I have sent a synopsis of my script to a particular film-making company. For three weeks I haven't heard from them although they did tell me earlier on the phone that they need some time to go through the many synopsis' that they have received. If by the fourth week they don't answer, I was thinking of contacting another company that may be more interested. That is, after I let them know through email that I'm sending the synopsis to another company.
But in the first place, do I even need to notify them of that? Are there any unwritten rules in the field/business that state that doing that is unethical? Is it only ethical or proper conduct if I wait for their reply before contacting another film company?

It is completely normal to contact/query multiple companies at the same time. Even if this company wants your work, you should still be shopping around to other companies to find the best fit and the best price.

There is no need to let the first company know that you are sending to others -- they will assume that you are -- and I would recommend that you not do so.

Until you've sold it, your work is your own and it's nobody's business but yours what you're doing with it or who's reading it.

I'm with Heretic on this one.

Shopping around an unsold project is normal business.

No email to them is necessary and in may in fact backfire as they could view it as a - ya better hurry up. On the other hand - if you sold it in the near future, sure - an email telling that would be fine so that they don't waste their time.

Thanks for answering guys. But how do I deal with the negotiating?I'm afraid to end up in a yoyo/ping pong situation where I say "Pay me then I'll show you the script" and then they will say "Show me the script first then I'll pay you." And then it will go back and forth and lead nowhere.

You want to be paid for a synopsis?

Quoted from LC You want to be paid for a synopsis?

No. I'm referring to getting paid for the full script and not "being paid for a synopsis".

Quoted from Baldie Thanks for answering guys. But how do I deal with the negotiating?I'm afraid to end up in a yoyo/ping pong situation where I say "Pay me then I'll show you the script" and then they will say "Show me the script first then I'll pay you." And then it will go back and forth and lead nowhere.

Apologies if I appear thick but I bolded the bit I'm just not getting. It'd be a good thing if they ask to see the script based on your synopsis, right? Are you a repped writer? Either way negotiating is the way it often goes, or you set the terms and they agree to an Option or purchase price.

Quoted from LC Apologies if I appear thick but I bolded the bit I'm just not getting. It'd be a good thing if they ask to see the script based on your synopsis, right? Are you a repped writer? Either way negotiating is the way it often goes, or you set the terms and they agree to an Option or purchase price.

Oh. That comes after I email them the synopsis. Sorry I wasn't more specific to what happens before the negotiation.