea that has only one (visible) character but an original concept with some legs. Will I be able to pull it off? I believe I can otherwise I wouldn’t try. It’s bloody scary and will take at least two years of work on top of the day job  i’d say. But it feels good to be doing something that isn’t purely dependent on someone else’s whim.

Quoted from Anon The first para of the article says a lot. Either direct yourself or work in television. But as it also mentions later - producing yourself is the other option. I’ve got a tv thing and a film thing in development but they’re both at the mercy of a million factors and people. If you can figure out a way to do it - producing yourself is the only way to take real control. The trick is to write something incredibly low budget, entertaining, and preferably has a theme that will allow you to tap into your funding routes. I’m developing an idea that has only one (visible) character but an original concept with some legs. Will I be able to pull it off? I believe I can otherwise I wouldn’t try. It’s bloody scary and will take at least two years of work on top of the day job  i’d say. But it feels good to be doing something that isn’t purely dependent on someone else’s whim.

Your comment is a good one and good for you for doing your own thing!!!  :)

For the most part, not just in writing, most people want to feel human. Especially today, since we are part of very complex systems; when those systems begin ruling us: more and more, I think that "soul" part of us, senses it and rebels.

We might have "formulas" for movies, but if AI can win at Go and chess... well, you know.

For myself, if it were me, making some of those big decisions, I guess we'd be losing money because  I don't believe in treating people unfairly. Just because you can afford big time lawyers, create hard to read contracts and even be able to buy names, it doesn't make it right. Just because you can, it doesn't mean you should.

Sandra

I can see it from both sides.

The artist who wants to protect their art, and the industry investing millions into something and wanting a return on their investment.

Certain things in the film industry are safer than others. Action and effects are a safer bet than nuance and art.

From my perspective, I'd always encourage a writer interested primarily in art, nuance, depth etc to be a novelist rather than a screenwriter. Or at least look at the indie scene, or TV. I think in some respects that this is like a chef joining Macdonalds and then complaining he's not allowed to cook his French cuisine.

Quoted from Scar Tissue Films I can see it from both sides. The artist who wants to protect their art, and the industry investing millions into something and wanting a return on their investment. Certain things in the film industry are safer than others. Action and effects are a safer bet than nuance and art. From my perspective, I'd always encourage a writer interested primarily in art, nuance, depth etc to be a novelist rather than a screenwriter. Or at least look at the indie scene, or TV. I think in some respects that this is like a chef joining Macdonalds and then complaining he's not allowed to cook his French cuisine.

I don’t think most writers would have a problem with changes that make the piece more popular or marketable. And i’ve Had notes from producers that definitely improved a script in that sense. But In the words of a very prominent Hollywood agent/manager that represents someone I know - “no one in this town gives a shit about screenwriters”. It’s the way it’s always been.

Directors and producers - that can’t write - rewrite scripts. I’ve read original scripts - and then the directors rewrite - and seen these massacres.. And they would have made more money with the original scripts that didn’t add 30-pages of unnessecary crap and obvious exposition. So people should complain because it should change. But what is actually happening is exactly what the article says. Good writers are just going to TV. But in the long run - it’s probably good for writers. The industry is opening up and there are more routes to market.

I stumbled across this, which might explain the trend toward disrespecting writers.

Apparently not new, but I only just became aware of it.

https://deadline.com/2019/03/wga-says-it-will-release-report-on-big-four-agencies-conflicted-and-illegal-practices-1202572386/

Here’s a take entirely from the writers’ side:

https://twitter.com/bergopolis/status/1103851196421308417?s=21

Quoted from FrankM I stumbled across this, which might explain the trend toward disrespecting writers. Apparently not new, but I only just became aware of it. https://deadline.com/2019/03/wga-says-it-will-release-report-on-big-four-agencies-conflicted-and-illegal-practices-1202572386/ Here’s a take entirely from the writers’ side: https://twitter.com/bergopolis/status/1103851196421308417?s=21

I didn’t know about this either. I have heard of packaging but thought it was just to maximise the 10%. Good info - hope the WGA manage to sort it.

Here is another writer's take on the situation.

https://davidsimon.com/but-im-not-a-lawyer-im-an-agent/

There are quite a few expletives in there.

Quoted from FrankM Here is another writer's take on the situation. https://davidsimon.com/but-im-not-a-lawyer-im-an-agent/ There are quite a few expletives in there.

That was a fun read - thanks

So, apparently there was no agreement between WGA and the major talent agencies by the deadline.

The agents may have thought the deadline would be extended, but WGA pulled the trigger on their threat to have WGA members fire their agents.

https://www.nytimes.com/2019/04/12/business/media/hollywood-writers-agents-fire.html

Was anyone here on the receiving end of WGA's message to members?

Edit: There are talent-agent signatories to the WGA's new Code of Conduct. It just doesn't include the four biggest agencies.